Although the script* tries to develop the “Jack and the Beanstalk” story, all the elements* are familiar. The poor commoner* who becomes a hero, the princess eager for a taste of life outside the castle*, an ancient enemy coming back, the royal aide-de-camp* with treacherous* intent, a good king and beastly ogres* with bad table manners. It’s the same old recipe*, nicely prepared under Bryan Singer’s direction, but too familiar.

    Princess Isabelle (Eleanor Tomlinson), engaged* to the evil nobleman Roderick (Stanley Tucci), wants to break away and experience an adventure*. Her dreams come true with the arrival of the handsome 18-year-old Jack (Nicholas Hoult), an orphan* farm boy who first defends her in a public debate and then, comes to help when she gets sent skyward atop a giant stalk* growing out of a special bean.

    To save Isabelle and return her to her castle called Cloister, the boldest knights* come into action, led by the calm Elmont (Ewan McGregor) and Roderick. Jack is allowed to join the dangerous climb through mists and clouds to a land.

    Living there is not just one giant but a whole tribe of them, seemingly males only perhaps 40 or 50 feet tall who eat humans and have been waiting many years for the chance at revenge* for having been driven off Earth. They’re led by a general (Bill Nighy) who has his own built-in yes-man* in the form of a second, somewhat smaller head on his shoulder (John Kassir).

    The director confidently handles the big action scenes in what plays as an energetic, old-fashioned romantic adventure story.

    It’s all traditional stuff, done well but without an original* spark*.

    (SD-Agencies)