Jack and the Beanstalk: The Real Story (2001)

The bones of a giant are discovered turing Jack Robinson's life upside down, teaching him the truth behind the fairy tale and how he can fix a greedy ancestor's mistakes.

Director:

Brian Henson

Writers:

James V. Hart (story), Brian Henson (story),

Stars:

Matthew Modine, Vanessa Redgrave, Mia Sara

Won 1 Primetime Emmy. Another 2 wins & 2 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Matthew Modine	...	Jack Robinson (Johnathan William Duncan Robinson)
Vanessa Redgrave	...	Countess Wilhelmina, Matriarch / Narrator
Mia Sara	...	Ondine
Daryl Hannah	...	Thespee, Member Great Council of Mac Slec
Jon Voight	...	Siggy (Sigfried Mannheim), Overseas Div. Director for Robinson Intl.
Richard Attenborough	...	Magog, Arbiter of Justice Great Council of Mac Slec
Bill Barretta	...	Thunderdell
Honor Blackman	...	Jules, Jack's Secretary
JJ Feild	...	Young Jack
Jonathan Hyde	...	Dussan, Jack's Butler
Anton Lesser	...	Vidas Merlinis, Research Scientist
Julia McKenzie	...	Jack's Mum
Frank Baker	...	Forensic Doctor
Josh Cole	...	Operator 1
Richard Cubison	...	Curious Patron

Storyline

Jack Robinson is a wealthy business man with no time for anything but work. However, a family curse is looming over him - no man in the Robinson line ever lives past the age of thirty. With his upcoming birthday appears the remains of literally giant skeleton and a mysterious woman who claims to have once known the giant. Jack decides to go with her to another world where all is revealed to him along with the story of his ancestor, the original Jack and the Beanstalk. In order to save his own life and the world of the giants, Jack must right the wrongs of the past and return the magical harp and goose that lays the golden eggs to their rightful home.

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Plot Keywords:

giant | fairy tale | fairy | harp | goose | 

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Taglines:

What if the fairy tale were true?

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Genres:

Drama | Adventure | Fantasy

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

2 December 2001 (USA)

Also Known As:

A Verdadeira História de João E o Pé de Feijão

Filming Locations:

Bray Film Studios, Windsor, Berkshire, England, UK

Company Credits

Production Co:

Hallmark Entertainment, Jim Henson Company, The, Jim Henson Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

180 min 174 min (2 parts)

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

When Jack visits Stoker's Pub, the curling match taking place on the TV in the background is the final from the 2000 World Curling Championships which was held in Glasgow, Scotland. The match was between the team skipped by Peja Lindholm of Sweden, and the eventual winner Greg McAulay of Canada.

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Connections

Version of Jack the Giantkiller (1982)

User Reviews

a great movie to see with the whole family

Although it's a bit long this is a great movie. I've always been a fan of the Henson studio but this a real highlight. Great actors, great effects and a good adaptation of the story. Everybody knows the fairy tale but this is a very original modern-day spin off. i've already seen it twice and recommended it to most nieces and nephews. Ans they loved it too. Not to mention their parents. I think the story is a bit complex for the under age 8 group but they won't be bored with the effects. Matthew Modine (one of my favorites ever since I've seen him in HBO's "and the and played on") really makes the most out of the character. But there are more stars in this one. i've already bought the DVD and will probably watch it again. 4,5 stars out of 5!!