Jack & the Beanstalk

In the latest entry in Sony Wonder's Movie Matinee series (see review of Lapitch the Little Shoemaker on VL Online), the familiar children's fairy tale finds young Jack hoping to save the day by selling the family cow, but coming home with beans instead of the rent money. When the beans (magic, of course) sprout the titular beanstalk, Jack climbs up, embarking on an exciting odyssey, encountering trolls, vultures, giant fireflies, bats, and evil "dark riders," in addition to one nasty giant. Setting a new spin on a timeless story, this delightful animated fantasy serves up music, humor, and--for poor Jack--trouble around every turn. Fun for adults as well as children, this imaginative and inexpensive feature-length cartoon is highly recommended. Aud: P. (J. McDaniel)