I Kill Giants

I watched the movie cold with no idea what it was about. I thought the story was great and the acting and production was very good. OK the CGI was a bit low budget but I don't think that's what the film was about. When I put two and two together and realized what was really going on the light bulb shone. The young actors should be commended for their performances. For me it was a very satisfying movie and an interesting way of telling a story. Then again I'm just simple folk. Well done to all involved

This review is only for the most discerning of viewers and the reason is simple; this is a very well-intentioned film, competently made with some extremely fine performances, and if that's enough to please a person they will likely enjoy this sincere little effort. But it also aspires to deal with deep issues in an inventive fashion and while I'd not say a discerning viewer should NOT see the film, I am saying a little forewarning might help temper your disappointment.

It's the kind of film which, after you settle into it (and if you've conscientiously watched a lot of other movies) you realize it holds no surprises. You can predict the moment a character is introduced (the "bully" or the "new friend" etc) exactly how that's going to play out, almost beat-to-beat. You know the ending before you're anywhere close. There were absolutely no surprises in this film for me because it's very earnestness tipped its hand that it also wasn't going to risk telling me anything surprising or unpleasant. This is a movie that introduces anger into its characters but doesn't really want to deal with pain. That treats a damaged psyche and serious mental illness like something that can be "fixed" with a little sleep and a change of wardrobe. Oh, and hearing the right bit of wisdom at the right time.

This is a sweet little film that doesn't want to face reality or consequences even though that's often where the real depth and truths lie. That doesn't make it a bad film - it is not - it just prevents it from being a great one.

It is not the special effects, although interesting and visually not exceptional but discrete, it is not the extremely suggestive and curated cinematography, as well as original and effective, it is not the directing, intelligent and well studied; in short, it is not the technical sector, however remarkable, that makes this "I Kill Giants" a great movie, but it is something more, something that is more in depth, are the true and sincere feelings that are perceived for a good part of the movie and that make it special despite being almost a genre movie. A movie that proves itself surprisingly mature, even if its appearance says the opposite, and aware of the path and the goals it wants to achieve; this is felt in different scenes that, for this, effect and in different dialogues taken from a screenplay that is not original but that can raise many questions to the viewer during the film, doing so, even if they do not always receive a gratifying answer, this last will be completely immersed in the atmosphere and spirit of the story and can only be involved in it. Also you can very easily get in tune with the protagonist, a young girl who stands out from the many who have already seen in many other films similar to this, thanks to its unique character that makes the character curious and bizarre and, important and rare thing, never predictable, this means that the viewer never loses interest in it. For the rest what to say, there is Zoe Saldana, good as usual, and a really good Imogen Poots, thanks to a role in which she identified herself perfectly. Unfortunately, the film was, nonetheless, anticipated by a marketing campaign that between trailer and poster deceives the public, presenting it as a film that is not, for this reason will be many who, waiting for a pure fantasy, will remain a bit 'disappointed.

I read several reviews before I started watching the movie and all those reviews totally slammed the movie. Don't listen to those reviews. This movie is every bit as good as A Monster Calls and Phoebe In Wonderland. In each movie the child is faced with life and death struggles, fear and denial. Watch this movie and keep at least one kleenex in your pocket. My family is dealing with the same thing. And none of us is handling it well.

I Kill Giants (2017) is a movie that I recently watched with my daughter on Tubi. The storyline follows a young lady who dresses and behaves her own way. It leads to her family, classmates and teachers struggling to understand her. Meanwhile, she believes she mixes potions and keeps the world safe from giants in the woods around her hometown. When she makes a new friend, she tries to teach her, her ways. It becomes apparent the young lady does indeed have giants to conquer.

This movie is directed by Anders Walter in his directorial debut and stars Zoe Saldana (Guardians of the Galaxy), Madison Wolfe (The Conjuring 2), Imogen Poots (28 Weeks Later), Sydney Wade (360) and Jennifer Ehle (A Quiet Place).

There's a lot to like about this movie. The characters are very unique, especially the main character. The acting by Wolfe is very good. The special effects to create the monsters are outstanding and very well done. The settings are also well selected, and I enjoyed the cinematography and depiction of the town. The dialogue throughout the movie was very good, surprising at times, but well written. The ending is a bit cliche, predictable but concludes the film well.

Overall, this is an above average addition to the family drama genre. I would score this a 6-6.5/10.