Review of 'The BFG'
Based on the children's book by Roald Dahl “The BFG” tells the story of 10-year old orphan Sophia (Ruby Barnhill) suffering from insomnia who late one night discovers a giant roaming the dark streets of London. The dream-collecting giant takes Sophia to his home in “Giant Country” which is inhabited by 9 other giants who are not as friendly as BFG or “Big Friendly Giant” (Mark Rylance) turns out to be. These bad giants love nothing more than eating “beans” (human beings) so are interested in the smells of a small bean in BFG's home…and it is not the first time. Determined to stop once and for all the giant's appetite for humans the BFG and Sophia concoct a plan to rid Giant Country of them once and for all…but it will be risky and require royal agreement.
A charming, gentle movie from a master of childhood fantasy. Incredibly believable effects along with tender and engaging characters. The story is told with such care and reverence it is obvious Spielberg loves the book. The pace is easy going and filled with scenes of childlike wonder as well as the occasional brilliant action sequence often involving Sophia escaping from the bad giants. True, it does come with “fart” jokes and other things children will find amusing that may cause older viewers to roll their eyes but all in all a really fun film.
An incredible modern classic of childhood for all to enjoy. The pace may be a bit slow for modern audiences but try to sit back, relax and take it all in…
Rating: “I have absolutely no complaints”
Review Date: 2018-07-07
Directed by: Steven Spielberg
Studio: Walt Disney Pictures
Year: 2016
Length: 117 minutes
Genre: Fantasy
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3691740/
Other reviewed films by Steven Spielberg:
- The Sugarland Express (1974)
- Jaws (1975)
- E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
- Hook (1991)
- Minority Report (2002)
- War of the Worlds (2005)
- Bridge of Spies (2015)
- Ready Player One (2018)
- West Side Story (2021)