The BFG: Movie Review
You may find this surprising, but Steven Spielberg hasn’t directed a live-action children/family film since 1991’s “Hook”. In 2011 he helmed the “The Adventures of Tintin” which was animated. Most of his projects over the past three decades have been more adult friendly. His latest film, “The BFG” is an adaptation of the classic Roald Dahl children’s book. Although I know I read it as a child, I didn’t remember much about the story. Much like this week’s other big release, “The Legend of Tarzan”, “The BFG” is filled with great visuals but just isn’t all that entertaining. “The BFG” does feature a couple great motion-capture performances from Mark Rylance and Jemaine Clement (BFG and the giant Fleshlumpeater respectively)
After witnessing a giant walking about the city, Sophie (Ruby Barnhill) is snatched up from her orphanage by the giant and taken to his home. The reason he took her is so that she could not tell people about the existence of giants. It turns out the giant is a vegetarian and won’t eat children. He is also quite friendly. That is why Sophie decides to call him BFG (Big Friendly Giant). Unfortunately the other giants, Fleshlumpeater, Bloodbottler, Maidmasher, Manhugger, Bonecruncher, Childchewer, Gizzardgulper, and Meatdripper love to feast on humans.
BFG and Sophie develop a friendship, and she helps him out while he collects magical dreams. However, there is only so much BFG can do to keep her safe from the other giants, especially when he is the runt of the litter. “The BFG” is at its best when focused on the relationship between Sophie and BFG. However the funniest scene takes place in the Queen’s Palace where BFG and Sophie dine, while devising a plan to rid the land of the evil giants.
Spielberg is a fantastic filmmaker who has created so many amazing features. However, with the exception of “E.T.” his projects that have centered on children haven’t been his best work. I feel kids might be bored by “The BFG”. I do give Spielberg credit for trying to make a big budget family film that isn’t filled with non-stop action, CGI robots or fighting turtles, even if he does throw in a few explosive fart jokes.
By: Marc Ferman