MOVIE REVIEW: The BFG

The BFG (2016)

Fantasy, Adventure

Directed By: Steven Spielberg

Most movie geeks love Steven Spielberg, this is just a fact and when you ask them why it quit often stems back to seeing films like E.T. the Extra Terrestrial or Jurassic Park as a child or pre-teen. The magical experiences we each had with his films as a child led us to know his name far before we even knew what a director really was. Even those who werent children in the prime of his career were blown away by his craft in films like Jaws and Close Encounters of the Third Kind, this guys simply makes great films. That's why so many of us were excited to see him take on the adaptation of Roald Dahl's The BFG (Big Friendly Giant), after spending a good chunk of time telling stories of the past (Bridge of Spies, Lincoln) we finally get to see him return to the kind of magic that had us all fall in love with him in the first place. 

For those unfamiliar with Dahl's book, the story of The BFG centers on a young orphan named Sophie (Ruby Barnhill) who, due to her curiosity, spots a giant (Mark Rylance) on the streets of London one night. The Giant takes her from her home and back to Giant Country where he lives. Though he is intimidating on the outside Sophie quickly learns that he actually a big softy who has his own problems with the other, meaner giants who don't like him because he refuses to eat children. Once she is over her initial shock the two end up on a magical journey throughout Giant Country, collecting dreams and doing whatever they can to avoid the nasty giants who would have her for breakfast.

As someone who grew up loving this book and the animated movie version of it, this had been one of my most anticipated of the year. Not only is it a new Spielberg flick but it's based off of one of my most favorite fairy tales and I must say, I don't think I could be any more satisfied with what he has brought to the screen. Seeing this world brought to life was a dream come true and I don't think there was anyone better than Spielberg to do it. Yes, it's true that this will not be a new "E.T." for many of you, as none of us are ten years old anymore, but for those that are ten now this will be one they never forget.

The movie is a fairly straightforward adaptation of the book, which anyone who has read it will know is not at all a problem. The silliness of the story and the world it takes place in just begs to be put on screen and being adapted from a script by the late Melissa Mathison (E.T.) is just a small added bonus. It may be a large reason this movie is being unfairly compared to E.T. but in the end her touch adds a level of magic and wonder we all know and love because of that film. 

Aside from being a heartwarming children's adventure The BFG also boasts absolutely stunning visual effects. If you needed anymore proof that motion capture is one of the most important tools in the future of movies then look no further. The CG used to create the giants and the world around them is simply incredible, if it weren't for the fact that giants don't exist it'd be near impossible to tell these ones were really there on set. 

This is also another testament to the ability to act within this new style of filming. Many of us have been championing Andy Serkis as one of the best around for this exact reason for some time now but seeing Mark Rylance step and do his thing with it now is just further fuel to that fire. He gives another incredible performance that isn't hindered or taken down by the fact that he had his face covered in little dots so he could be transformed into a digitally animated monster. He owns this part, he becomes The Big Friendly Giant making it as easy for the viewer to fall in love with him as it is for Sophie.

If you are worried that you won't be able to get into this film because you are unfamiliar with the story, don't be. I went with my brother and father, both of whom have never read the book and both had a great time with the film. The weird quirks and charms that come with any Dahl story easily capture moviegoers with an active imagination. Spielberg also does a wonderful job of keeping the story from going too dark, making it a great film for kids of all ages. He didn't make this one for his 35 year old fans but for an entirely new audience of young children. If you go into the movie with that mindset I think you will find a whole lot of stuff to enjoy, I definitely know the kids will. 

As always, thanks for reading and I am Zach Who Watches Movies. You can find me anytime on twitter @ZachWWMovies, smell ya later!