BFG Movie Review

Expectations: Going into The BFG(2016), I did not really know what I was going to think walking out. The film is by the great Steven Spielberg who undoubtedly has directed some of the best films of all time such as Jaws(1975) and Jurassic Park(1993). However, in the past few years his films have not been on par with some of his earlier works. Bridge of Spies(2015) was enjoyable but films like War Horse(2011) and Lincoln(2012), although well done, I found dull. I had heard from friends that The BFG(2016) was charming, but lackluster reviews and poor box office results left me questioning what I would think. 

Review: I am happy to say that although not one of Spielberg's greats, The BFG(2016) is an extremely enjoyable film which engrosses you in its world and leaves you feeling happy as the credits begin to roll. Ruby Barnhill who plays Sophie is perfectly cast as Mark Rylance's sidekick. Mark Rylance transforms himself into BFG's shoes, embodying the joyful and kind spirit of the novel's character. After this it is clear why Spielberg is starting to develop a partnership with Rylance, casting him in Bridge of Spies(2015) and upcoming films like Ready Player One(2017). I would be hard pressed to identify the film's director as Spielberg but that did nothing to hinder my love of this film. It isn't the instant classic that many of Spielberg's past endeavors have been but it is one of the best encapsulations of the whim and innocence of childhood. The emotion captured through Rylance's eyes and the friendship that the young Sophie and him develop through the film highlight the humble character that is BFG. The sequences with the human eating giants are fantastical and fun in nature. The scenes in which BFG is taunted by his fellow giants and the ways in which he always ended up on top left me with a smile on my face. My favorite scene of the whole movie is the sequence where BFG and Sophie dine with the Queen and BFG's offering of frobscottle plagues the room(including the three cute puppies) with explosive farts. The other thing that I felt Spielberg nailed was the dream aspects of the plot. The sequences in which dreams are mixed and trumpeted into the windows of London's sleeping inhabitants are beautiful to look at while also embodying the whim and mystery of the subject. The only complaint I have for the film is that a few sections such as the beginning and climax drag on a bit. Overall I give it a 3.25/4 as a fun-spirited summer movie that is truly uplifting.

Movies like The BFG: Paddington(2014) and The Adventures of Tintin(2011)