Review of The BFG (2016) by Freddie K — 07 Aug 2016
"Never get out of the bed".
This film is a gem of scrump-diddly-umptiousness.
Veteran filmmaker Steven Spielberg (Jurassic Park, Schindler's List) directs this children's book to movie adaptation of the magical story with the same name. And it's bloody magnificently magic.
The good? It could be argued that the CGI in The BFG is too over the top and needs to be affirmed more in reality. I beg to differ, I think it's perfect. It creates a believable barrier between the United Kingdom and 'Giant Country'. Mark Rylance is wonderful as the BFG, he speaks in such a humble and weak way but with such certainty of wisdom that it's portrayed beautifully. Ruby Barnhill, who plays Sophie, has a lot to look forward to in her adult career, she is cheeky and wonderfully childish and insightful towards the big giant runt. There is wonderful humour to be played off of the big mean, 'canniyabil' giants in which they appear harsh and intimidating but are really big whiny babies. This film is wonderful for kids. It can inspire them and make them believe in this dreamland of determination as well as point out the power of bonds that trump the fear that is supposed to exist. The sequence in Buckingham Palace is absolute comedy gold. And I love dark jokes, so it takes a lot for a (well, non-pixar) family film to make me chuckle that much.
The bad? There's not much, but the pacing can get a little slow especially when there is a bizarre return to a familiar place, it has good reasoning I suppose, but a more creative scene would've done better. I can't remember if that was in the book or not. Also, I guess it is a little starchy on the villain front, meaning there is no huge threat unless a spectacled action scene kicks in. It's built for children so perfectly, that as a teenager or adult, you may find yourself questioning at times the legitimacy of the relationship The BFG and Sophie have. But if you put yourself in the shoes of a kid watching this, it is precisely what they flumping wonky worldly need!
A-.
80/100.
This review of The BFG (2016) was written by Freddie K on 07 Aug 2016.
The BFG has generally received positive reviews.
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