The BFG
(2016)Steven Spielberg and the late screenwriter of E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial adapt Roald Dahl's 1982 novel. Follows Sophie (newcomer Ruby Barnhill), the Queen of England (Penelope Wilton) and The BFG (Mark Rylance) on an adventure to capture the evil, man-eating giants who have invaded the human world. The cast of giants includes Bill Hader and Jemaine Clement.
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Directed by Steven Spielberg
Starring Rebecca Hall, Mark Rylance, Jemaine Clement, Bill Hader, Penelope Wilton, Adam Godley, Ólafur Darri Ólafsson, Ruby Barnhill
Written by Melissa Mathison (based on the novel by Roald Dahl)
On Demand, DVD & Blu-Ray
Available from 7 providers
Flicks Review
BY Steve Newall Flicks Writer
Steven Spielberg adapting Roald Dahl’s beloved tale The BFG should really be a case of shooting fish in a barrel, with two masters in entertaining children and children-at-heart coming together on the big screen. That the resulting film is excellent viewing distracts from how challenging this adaptation about an orphan, a dreamcatching giant, his violent brethren and the Queen of England must have actually been to bring to life.... More
While it features a live action lead in newcomer Ruby Barnhill - who unsurprisingly holds her own at the centre of this big budget, green screen heavy pic under Spielberg’s direction - the titular character and his homeland of Giant Country are most reminiscent of the filmmaker’s work on Tintin. Spielberg’s gotten adept at either infusing CGI worlds with his trademark sensibility, or using these tools to tell his stories, depending on how you look at it. With a pinch of Quentin Blake’s illustrations somewhere in the mix, he’s certainly approached this tale with the best possible stylistic palette.
Mark Rylance follows up his Oscar-winning turn in Bridge of Spies as the titular character, and between his performance and special effects wizards, convinces as a big fellow with an even bigger heart. Add some visual wonders, a supporting cast including Rebecca Hall, Bill Hader, Jemaine Clement and some awesome corgis - as well as strong candidates for best fart gags of the year - and The BFG turns out a winner, blending Dahl’s big imagination with a surprisingly simple tale at its core that'll defy you to not be won over.Hide
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The BFG
BY JohnboyDunedin superstar
In parts this was a good movie. good character and build up.It seemed rushed to finish. Then it lost me at Buckingham Palace and went downhill from there just became unbelievable and lost its magic.
BY Colttany superstar
Love this Movie - took one of the Nephews to this at The Movies and it was like I was a child again reading the book. It was like I was seeing exactly what I imagined when reading the Book those many years ago. Will certainly buy this one on Bluray
BY Tele335 lister
there are moments of magic here, but undercut by timidity, tweeness, and a really damaging failure to focus on one or other of the two principle characters to craft a more engaging plot.
Showing 3 of 3 reviews. See all reviews
The Press Reviews
71%
of critics recommend.
Rotten Tomatoes Score. More reviews on Rotten Tomatoes
It’s a weighty technical accomplishment – the extraordinary detailed motion-capture technology alone... is river-straddling bounds beyond anything you’ve seen before. Full Review
This splendid Steven Spielberg-directed adaptation makes it possible for audiences of all ages to wrap their heads around one of the unlikeliest friendships in cinema history... Full Review
Flaws aside, this is a superior, inventive kids' film, and one that's bound to make Rylance's giant a favourite with younger audiences. Full Review
A typically distinctive, eccentric and seductive star performance from Mark Rylance absolutely makes this movie what it is. Full Review
The film represents the director in a more pensive, even philosophical vein, less interested in propulsive cinema and more reflective about what would seem to mean the most to him... Full Review
Parents looking for a 21st-century E.T. to share with their kids are bound to be a bit disappointed even as their eyes are dazzled. Full Review
Spielberg has already made one brilliant movie about a young English child thrust into a dangerous environment with 1987's Empire of the Sun, and perhaps a further touch of darkness would have added some contrast here. Full Review
One of the simplest and straightforward tales Spielberg has directed. If it's quiet in parts, that's indicative of the contemplative mood at work, and also his commitment to dreams as a wellspring of creativity and happiness. Full Review
A lovingly crafted, sublime bit of live-action-with-clever-CGI filmmaking. Full Review
Like a mandated visit to a beloved but doddering grandparent... Full Review
Leaves you believing in the magic of dreams. Full Review
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