When I was a kid... Scratch that, I'm still in high school. When I was little, I loved the works of Roald Dahl. The acclaimed children's book writer known for such classics as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, James & The Giant Peach, Matilda, Fantastic Mr. Fox, and so much more. One of the most notable ones was 1982's The BFG. A book about a Big Friendly Giant who literally gave dreams to the world and was the only one who didn't eat kids alive (Ya know, a children's book). There was an animated film in 1989 based on the book which is famous for being the only adaptation of his works Dahl liked. (He hated the others. Even Willy Wonka). It's a bit cheesy, but it's a fun watch.
Now Steven Spielberg and his production company achieved the film rights for the book back in 1991, with himself set to produce and Robin Williams set to play the Giant. However, script rewrites, as well as Spielberg feeling the technology wasn't advanced enough to properly capture the illustrations, halted the development for a long time. In 2011, the project was ressurected and the late great screenwriter of ET, Mellisa Mathinson wrote the script. Shakesphere In Love director, John Maddon, was set to direct, until Speilberg decided to step up from produce to director. So you got an adaptation of one of my favorite books as a kid, directed by Speilberg, written by the writer of ET, and Oscar-winner Mark Rylance in the title role? It's like Christmas is early for me. But does it live up to it's potential?
CONS
This movie, for the most part, is type of family film, you don't see a whole lot off today. That being one with a lot of quiter, simpler moments. This is good, but there are some parts where it hurts the film. The film is almost two hours long, but it has it's fare share of slower moments. Most of these scenes happen early on in the film with Sophie and BFG. But I feel most of these scenes could have been cut a bit short.
The effects are hit and miss. Sometimes it's a bit obvious to tell when the little girl, Sophie, is in front of a green-screen. And half the time, it's obvious that BFG is not holding Sophie. Also, the effects and MoCap on the giants are also hit and miss. Some giants look good. While others look like something out of the Uncanny Valley.
Also, for the first two acts of the movie, the only characters are Sophie, BFG, and the other giants. Which isn't too bad, but it makes it a bit awkward in the third act of the movie when they start introducing some new characters, like the Queen and her maid. One last thing, is that the first 15-20 mintues do feel a bit rushed. We're not even five minutes in and already Sophie is snatched away and taken to Giant Country. I know it was like that in the books, but I feel they could have added a bit more. Then it starts to feel like they try to rush out some stuff about the characters and then the slow parts come in. However, after that, the movie finds a nice balanced point to be at, and it becomes a pretty good movie.
PROS
The performances are really good. Sometimes, child actors can make or break a movie. Thankfully, Ruby Barnhill, the girl they got did a pretty good job, espicially when you consider that she was probably interacting with nothing on set. Mark Rylance was pitch perfect casting as The BFG. He brought the right amount of softness and charm needed for the role. Jemaine Clement and Bill Hader do fine as the giants and their MoCap work is good. Even Penelope Wilton, Rafe Spall, and Rebecca Hall, who all show up late in the film, do fine jobs.
The humour is also really funny. A lot of is rather juvinile with the villains acting like children and BFG having a special soda that makes you fart (it was in the book). However, it's executed in a way that makes it work. I don't think I've laughed at a fart joke in long time. I think I laughed the most in the third act, when we see everyone's reaction to the Giants. It's not a "OH MY GOSH! RUN FOR YOUR LIVES". It's a lot more like they're trying to be all proper and casual and it just leads to some funny moments.
The key element this film relies on is the relationship between BFG and Sophie. And it's a really nice relationship. My biggest fear was that it would be a bit creepy, with it being the story of a friendship between a grown giant and a little girl. But it manages to stay charming and heartwarming and you really do get the feeling that these two are friends. The characters are rather nice, too. Sophie and BFG prove to be very charming and likeable. Espcially, BFG when he reveals why he's so protective of Sophie. Don't expect the evil giants to be much of a threat. Seeing as they are childlike. But they are very enjoyable to watch.
While some effects don't work, the ones that do are great. The MoCap on BFG is fantastic, looking almost as if they put makeup on Mark Rylance. The production design is nice. Espically BFG's home. The effects on the dreams are good, too. Giving the movie some nice colorful scenes.
VERDICT:
The BFG may not be perfect, with a bit of a rocky start and some hit-and-miss effects. But it's got great performances, characters, humour, and the effects that are good really stand out. If you read the book or you want to see a nice family film and you and your kids have seen Finding Dory plenty of times already, give this a watch. If you're a Spielberg fan, I would say for you to watch this, however, it's a lot more childlike than his other works. It's always nice to see a good adaptation of Rohald Dahl's works. And I get the feeling that Dahl would have enjoyed the film himself.
8/10