REVIEW: The BFG (PG) - 3D Version

"The sun always shines on BFG" - The BFG could be an A-Ha fan...

Legendary director Steven Spielberg and award winning actor Mark Rylance find themselves working together once again in the live action remake of Roald Dahl’s classic novel, The BFG. Starring Rylance as the titular character and relative newcomer Ruby Barnhill as the matter-of-fact, insomniac orphan Sophie, The BFG is a gigantic fantasy adventure for all ages.

Based on the bestselling book from the Dahl archives, The BFG is all about orphan Sophie who wanders around at night in an orphanage because she cannot sleep. One night she is distracted by noises outside and inadvertently sees a gigantic man tiptoeing through the streets. In order to keep his existence secret he pretty much kidnaps her and takes her to his home in Giant Land (somewhere a little further north than the Outer Hebrides) and keeps her in his house. After somewhat of a Stockholm Syndrome situation (or as the film portrays it an unlikely friendship blossoms between the two) the Big Friendly Giant and Sophie explore issues that include being so small in a big world and how to deal with bullies.

Fantastical in the classical sense, The BFG is at times silly and over the top but it somehow fits in with the movie and the sort of whimsical far-fetched imagination a child would come up with. It makes me think that, for all an adult’s imagination is limited by sense and the laws of the world, a child’s is not tied down by logic and a background of reality. Anything can happen, even if it doesn’t make sense or is over the top. The BFG is like this – it thinks nothing of going to see the Queen or calling in an army to help with bullies – this is fantasy at its up most.

The giant’s world is breathtakingly done, as we see it from Sophie’s perspective and some of it (especially in 3D) is overwhelming making you feel as small as Sophie is. Not only that, but he might be a Big Friendly Giant, but in comparison to his people, he’s actually little.

Overall the film is quite good, staying true to the book. Rylance does a great job at creating a loveable character – sad in some respects but wise in others. Even his confused and muddled language is brilliantly performed and I give top marks for his acting skills. Barnhill, as Sophie, is great as the sassy little girl and the dynamic between the two is brilliant. Elements of the movie, especially when the both go out to explore and catch dreams is clearly influenced by such classic literature as Alice in Wonderland, and the effects and experience is great to watch too. There’s a few flaws here and there and questions to be asked (like there’s only so many giants on the land, but why are they all broad cockney and the BFG sounds like he’s from Cornwall or something) but overall an enjoyable kids movie.

The BFG is out now at all good cinemas.

POPSCOTTLE: 7/10

What am I talking about? The BFG movie
Where can I find out more? http://www.thebfgfilm.com/showtimes

If you liked this try: James & The Giant Peach, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971), Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005), Alice in Wonderland

Anything else?

This is, of course, based on the book by Roald Dahl, who also wrote other books including Matilda, James and the Giant Peach and The Twits.

Steven Spielberg and Mark Rylance worked together on this movie as director and starring actor respectively - and, in 2015, both worked the same on the Tom Hanks fronted Bridge of Spies (which I reviewed here).

My favourite gourmet popcorn brand, Joe & Seph's released a limited edition Frobscottle flavoured popcorn to celebrate the release of this movie. A sharp blend of caramel, mint and raspberry it was certainly an interesting flavour!