The BFG is full of Spielberg magic

Movie Title:   

The BFG

  

Grade:  B+

Rating:  PG, 115 minutes

In a Nutshell:     In an interview with Regal Theaters, Steven Spielberg said “This is one of the best experiences I’ve ever had.” It was a reunion of sorts with some of his old team from the E.T. movie days. 

Director Steven Spielberg and musical composer John Williams are both film legends, so it’s awesome to see a new film that uses both of their talents again.  They introduce us to a magical world based on the 1982 novel by Roald Dahl.

Uplifting theme: 

• The world is more giant than you can imagine.
• The healing power of friendship.
• "Dreams are quick on the outside, but last long on the inside." - The BFG

Things I liked:

• Mark Rylance truly shines as the Big Friendly Giant.
• John Williams’ musical score conjures a magical spell that rests lovingly on this old-fashioned tale.
• I love all the fun words the BFG makes up.  He says, “I cannot be helping it if I saying things a little squiggly.”   English teachers will be delighted and frustrated.
• Ruby Barnhill is fantastic and one of Spielberg’s best child talents ever. She is extremely entertaining with a bright future ahead of her.
• Technically, this movie is stellar, mixing CG and motion-capture images as one.  Of that impressive blend, Steven Spielberg said, “Motion capture makes you believe a little girl and a big giant can exist in the same shot.”   The animation itself was incredibly detailed and realistic-looking.
• I have never read The BFG by Roald Dahl, but I hear that there are some darker elements in the book that Spielberg and writer Melissa Mathison decided to leave out in lieu of a more family-friendly, feel-good flick.  You don't have to read the book to enjoy or understand the movie.
• Some of the conversations are pretty funny.

Things I didn’t like:

• The movie definitely takes its time to develop, but the second half of the movie got bogged down a little bit.  The breakfast scene with the queen was fun, but definitely slowed down the pacing of the movie even more.
• Exactly what The BFG does for a living is a little fuzzy.  I mean, was he self-appointed to his job and who is he going to pass his trade on to?
• No women giants.  The BFG explains that giants don't have parents, so apparently, female giants aren't needed.
• Am I monster to admit I was a little bit bored a few times?

Funny lines:

•  You is an insult to giant people.” – Fleshlumpeater (Jemaine Clement)
• “Well, what I says and what I means is sometimes two different things.” – The BFG

Tips for parents:

• This is a sweet family film for most all ages.
• Very young children might be frightened by the bad giants or the thought that a giant gives them dreams by sneaking into their room at night.  They might worry that, like Sophie, they could be snatched out of their beds at night.
• No profanity.
• The BFG calls farts “wiz poppers.”   There are several discussions and BIG displays of farts.  Kids will think it's hilarious.

Great news for Star Wars fans!

Great news for Star Wars Trilogy Episodes IV-VI (Blu-ray + DVD) fans!

The official Star Wars website by Lucasfilm and Walt Disney Co. just announced who some special cast members will be for the "Star Wars: Episode VII" movie that will begin filming soon.   Fans will be pleased to see original stars Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, and Harrison Ford!  The cast will include fresh faces, as well as a return of some of our favorites.

            
Star Trek director J.J. Abrams will lead the film's setting to take place 30 years after 1983's Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi    We'll also see Peter Mayhew back as the lovable rug, Chewbacca, as well as Kenny Baker in the role of R2D2.

The talented John Williams will score the music, as he created the original trilogy's famous themes.  I heard him speak on a radio show when he shared a story about a conversation he had with director Steven Spielberg.  Williams had just watched the raw footage of Schindler's List to help him prepare the music for it.  He was extremely touched and said to Spielberg "This movie is fantastic and so powerful.  You're going to need a better composer to score it."   Spielberg responded "I know.  But all of the good composers are dead." 

With such talent working on this new new installment in the Star Wars franchise, it should be a hit!  My sons used to watch Star Wars every Friday night when they were little.  They would fall asleep in front of the TV with smiles on their faces.   I can't wait to see this new episode!