A simpler story from a simpler time, The BFG more than makes up in magic what it lacks in complexity.
For readers and non-readers alike, there’s a lot to love about The BFG. The story may not be the convoluted-type full of twists and turns like the rest of this summer’s blockbusters, but it brings heart and love to a world that is in desperate need of it.
Make sure to let us know what you think of The BFG in the comments below and what you would grade it in the poll!
Strengths
Stunning animation
The BFG is a visual marvel that takes you away to the world of the giants and weaves its way into the human world with equal brilliance. The scenes in which the BFG interacts with Sophie or the Queen in our world were so realistic, it’s as if you could truly believe that a giant of the BFG’s size can slip down our streets unnoticed. The work done to bring him to life is nothing short of magnificent.
Giant country is equally stunning as grassy hillsides give way to caves and graveyards of human relics, including Ferris wheels, cars, and all sorts of unidentified flotsam. The visuals in this film will not let down a single reader who fell in love with this story years or even decades ago. The same magical quality that draws you into the book is present on screen from start to finish.
Mark Rylance
The BFG himself could easily turn into a bumbling oaf of a character, especially with his jumbled, squiggly speak and less than stellar coordination. Thanks to the vocal talents of Mark Rylance, his brand of speaking is delightful and cute as opposed to just an obstacle for the moviegoer to overcome in an effort to understand the story.
Acceptance
More than anything, this movie offers a message of tolerance and acceptance that our world desperately needs right now. While the giants in this movie are immovable monsters who do not wish to change their ways, the rest of the film is chock full of people and characters willing to see things differently and change their way of thinking when it’s called for. We can all learn a lesson from the BFG, Sophie, and even the Queen.
If the real world was a little more willing to open their minds and hearts to differences, it would definitely be a better place, and The BFG goes a long way to demonstrate that. There will always be unmovable forces that oppose change, but they will never be stronger than those that embrace change.
More dreams please
In addition to the main plot concerning the giants vs. the BFG, we also get to see the magic of the BFG’s work. He is a crafter of dreams, mixing stories and characters with precision to bring the dreamer whatever they need. The sequence in which Sophie and the BFG return to real world England and blow a dream into a boy’s window had this writer thanking whatever version of the BFG has graced her with magical dreams throughout the years. I only wish they had devoted more time to that part of the film, as it is where the true heart of The BFG shines through.
Weaknesses
Clunky transitions
It is no easy feat to create a world in which a human girl will interact with a CGI giant, especially when their interactions make up the bulk of the story. There were a few clunky moments as Sophie stepped onto or off of the BFG’s hand or interacted with his world, and it might be enough to distract you from the story for a moment, but seconds later, you will see the strengths of this movie and be drawn right back in.
A simple story
While The BFG has always been a treasured book of mine (so much that I even included it in my list of five book that define me), it’s easy to see that the story in play here is much simpler a concept than most films nowadays. It’s refreshing, but also lacks the complexity that moviegoers are used to. It may not be to the film’s detriment, but it’s definitely a weakness.
Ultimately
The BFG is a simple story with a lot of heart, and it will be a joy for fans of the book to see the BFG stomp across the screen, but it may not keep the attention of younger children, or become the next beloved children’s film.
It lacks a bit of the flash and sharpness of most children’s films nowadays, but has a lot to offer despite that shortcoming. Some children’s films try too hard to appeal to everyone, so its more than okay that The BFG suits a more specific demographic.
If you need a break from the flashy blockbusters of the summer 2016 season, give The BFG a chance. It has a lot of heart, a great message, and more than enough magic to make it worth your while.