REVIEW: The BFG Invites Kids to Giant Country

The BFG is a whimsical tale that will grab a child’s attention, but likely not an adult’s. Based on the book by Roald Dahl, the BFG follows a young orphan girl named Sophie, who is taken by a giant to Giant Country, after spotting him out and about during the Witching Hour (3:00am). There, Sophie and the giant, who she later names The Big Friendly Giant (BFG), become friends and set out to stop the other giants from snatching the people of England from their beds and eating them.

This movie is simply beautiful. From how it was shot to the special effects to the scenery, every bit of it is awe inspiring. One particular scene where the BFG shows Sophie how he catches dreams was so stunning of a shot, it will leave you in wonder.

Newcomer Ruby Barnhill is great as little Sophie. She and Mark Rylance (the BFG) worked wonderfully together and you can tell she had a blast filming, even though a majority of her work was in front of a green screen. As for Mark, he is everything you want as the BFG. He brings a sense of warmth to the character that otherwise could have been a little too scary for the little ones.

The story is a tad bit slow here and there and missed some key parts from the book, but this is definitely a movie kids will enjoy. Parents may not get as much pleasure out of it, but if you are looking for something to do with your children this Summer, this is a great option.

Grade: B-