Disney’s The BFG hits Theatres this Weekend!
Disney is just rolling out the hits this year. Already in 2016, we have seen the unveil of such new classics like Zootopia, The Jungle Book, Finding Dory and, now, get ready to meet The BFG.
The BFG tells the classic tale of a larger than life, Big Friendly Giant (Hence, BFG. Get it?) Played by Mark Rylance. Standing 24-feet tall with enormous ears and a keen sense of smell, he is endearingly dim-witted and keeps to himself for the most part. Giants nearby in Giant Country like Bloodbottler (Bill Hader) and Fleshlumpeater (Jemaine Clement) on the other hand, are twice as big and at least twice as scary and have been known to eat humans, while the BFG prefers Snozzcumber and Frobscottle.
Upon her arrival in Giant Country, Sophie, a precocious 10-year-old old girl from London, is initially frightened of the mysterious giant who has brought her to his cave, but soon comes to realize that the BFG is actually quite gentle and charming, and, having never met a giant before, has many questions. The BFG brings Sophie to Dream Country where he collects dreams and sends them to children, teaching her all about the magic and mystery of dreams.
Much like beloved children’s author, Roald Dahl’s, stories, The BFG brings to life the late, great storyteller’s ability to connect larger than life imagery with true heartfelt moments that all audiences can relate to. Without giving too much away, let’s just say there is a moment in BFG that finds our loveable giant and Sophie having breakfast with The Queen that had Michael and me laughing so hard that tears began to stream down our face!
Fast forward ahead, and once again, more tears. This time? Because of the universal message BFG gives that we can all make our dreams reality, and, that just because you may seem scary on the outside, that—you guessed it—looks are not always correct.
Veteran to the live stage and Shakespearian trained actor, Mark Rylance, is our main man who brings BFG to life. Rylance, who voices and lends his characteristics to the title role, is excellent at giving new life and imagination to those who are already fans of the 1982 book.
Newcomer Ruby Barnhill is as cute as a button as London orphan, Sophie, who is bold enough to believe in larger than life things, likes giants! Sophie and BFG create a quick, relatable bond that does not feel forced or phony. It brought to mind the friendship of Matilda and Miss Honey in my favorite Dahl story, Matilda.
Directed by Steven Spielberg and written for the screen by his ET screenwriter, the late Melissa Mathison, BFG reunites this duo doing what they do best: Conceiving films to remind us all that we are not alone and, perhaps we just need to look a little deeper to find our best friend.
BFG hits theatres everywhere this weekend. While there are high energy and humorous, rambunctious scenes, I did not find any of the film to be very scary (remember I advised with The Jungle Book?), and I feel most ages will enjoy this movie. Take the family this 4 th of July weekend! xo
(*Disclosure: I attended an advanced screening of The BFG. All opinions are my own.)