Movie Review: The BFG

A girl named Sophie encounters the Big Friendly Giant who, despite his intimidating appearance, turns out to be a kindhearted soul who is considered an outcast by the other giants because, unlike them, he refuses to eat children.” (IMDB.com)

My 9-year-old daughter squealed with delight and did a cartwheel when she found out we were going to see The BFG. Last fall she read this book by Roald Dahl (1982) with her reading club at school and declared it as her favorite book. She loved the nonsensical words used by the giant and the partnership between the big friendly giant and the young orphan heroine. She has been waiting with much excitement since then for this movie to be released! Thankfully, she was not disappointed.

My daughter “loved, loved, loved” the movie, even though she said there were various aspects different from the book. She kept saying “this part is going to be really funny” and it usually was, indicating that fans of the book will not be disappointed. She giggled often and could not stop talking about the movie on the way to the car. The next day she told anyone who would listen about it.

Overall, I also really enjoyed the movie. Knowing Roald Dahl stories can be a little dark (the unfriendly giants in the story are feared because they eat children), I was pleasantly surprised. There are some potentially scary moments for younger children, but the whimsy of the movie reduced the intensity of these scenes. At times the movie will feel slow, but I found it a wonderful opportunity to fully enjoy the marvelous artwork and glorious details.

Children under age 13 will especially enjoy this fairy tale, and it will put a smile on the face of their parents. The littler children may be scared by the giants, but the scenes are short. And, as with most fairy tales, (potential spoiler alert) everyone lives happily ever after. This is a movie I plan to purchase own one day and watch again. It has already become a family favorite.

Just the facts: “The BFG” opens in theaters on July 1, 2016, the year that marks the 100th anniversary of Dahl’s birth. It is rated PG “for action/peril, some scary moments and brief rude humor” and is 1 hour and 55 minutes long.

Thanks so much to my sweet friend, Heidi, for reviewing The BFG for me.  Heidi is a strong and patient mother of two (ages 12 and 9), follower of Jesus, and fan of peanut butter and chocolate and herbal teas of all sorts.  She's the best kind of friend to have, and I'm so glad she and her little girl could enjoy this media preview opportunity.