Rylance shines, but Spielberg's gentle Dahl adaptation lacks dramatic weight.
Verdict tier Mixed, lukewarm or divided, on a scale of Unfavorable, Mixed, Recommended, Exceptional.
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Critic consensus
Critical reception for The BFG is modestly positive, with most reviewers acknowledging it as a warm, family-friendly entertainer rooted in Spielberg's signature style. Mark Rylance's performance as the Giant and the film's visual craftsmanship drew consistent praise, as did its playful treatment of Roald Dahl's language and source material. The most common criticism is that the film falls short of Spielberg's own high standards, with several critics noting a thin story, underdeveloped antagonists, and a lack of dramatic tension. A few reviewers found it emotionally distant despite its evident sincerity.
2 not-rated reviews aren't plotted
Positive = 6.5/10 and up · negative = below 5/10
AI-generated summary of 15 critic reviews · may contain errors
Report inaccuracyFrom the papers
Top critics first, then by score · not-rated last · updated
Top critic
Film review ·
The BFG is a winsome tale from Roald Dahl, a writer who hardly went in for easy, simple pleasures. Steven Spielberg is a director whose heart lies in such delights. The movie is true to Dahl's story and Spielberg's spirit.
Top critic
Film review ·
There can be no denying that The BFG is a captivating family entertainer that delivers bushels of old world enchantment. Don't miss it.
Top critic
Film review ·
There's no denying that The BFG is brimming with earnestness, but while it's visually impressive and occasionally gripping it leaves you feeling a bit cold in the end. I came out feeling that an opportunity had been lost. It's far from one of Spielberg's unmissable gems.
Film review ·
What makes The BFG supremely special is not just the way every frame has been put together accentuating the physical disparity and emotional empathy between Sophie and the Giant, but also the manner in which the original story by Roald Dahl is sublimated to contour the eternal bonding between two lonely misfits.
Film review ·
This heartwarming tale of friendship stays true to Spielberg's standard of excellence and vivid imagination. He manages to recreate the E.T magic, thanks to a similar moving storyline and an endearing background score. The kids will love it and so will you.
Film review ·
Despite the astounding visuals and magic on show, what really shines through in the movie is its playful love of language. Whether it's Sophie eagerly devouring "Dahls Chickens' Nicholas Nickleby", or the 'delumptious' words conjured up by the BFG, language remains at the heart of the story, just as it does in the original book. (Crucially, Rylance was also comfortable with the tongue-twisting aspects of 'gobblefunk').
Film review ·
The winning and loving digital Mark Rylance as the good giant, Spielberg's remarkable ability to make us believe in dreams again and of course the magnificent Big B mesmerizing all the way in his deep baritone as the good friendly Giant, THE BFG (BADE FARISHTAY JI) is the family stuff Disney and Spielberg are known for. - See more at: http://www.glamsham.com/movies/reviews/the-bfg-movie-review.asp#sthash.a2ELwROG.dpuf
Film review ·
The BFG is a marvelous film thanks to Mark Rylance's adorable portrayal as a giant and Speilberg's direction that makes us embrace the inner child in us.
Film review ·
The BFG is probably "minor Spielberg" but this is still a warm and a happy movie for the whole family with amazing special effects, and a movie that is as light as it is unpretentious.
Film review ·
We're more cynical now than we used to be. And if that child inside you still exists, you might want to check out this whimsical feel-good fairy-tale. And it's Spielberg, so there's that.
Film review ·
The BFG is by no means Spielberg's best work. In fact, it probably won't even make the top ten. But that's not because it's bad, or even mediocre – it's just that over the course of 4 decades and dozens of great films, Steven Spielberg - with his friends cinematographer Janusz Kaminski, editor Michael Kahn and composer John Williams - has spoilt us.
Film review ·
There is not much drama, not much wit, the villains (the big, bad giants come off as high-school bullies) are one-dimensional - it's all very forgettable. Frankly, The BFG is a sub-par film in Spielberg's oeuvre.
Film review ·
The spectacle of BFG's world is imaginative enough but the story doesn't really grow on you and the build-up is entirely botched. While this is not a bad movie by a lesser director's standards, it just does not live up to the standards set by Steven Spielberg (during his heyday) himself.
Film review ·
Tired of the regular action comedies? Take a break and watch The BFG instead. You will be transported back to your childhood where movies were simple and heartwarming, only this time, with better special effects.
Film review ·
The BFG is the closest a film has come in a long time to waking the child inside.
Credits
Mark RylanceThe BFG
Ruby BarnhillSophie
Rebecca HallMary
Jemaine ClementFleshlumpeater
Bill HaderBloodbottler
Penelope WiltonThe Queen
Marilyn NorryMatron
Matt FrewerGeneral #2
Rafe Spall
Adam Godley
Daniel Bacon
Ólafur Darri Ólafsson
Steven Spielberg
Frank Marshall
John Williams
Janusz Kamiński
Michael Kahn
Michael David Adamthwaitethe BonecruncherEnglish films like The BFG
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