James and the Giant Peach

Name: James and the Giant Peach
Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Animation, Family, Musical
Released: April 12, 1996
Duration: 79 min
Rating: 78
Cast: David Thewlis, J. Stephen Coyle, Jane Leeves, Joanna Lumley, Miriam Margolyes

1996

METASCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 36 Critic Reviews

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USER SCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 23 Ratings

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6.5

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6.5	User Score Generally favorable reviews based on 23 Ratings

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Movie Details & Credits

Walt Disney Pictures | Release Date: April 12, 1996 | TV-G

Starring: David Thewlis, J. Stephen Coyle, Jane Leeves, Joanna Lumley, Miriam Margolyes, Paul Terry, Pete Postlethwaite, Richard Dreyfuss, Simon Callow, Susan Sarandon

Summary: After the daring rescue of a spider, a young boy named James finds gains possession of some magic crocodile tongues. When James spills them in the garden, out sprouts an enormous peach! Climbing inside, he meets an astonishing cast of characters and embarks on a magical odyssey full of thrills and adventure. [Disney]

Director: Henry Selick

Genre(s): Adventure, Fantasy, Animation, Family, Musical

Rating: TV-G

Runtime: 79 min

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Metascore

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Critic Reviews

100

Hal Hinson

The latest in an impressive string of first-rate movies for kids. Read full review

100

Steve Persall

The mortal in me is increasingly certain I'll never live to see cinema's most astounding achievements. The kid in me is happy to be alive right now. [13 Apr 1996, p.5]

Duane Byrge

Peach will enthrall viewers with its blend of comedy, stop-motion animation and special effects. [8 Apr 1996]

Jay Boyar

Though this film version of James and the Giant Peach is far from a classic, it's both reasonably respectful of its source and consistently enjoyable in its own right. And it passes the acid test of children's entertainment. This movie remembers what fun is. Read full review

Owen Gleiberman

If only they’d trusted it more, they might have made a marvelous kids’ film instead of a merely charming one. Read full review

David Sterritt

Told through both animation and live action, the fantasy is almost too inventive for its own good, filling the screen with unsettling pictures and situations that could be much too scary for young viewers. Read full review

Kenneth Turan

the first techno-misfire from Walt Disney Pictures, an over-elaborate film that leaves you feeling harangued, harassed and assaulted. Read full review

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User Reviews

kyle20ellis

Mar 28, 2022

True, it isn't as good as the book, which is a childhood favourite of mine, but it is still a delightful and charming film. The look of the film is splendid, with bright colours in most scenes and some very memorable scenes such as the killer sharks, and the peach was stupendous. The scriptTrue, it isn't as good as the book, which is a childhood favourite of mine, but it is still a delightful and charming film. The look of the film is splendid, with bright colours in most scenes and some very memorable scenes such as the killer sharks, and the peach was stupendous. The script is very clever and funny, especially with Centipede, who has some truly hilarious lines. The performances are exceptional, Paul Terry is very appealing as James and Pete Postelthwaite delights as the mysterious man, who is responsible for changing James's life forever. There is also a terrific voice cast, including Simon Callow, Richard Dreyfuss, Susan Sarandon and David Thewlis who breathe fresh air into the screenplay, but it is certainly Miriam Margoyles and Joanna Lumley as the ghastly aunts who steal the show. I do however have two complaints of the film. I did find Randy Newman's songs forgettable, and they occasionally mar the film's pacing, and Paul Terry's singing voice just was a bit weak. Other than that, it is a delightful film, with an 8/10. Bethany Cox… Expand

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r96sk

Jul 12, 2022

A little light on story, though that stop-motion animation is noice.

At just under 1hr 20mins, 'James and the Giant Peach is simply a pleasant to watch flick with a sweet story and excellent animation. Miriam Margolyes and Joanna Lumley as the aunts is great casting, while the voice castA little light on story, though that stop-motion animation is noice.

At just under 1hr 20mins, 'James and the Giant Peach is simply a pleasant to watch flick with a sweet story and excellent animation. Miriam Margolyes and Joanna Lumley as the aunts is great casting, while the voice cast all perform well.

I like it enough, even with the ineffective singing bits. Overall, this 1996 release is, in my opinion, nothing great but nothing bad either.… Expand

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20	#20 Best Movie of 1996
92	#92 Most Discussed Movie of 1996