The BFG
Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures | Release Date: July 1, 2016
6.0
USER SCORE
Mixed or average reviews based on 262 Ratings
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Positive:
127
Mixed:
92
Negative:
43
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4
ThegodfathersonJul 4, 2016
Although filled with many touching moments, Spielberg's Roald Dahl adaptation falls short of expectations. There is a lot to see here and Mark Rylance is absolutley stunning, but the thin plot, the heavy CGI and the disastrous endingAlthough filled with many touching moments, Spielberg's Roald Dahl adaptation falls short of expectations. There is a lot to see here and Mark Rylance is absolutley stunning, but the thin plot, the heavy CGI and the disastrous ending overshadow what could be a cinematic landmark. For viewers who want to see something different, The BFG is a open ended ticket through fantasyland. That comes with a great caution.… Expand
2 of 2 users found this helpful20
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4
SquaredRenApr 20, 2017
When you hear the name Spielberg as the director of this movie, you might think it's a good or "ok" movie at best. Sadly, not in this case. This film has awesome CGI animation, really good actress, but boring & flat plot. Really childish &When you hear the name Spielberg as the director of this movie, you might think it's a good or "ok" movie at best. Sadly, not in this case. This film has awesome CGI animation, really good actress, but boring & flat plot. Really childish & long conversations that make you sleep. Therefore, not recommended.… Expand
2 of 2 users found this helpful20
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5
JonZsuJul 1, 2016
The BFG is quite charming and lovable in its visual, cast and the overall aesthetic complement. The audience could directly feel that this movie is great for children, just like Dahl's original story. However, Spielberg failed to maintain theThe BFG is quite charming and lovable in its visual, cast and the overall aesthetic complement. The audience could directly feel that this movie is great for children, just like Dahl's original story. However, Spielberg failed to maintain the balance between adolescent and childish; it's a bore for adults who wanted a decent Spielberg /Disney film.… Expand
2 of 3 users found this helpful21
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5
SpangleJul 2, 2016
The BFG is a decisively middling effort from directorial legend Steven Spielberg. Packed with breathtaking special effects and good performances from its leads, Ruby Barnhill and Mark Rylance, The BFG is a splendor-filled film that just fallsThe BFG is a decisively middling effort from directorial legend Steven Spielberg. Packed with breathtaking special effects and good performances from its leads, Ruby Barnhill and Mark Rylance, The BFG is a splendor-filled film that just falls flat. The film has Spielberg's trademark childlike wonder blended with more adult themes and plot elements. The special effects, again, are phenomenal. When it comes to the dreamcatching sequence, I get the sense that it will not be topped for a bit when it comes to sheer beauty. Unfortunately, the film's plot simply falls flat. Once the queen comes into play, things really take a turn for the worse. However, before that, things are not much better. The film completely lacks a sense of adventure (awful for an adventure film) and has no sense of stakes or danger. It tries to create some, but things constantly are threatened but the film never comes near following through on them, which begins to be aggravating. The BFG simply does not work. It is an odd blend of things expected in a children's film (the lack of stakes being one), yet the darker elements that make it decidedly too scary for many kids. Tragically, The BFG just does not work.… Expand
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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6
PeterAlexanderJul 10, 2016
Steven Spielberg's rendition of the BFG makes for a sweet film, but lacks in driving home the all important themes set out by Roald Dahl. The way the movie is shot makes for some engaging sequences and moments, but the heavy use on CGI can beSteven Spielberg's rendition of the BFG makes for a sweet film, but lacks in driving home the all important themes set out by Roald Dahl. The way the movie is shot makes for some engaging sequences and moments, but the heavy use on CGI can be off-putting at times. Overall, the story is touching at times, but falls slightly short in delivering the big moments.… Expand
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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6
MEFzelderAug 10, 2016
“The BFG” es una linda adaptación del libro homónimo de Roald Dahl, es una aventura de fantasía con grandes efectos especiales y una cuasi perfecta animación por computadoras.
La narrativa es un poco lenta pero es bien acompañada visualmente“The BFG” es una linda adaptación del libro homónimo de Roald Dahl, es una aventura de fantasía con grandes efectos especiales y una cuasi perfecta animación por computadoras.
La narrativa es un poco lenta pero es bien acompañada visualmente en conjunto con la banda sonora, haciendo que el material sea más fácil de procesar.
Ésta propuesta de Disney y Spielberg es muy atractiva, tiene un leguaje particular por lo que mi recomendación es verla en su idioma nativo y con una buena calidad de imagen.… Expand
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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6
eagleeyevikingSep 24, 2017
"The BFG" stays true to it's source material. It is also well shot, well intentioned, well acted, and funny. However, the pacing is wildly uneven and flat in places.
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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4
MrMovieBuffJul 25, 2016
Steven Spielberg, to me, is one of the greatest filmmakers of our time...a man who has become the benchmark in both the summer blockbusters and Oscar-worthy pictures. To me, there was very little he could do wrong, I loved his recent effortsSteven Spielberg, to me, is one of the greatest filmmakers of our time...a man who has become the benchmark in both the summer blockbusters and Oscar-worthy pictures. To me, there was very little he could do wrong, I loved his recent efforts such as 'Lincoln' (2012) and 'Bridge of Spies' (2015), and when I heard that he was going back to making summer movies, I couldn't wait.

Admittedly, when I heard that a long established, Oscar-winning filmmaker like Spielberg was going to be adapting Roald Dahl's "The BFG", I was taken back, why would someone as powerful (now) as Spielberg be adapting such a children's classic novel that would have been at better hands from a more younger filmmaker? But, I started to think more on a positive note, the combination of Spielberg + Roald Dahl + Disney and even screenwriter, the late Melissa Mathison (who wrote the classic "E.T."), this is a combination that could not fail.

I am underwhelmed, 'The BFG' is a missed opportunity more than anything else, a movie so caught up within its magic, that it forgets to make us (the audience) invested in its story or the characters.

The movie focuses on a little orphan girl named Sophie (Ruby Barnhill), who, after looking out her window one night, sees a mysterious giant whom she later calls "The BFG" (a very convincing Mark Rylance) and this giant takes her away to his hometown, known as "Giant Country". This is where the first disappointment comes in, as Giant Country does not look all that fascinating as it should have, but the movie does have the look of "Harry Potter" meets "The Hobbit", the aesthetic matches some of Spielberg's best talents when it comes to fantasy, but there is no deeper look, nor is there any awe of the world famous Giant Country.

The Giant and Sophie swap some secrets and life stories with one another, the giant tells Sophie about the other giants in the town, most of whom actually eat little humans. He tries to keep her away from the evil Fleshlumpeater (Jemiane Clement) who is very vocal about wanting to eat humans. The Giant also tells Sophie about how he manages to capture dreams in jars, and how they come in the form of these mysterious floating glows in various colors. He can bring the best dreams to those who need it, and he can collect more and keep the nightmares to those who are not so worthy.

The problems with this movie is that, for a movie that is only supposed to be 1 hour and 57 minutes long, it actually feels longer than it should. There were times where I grew restless, and the movie ponders along showing us nothing but amazing shots of whatever it is the giant presents to Sophie. There is nothing of interest going on for a long time to catch out attention. I can also confirm that the children at my theater were also fidgeting a lot, to the point where the parent accompanying them had to take them outside for a few minutes due to their boredom, and they came back just to see the last half-hour of the film.

The way that this movie jumps from "A" to "B" seemed very abrupt, the little girl and the giant just cook up some idea to get to Buckingham Palace, and they get there and all of a sudden, the movie ends within half an hour. For the first two acts, it pondered and plodded for so long, that the movie had to end as quickly as possible to prevent the movie's run time from getting longer.

Overall, 'The BFG' is a charming fantasy adventure, but there is a lack of thrill and excitement, no sense of wonder and no dark moments. It's just charming, but not the kind of film that will one day become a classic. For a Spielberg project, he has done better.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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6
Rebecca31Jul 26, 2016
Steven Spielberg’s The BFG is one of the most visually beautiful movies I have seen in a long time. Seriously it’s a very pretty movie. As for the rest of it, I guess you could say Spielberg has set the bar very high and this doesn’t quiteSteven Spielberg’s The BFG is one of the most visually beautiful movies I have seen in a long time. Seriously it’s a very pretty movie. As for the rest of it, I guess you could say Spielberg has set the bar very high and this doesn’t quite reach the standard. Great performances from all, particularly Ruby Barnhill, and topped off with another terrific score from John Williams. Recommended.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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4
PanchogulMay 16, 2020
Steven Spielberg sin duda alguna tiene varias películas memorables que se convirtieron instantáneamente en clásicos; pero The BFG no es una de esas películas.
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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5
KrissTolliday14Jul 31, 2016
Solid CGI and good acting does not necessarily make for a good film. In fact in Spielberg's 'The BFG' these are the only two elements that lift this film from being utter drivel. This story is supposed to be heartwarming, caring and loving.Solid CGI and good acting does not necessarily make for a good film. In fact in Spielberg's 'The BFG' these are the only two elements that lift this film from being utter drivel. This story is supposed to be heartwarming, caring and loving. The story of an orphan wanting to find love and comfort only to be taken by a giant, however in this version only the latter part of that actually happens. There is no depth or development to the lead character's relationship so by the time the upbeat, happy moments take place you can't help but not really care. The lack of real villains also doesn't help. We have the bad giants but they barely seem threatening or hold little motivation. They appear to want to eat the little girl but in comparison that is like me and nine friends fighting over a Twix! Mark Rylance does put in a solid performance but newcomer Ruby Barnhill makes Sophie annoying. This may be down to her inexperience in front of the camera or Spielberg's lack of direction. Despite the heavy CGI and motion capture this feels like Spielberg's most lethargic film in a long time. The emphasis has gone mainly into the visuals rather than telling a beautiful tale. The visuals at times do look stunning but it all becomes meaningless when there is no depth. It was actually the daftest part of the movie where I found myself more engaged and that is when I knew this movie just didn't do it for me. This doesn't know ultimately what it's trying to do and for someone I know who adored the original book and movie, this was a real disappointment.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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6
CarFan1999Aug 12, 2016
The BFG, or Big Friendly Giant's greatest achievement is the visual effects. The details are amazing and the majority of scenes are simply beautiful. Mark Rylance's vocal performance is calm and soothing, giving the BFG his titular name. TheThe BFG, or Big Friendly Giant's greatest achievement is the visual effects. The details are amazing and the majority of scenes are simply beautiful. Mark Rylance's vocal performance is calm and soothing, giving the BFG his titular name. The little girl Sophie also performs quite well. Steven Spielberg's direction gives the BFG an old fashioned feel and conveys warmth. This easily is the most heartwarming film so far this year and I left the theatre with a smile on my face. However, despite the cuteness and great effects, there's sadly not much else. The simple story is fine, but the film is overlong. The pacing is too slow and several scenes go on for far too long. For comparison, Willa Wonka and the Chocolate Factory; another film based from a Roald Dahl book; was 1 hour 29 minutes. This is a full 2 hours. Had the BFG been 30 minutes shorter, had faster pacing, and more action; it would had been perfect. But as is, the BFG is a beautiful, simple, and cute movie; although overlong, boring in places, and lacking much action.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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4
robertoiglesiasSep 28, 2017
This is my opinion, so don't hate me for this: This is a dull and boring remake that is pointless and doesn't capture the greatness like the original does. It is a decent movie as a stand alone film though.
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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5
TyranianSep 10, 2019
Strong visually but the story plods along without excitement or wit. Disappointing.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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6
Compi24Mar 4, 2019
This live-action adaptation of Roald Dahl's classic children's novel exists in a manner similar to that of the titular character at hand. It's sweet and wholesome, yet characteristically oddball and strange. And for the "BFG" film inThis live-action adaptation of Roald Dahl's classic children's novel exists in a manner similar to that of the titular character at hand. It's sweet and wholesome, yet characteristically oddball and strange. And for the "BFG" film in particular, these more peculiar elements tend to come about in the latter half of things, where a very unpredictable narrative left turn ultimately leaves the audience uttering, ". . .huh?" The confusion, on the part of this audience member at least, lasts only a little while, however, with the film's charm and visual splendor eventually lulling you back into the typical Spielbergian state of genuine entertainment. It's not one of his better told stories -- namely due to the idiosyncratic stylings of Dahl doing him in, methinks -- but it still looks and feels good.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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6
LeZeeDec 4, 2016
Little Sophie's giant adventure.

I did not dislike it, but I thought it was not creative enough. I had seen the British animation and this one retained the same story. Of course, which was originally from the book, but nothing new other thanLittle Sophie's giant adventure.

I did not dislike it, but I thought it was not creative enough. I had seen the British animation and this one retained the same story. Of course, which was originally from the book, but nothing new other than a decent computer graphics. I liked the performance of the little girl who had played the Sophie. She was the only live character until the final stage where more joins her. So she was wonderful along with Mark Rylance's CGI role.

Straight to the point, the adventure begins right away. Sophie, the ten year old orphan girl was snatched by a giant named BFG after she witnessed him wandering on the street through her dorm room window on one midnight. Fearing she might expose the giant's existence, so he had to take her with him to his country. Then there they become very close, but a new threat arises when the other giants suspect of a human's existence in their enclosure. So fighting them, followed by a permanent solution to menace caused by them is what narrated in the rest.

It was like Peter Jackson's 'The Lovely Bones' for Steven Spielberg, I mean the films that did not work for them. I anticipated a major surge in this by the family film specialist Spielber. Because I usually love his film, tell me who won't. From children to adults, his films targets all ages. But if you had seen the old version, then you will lose half the interest. That's definitely won't be the same for the kids, they will love it. There's no harm for watching it once, so go for it.

6/10… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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6
MattBrady99Dec 31, 2016
"The BFG" is decent at best. Which is a real shame, because it's directed by the greatest and the most iconic film makers of all time. You'd expect more from Spielberg after last year "Bridge of Spies". Coming to think of it, I can't believe"The BFG" is decent at best. Which is a real shame, because it's directed by the greatest and the most iconic film makers of all time. You'd expect more from Spielberg after last year "Bridge of Spies". Coming to think of it, I can't believe Spielberg directed this. Even with all the bright colors and the bizarre adventures, I still felt I was missing something.

But I don't hate the movie. It dose have it's magical and sweet moments that separates it from being a miss fire. Ruby Barnhill as Sophie was pretty good and it proves that there are good kids actors out there. But the saving grace of the movie is Mark Rylance (as the BFG) who really made this movie watchable. Rylance captures the lovable, fun, and joyful giant from Roald Dahl's book. The film itself is technically well done and it's not boring, but quite enjoyable.… Expand
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4
tethysdustNov 9, 2016
I'd say this is more of a children's film than a family film. The jokes were a lot of body humor, and the plot was very simplistic. The high point for me was the actor who played the BFG himself, who was lovely. I wish they had emphasizedI'd say this is more of a children's film than a family film. The jokes were a lot of body humor, and the plot was very simplistic. The high point for me was the actor who played the BFG himself, who was lovely. I wish they had emphasized his personal story a bit more, but I guess they thought that would have been too dark for children.… Expand
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6
smiyamotDec 30, 2016
A rather strange story about giants who live amongst us, this one giving us dreams that he collects in Giant Land. Maybe he's the Sandman. From that premise, we flesh out a story with even bigger, mean, giants and the BFG's relationshipA rather strange story about giants who live amongst us, this one giving us dreams that he collects in Giant Land. Maybe he's the Sandman. From that premise, we flesh out a story with even bigger, mean, giants and the BFG's relationship with an orphan girl.… Expand
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5
FuturedirectorDec 18, 2016
Cast and quality are not a problem, but this new live-action of The BFG suffers a surprising excess of underwhelming and disgusting moments for the audience. Roald Dahl's classic story has lots of comparations with this new picture.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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5
MeLikesMeHatesMay 7, 2017
I am watching it this very moment on Netflix. Part of me is yearning to turn it off, but the other part of me is saying just keep watching so you more deeply appreciate not having purchased the Blu.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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4
WhiskeyStoriesDec 1, 2017
What a let down. I love Spielberg, so naturally I was excited for this one. I didn't have huge expectations, but I was hoping for some charming family entartainment. But in the end I kinda hated The BFG. The first 15 minutes are cutesy andWhat a let down. I love Spielberg, so naturally I was excited for this one. I didn't have huge expectations, but I was hoping for some charming family entartainment. But in the end I kinda hated The BFG. The first 15 minutes are cutesy and fun, but everything after that (from the story, to the characters and the message) annoyed the hell out of me. I feel bad for the little girl playing the main character, because she did a completely fine job, but her character was just so irritating by the end. Those fifteen minutes and Mark Rylance's charming performance were the only tolerable elements the BFG has. I can see some people enjoying this film, but I definitely did not.… Expand
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6
shadowguy654Oct 18, 2016
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This movie kind of sucks.it got 3 cons and 2 pros.The cons are this movie is kind of boring and predictable and This movie got some stupid moments.The pros are This movie have a good story and They did a good job on the giant. So I am giving this movie a 6.6/10.… Expand
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6
JyroJyroSep 3, 2017
Spielberg fails to create anything of real magic here, but taken purely as a old-fashioned children's tale it is befitting and works nicely. Mark Rylance is impressive (as always).
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6
skeptic303Sep 28, 2016
The BFG is the second live-action disappointment just this summer from Disney. While certainly better than the lazy Alice in Wonderland sequel, this adaptation suffers from its own fair share of plagues.
Perhaps the most glaring mistake hereThe BFG is the second live-action disappointment just this summer from Disney. While certainly better than the lazy Alice in Wonderland sequel, this adaptation suffers from its own fair share of plagues.
Perhaps the most glaring mistake here happens in one particular scene that wastes time quite a bit and feels like a desperate reach for humor, which ended up failing. On top of that, it didn't develop anything either.
Otherwise, everything else was good and mostly serviceable, but not great. I didn't find the characters to be handled well, but at least the conflict was good and the interaction between sophie and the giant was great.
I guess like Tarzan, this movie tried to be entertaining, but unfortunately, it already committed to be a heart-felt movie, which is why that didn't work well for it. I can only say that this movie earns the seal of mediocrity; take from that what you will.… Expand
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5
JcondicDec 7, 2016
The BFG himself is charming and full of heart unfortunately the film itself lacks any connection to that. The film feels very safe and the characters never feel any sense of urgency, even the build-up to the big battle doesn’t feel warranted.The BFG himself is charming and full of heart unfortunately the film itself lacks any connection to that. The film feels very safe and the characters never feel any sense of urgency, even the build-up to the big battle doesn’t feel warranted. Spielberg tries to instill magic but it feels like his youthfulness isn’t there anymore, technically the film is spot on but a younger director might have been able to bring better life to this story. That being said kids might really enjoy the film while the adult in me can’t overlook things. I would have preferred another Tintin.… Expand
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5
amheretojudgeSep 18, 2019
Rylance is an exceptional performer, not the meltdowns, but he makes the "good morning" count.

The BFG I know that there are tons of visual effects studios that throws their fliers every month on your face gloating how far and above has theRylance is an exceptional performer, not the meltdowns, but he makes the "good morning" count.

The BFG

I know that there are tons of visual effects studios that throws their fliers every month on your face gloating how far and above has the technology reached. I am not even rummaging around the storytelling and the quality of it yet. Just visual effects. Pushing their own selves, what they had achieved previously. Previous month, actually. Yet there is not that joy. That wow factor. If anything their definition of it has turned into incoherence. Shuffled up only to belittle us both mentally- that's a pseudo effect though- and physically.

That scale is the apt term to be used to describe the director Steven Spielberg's dream project. Since the two main characters are of a completely different scale, the visual effects is honed in a way that this theme doesn't get deteriorated amidst all the razzle dazzle. And the cinematography is factoring in on this majorly. Just watch the way even the slightest moment flows along with you. Picking someone up from here to there, that sums up the entire film.

For that very germ of an idea sprouts the car chase game, the dream catching sequence, the recipe making metaphors to a delightful tea party. Not only we are reminded perpetually about the gravitas, the magnitude of the banality that the story moves towards, but also the fact that it is written by two childish characters. And if you won't be able to filter out the difference. The film will come off a bit presumptuous. While it actually is meant to be. The dots connected are odd and questionable. The plot skips are actually not a narrative decision but a character description. The BFG is an odd cookie, a coffee doesn't go with it neither does tea, the bubbles go up and a blessing rain is a curse.… Expand
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