As a child, whenever I read one of Roald Dahl's novels, or short stories was an absolute joy for me in every way possible. I remember one birthday in particular where I was probably 9, or 10 years old and I received the book, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and I remember each night coming home from school and even during school such as on lunch breaks, or at recess reading this book along with various other Dahl favourites I don't think there were ever any I didn't like and just completely falling in love with the books and the author's writing style itself. I credit <more> Roald Dahl as an author who inspired me to read at a young age and now 20 years later, I may be reading different material, or sometimes more mature fare, but it was because of Dahl and his wonderful imagination, witty sense of writing and sometimes delightfully dark and yet humorous stories that made me continue to want to read and added some escapism and pleasure to a childhood that was mostly good, but especially helped out in the more turbulent times because I could escape into one of his books and put away my childhood worries and cares for a time. I eventually sought out many of the film adaptations that were made of his books such as Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, The Witches, Matilda, James and the Giant Peach, Fantastic Mr. Fox and now The BFG and because Dahl was so expressive with his writing and could completely transport us into other worlds, manners of speech and over the top yet fascinating characters, all of the above mentioned films were complete successes and I would like to add that Steven Spielberg's new version of his classic The BFG fits along with those classic titles and should become a hit with both adults and children and belongs with the very best of the genre. Spielberg here teams up with his E.T. The Extra Terrestrial screenwriter, Melissa Mathison who as any kid who grew up in the 80's, or 90's can tell you that E.T. was a staple in their childhoods and I remember myself that whenever I had a pick of a film at the local video store at that age, that E.T. would most likely be the first film I would pick up and bring home, even having seen it for the umpteenth time. I also know people who watched their VHS copies so much that the tapes themselves wore out from so much use. The sign of a much loved item. Here again over 30 years later, Mathison and Spielberg are still able to create magic and a long lasting classic that will both appeal to adults and the youngest of children. It has been close to 20 years since I last read The BFG, but watching the film, everything came back to me and it was like I was discovering one of my childhood treasures all over again. Mathison's screenplay which is full of wonder and amazement and also takes us into a new world with wonderfully rich characters, Dahl's wonderful mangling of the English language I mean that in the best way possible and also wonderful lessons for children such as about friendship, bullying and believing in yourself. The film also most importantly is a lot of fun and I was in an audience that was laughing when the film was funny and even close to tears in the beautiful and sentimental moments that didn't feel false, but felt beautifully captured and enriching all the same. The special effects are kept to a minimum and what we do have visual wise is so beautiful and truly spectacular to look at that it is one of the most visually pleasing and stunning films that I have seen on the big screen in quite some time. The acting by Mark Rylance, Ruby Barnhill among others is terrifically expressive and yet they seem to have a great time in this film and we are along every step of the way with them and when they are having fun, so are we, when they are scared, so are we and we connect with them and love being with these characters and watching them. Truly a beautiful film that is a wonderful and fun time for children, but beneath the surface also teaches valuable life lessons and truths and encouragement that every child needs. One of the best films of this year and one of the best family films of this year, or really any other. Highly recommended. <less> |