The BFG [Blu-ray }
DVD Wholesale Quick Overview:
Forget about the box office numbers and the mild reception BFG received from critics and audiences. If you don’t clear your mind and find the proverbial blank slate, these outside influences will taint your viewing and in the process a gem of a movie will be missed. The public reaction initially served to reinforce my general angst and reluctance to shell out $40. I kept asking myself, how could a Spielberg movie based on a Roald Dahl book flop? This wasn’t like most other current movies being produced, which are basically over-hyped schlock (usually sequels) that require mindless consumption of over-buttered popcorn to survive the journey. However, I had a hunch that BFG would be a quality film because it didn’t fit this popular zeitgeist. Plus, the kids really wanted to see it and I am sucker for taking my kids to the cinema. In the end, I am glad I listened to my kids because BFG combines the best of both visual effects and storytelling, making it the type of movie that keeps me and my family coming back.
As a family movie, it doesn’t get much better. BFG spoke to my wife and me, and my two sons, (ages 7 and 9), on different levels yet still allowed us to connect and talk about the film days later. After all, isn’t this the true point of movies – to tell and re-tell the story, long after the lights have come back on and the theater is empty?
For the adults, BFG offers insights into one of the greatest mysteries of aging, the loss of friends and increase in loneliness as the years pass. The BFG himself is a sensitive and complex being who is alone, a hermit of sorts. His only “human” contact is the nefarious giant bullies who periodically intrude upon him and outlandishly degrade him. He is, in a sense, Corey Haim in his most prized role of Lucas, even down to catching dreams in jars via beautiful things that fly. But, when fate connects him to Sophia, an orphan, they begin a journey together that breaks their parallel cycle of loneliness. In the process they establish a love and commitment to each other that develops bonds of true friendship. This is quintessential sappy Spielberg, but isn’t that why we love him?
For the kids, BFG has the excitement of wonder – the main character is a kid, it’s full of giants, there are new unexplored lands, it features the Queen of England and – wait for it – giant farts! What would a movie with a friendly giant be if there wasn’t a juvenile ode to that bodily function that has been captured from Chaucer and Shakespeare to Caddyshack and Austin Powers? Yet, there is far more going on here to keep it from whiffing. BFG conveys to kids in a relatable but non-preachy way that it is okay to be afraid, but eventually you have to stand up to your fears. When you do good things happen.
So, why didn’t BFG reach its potential? A few things methinks. Was there any other book adapted movie more in need of a title change? Even my 7 and 9 year olds knew that the “F” didn’t really mean “friendly.” It also happened to be competing against Finding Dory – which leads me back to my first paragraph. Lastly, its greatest asset was also its greatest weakness, Spielberg himself. More specifically, it is the legend of Spielberg. The man is like King Midas, every movie he touches is expected to turn to gold. He is no longer allowed to make a good, decent family friendly movie. It has to be E.T. or Indiana Jones. If it’s not, then we consider it Hook, which once again brings me back to my first paragraph, but I digress. BFG was, in my humble opinion, a victim of Spielberg’s success. And that my friends is a shame.
So do yourself a favor, go see BFG, but skip the over-buttered popcorn. I guarantee you won’t miss it.
-Eric Friedman
DVD Wholesale Main Features:
Actors: Mark Rylance, Ruby Barnhill, Penelope Wilton, Jemaine Clement, Rebecca Hall
Directors: Steven Spielberg
Writers: Screenplay By Melissa Mathison, Based On The Book By Roald Dahl
Format: Color, NTSC, Subtitled, Widescreen
Language: English (DTS-HD High Res Audio), French (Dolby Digital 5.1), Spanish (Dolby Digital 5.1)
Subtitles: French, Spanish, English
Region: Region A/1
Aspect Ratio: 2.39:1
Number of discs: 2
Rated: PG-Parental Guidance Suggested
Studio: Walt Disney Studios
DVD Release Date: November 29, 2016
Run Time: 118 minutes
ASIN: B01G4N5Q0A
