This week at the movies: Roald Dahl’s gentle, whimsical Big Friendly Giant comes to life on screen 34 years after the beloved children’s book was first released; and Tarzan, the infamous Lord of the Jungle, swings among the vines once again with his American sweetheart, Jane, to stop the devious scheme that’s been plotted against them.
The BFG
Ten-year-old Sophie (played by the pint-sized Ruby Barnhill) is in for the adventure of a lifetime when she meets the Big Friendly Giant (Mark Rylance). Naturally scared at first, the young girl soon realizes that the 24-foot behemoth is actually quite gentle and charming. As their friendship grows, Sophie's presence attracts the unwanted attention of Bloodbottler (Bill Hader), Fleshlumpeater (Jemaine Clement), and other giants. After traveling to London, Sophie and the BFG must convince Queen Victoria to help them get rid of all the bad giants once and for all. Directed by Steven Spielberg.
Perfect for: Fans of the Roald Dahl storybook (he is, after all, one of the most celebrated children’s authors of all time); fans of Steven Spielberg films.
What the Critics Say: The critics are describing The BFG as very true to its original story. A.V. Club says: “Protective fans can rest easy: If anything, this BFG is too faithful… So much of The BFG, read or watched, is pure world-building… Spielberg preserves almost all of this, losing only the more gruesome details of the other giants’ eating habits…” Meanwhile, Gizmodo calls it “a suitably entertaining and magical film aimed squarely at the younger people in your life.”
Our Take: Sounds like a charming family movie to see together over 4th of July Weekend.
The Legend of Tarzan
It's been nearly a decade since Tarzan (Alexander Skarsgård), also known as John Clayton III, left Africa to live in Victorian England with his wife Jane (Margot Robbie). Danger lurks on the horizon as Leon Rom, a treacherous envoy for King Leopold, devises a scheme that lures the couple to the Congo. Rom plans to capture Tarzan and deliver him to an old enemy in exchange for diamonds. When Jane becomes a pawn in his devious plot, Tarzan must return to the jungle to save the woman he loves. Also starring Christopher Waltz, Samuel L. Jackson, Djimon Hansou, and Jim Broadbent. Directed by David Yates (who also brought us the last four Harry Potter films).
Perfect for: Action/adventure aficionados; fans of film remakes.
What the Critics Say: Not the best reinterpretation of the Tarzan epic, but still satisfactory for a live-action reboot. The Guardian opines: “Kudos to Skarsgård for not pussyfooting around. He doesn’t quite bang on his chest, but he aspirates in a simian fashion; while it’s impossible not to laugh, he basically sells it. Robbie’s Jane (the daughter of an American teacher who tames the wild man before they fall in love) is bright and sunny and, like Rey in Star Wars: The Force Awakens, loath to be considered a damsel in distress… There’s an anti-greed message and a green message and a feminist message, but there are also the asinine Hollywood story beats that must be hit.”
Our Take: Alexander Skarsgård ain’t bad to look at, especially when swinging shirtless through the jungle (we’re just being honest, here). We know all too well this classic character and story, and thus wouldn’t mind seeing this swanky Hollywood version on the big screen.