The BFG - Box Office Review

Steven Spielberg decided to make a hybrid live action/animation adventure that is based off the popular children's Book "The BFG" written by Roald Dahl. This film blends both computer generated characters and worlds with a young actor who is tasked with making us believe what we see on screen is real. So let's dive in and take a look at "The BFG" in this box office review... 

To be honest, I never read the children's book so I wasn't entirely sure what I was getting myself into. I trust Spielberg and his ability to tell a story and create fantastical worlds and that was motivation enough to see this movie in theaters. The overall look of the film I enjoyed immensely. It's vibrant and colorful, it's dark and brooding and it's warm and sunny. We're treated to some creative worlds in this movie and each looks completely different than the other. If you pay attention to the design of these worlds you'll notice tiny subtle specialities that make each room or location uniquely clever. The land of giants has the remains of what appears to be a fair ground. The house of BFG has clever bottles, boats, vegetation and more showing that he's more than just a curious character who speaks different than everyone else. The orphanage is sterile and quiet. The streets of the town are cobblestone with dim lighting and each house has a similar but different look from each neighbor. The land of dream catching is dark but the dreams are colorfully vibrant, almost electric, in their appearance. Overall, the appearance of this film was the best part.

The story is definitely for children. There isn't much for adults in this film as the basic premise is just that, basic. The language is simple and the characters speak using exaggerated phrases that one might expect from uneducated giants who each represent something different. If you're looking for a thought provoking story this isn't it. Even the ending is humorous but simple. It's written for children and the movie captures that quality. If you have kids under the age of 11 or 12 they will probably enjoy the story as it's geared for young kids. As an adult you might appreciate the acting talents of Ruby Barnhill who is cast as the lead. Considering she acts mostly in a digitally created world I was impressed at her level of believability. 

"The BFG" is theaters now! I recommend a big screen viewing if you have young kids. It'll be a fun time at the movies for you and your family. It's a fun story that isn't offensive or inappropriate. It's legitimately a fun film that explores the created worlds of Roald Dahl as only Spielberg can tell. Honestly, if this movie wasn't made by Spielberg I probably would've skipped it. I'm glad I didn't because the dream world was incredibly colorful and unique. If you don't have kids you can probably skip this one unless you're a die hard Spielberg fan. This film won't ask a lot for you but it does require that you suspend that part of your adult brain that denies the fantasy worlds that exist from a child's perspective. It's fun but it's not a great film. Again, if you have young kids they'll probably enjoy the time spent with you at the movies and that will hopefully be enough.

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Box Office Review: Bridge of Spies

If the goal was to create a film as intense as the previews, the mark was missed. If the goal was to make a dramatic character study piece that involves ideals and convictions while focusing on real life events in a Cold War world, success! "Bridge of Spies" is masterfully directed by Steven Spielberg, which in all honesty is no surprise, and is brought to life by Tom Hanks and so many other talented actors. It should also be noted that the script was written by Matt Charman and the Coen Brothers. How much more talent is necessary? None. Thankfully there's more talent throughout the entire film which made it feel like the audience was being spoiled. This isn't a complaint it's merely an observation... a pleasant observation.

The synopsis on the films IMDB page reads as follows: "An American lawyer is recruited by the CIA during the Cold War to help rescue a pilot detained in the Soviet Union." The story is pretty simple, right? No arguing that point here but it's the nuances that complicate things for these characters. There's moments of intense dialogue and then moments of humor to keep things light in very dark and trying times. The level of realism felt by even minor characters, who aren't named but described in the credits, take this story to the next level.

Take a moment to consider that in America during this time hatred for Communists/Soviets/Russian's was unprecedented. A common slogan heard in America was "Better dead than Red" referring to communist Russia and anyone from there. Now imagine being so convicted in the American justice system and the United States constitution that you are willing to defend a communist. A communist who is believed to be a Soviet spy working against your country's best interest, and the interest of its citizens. Pretty intense, right? Absolutely this story is intense but even in dark times some of these characters find some light and provide some chuckles.

This is a film that can not only be watched but also appreciated. The characters are so rich and full that their time on screen keeps you transfixed on that moment. Their personality quirks and physical ticks show each actor paid attention to who they were portraying and created an art form out of acting, like any good actor will do. It's acting done well and it allows the audience to identify with these characters, each for different reasons at different times. At no time is the audience expected to sympathize with Rudolph Abel, the suspected Soviet spy, but Mark Rylance does an excellent job bringing to life a character you don't necessarily hate. The back and forth dialogue Tom Hanks and he engage in was one of the high points of this film. These characters were so different but similar in that they both stood for something and found common ground in that fact.

If you have the cash and the time this is a film worth seeing on the big screen. The East Berlin scenes after the wall goes up certainly will be more enjoyable on a theater big screen than any TV at home. This is even a film that is date night appropriate. So if you got someone you fancy this film might even make you appear more cultured. So that's a positive. At not point has a story ever appeared in Cosmo or GQ lamenting the prospect of dating someone cultured. So try and keep this film in mind when you think you might enjoy something more substantial than say, any Rob Schneider film. Save those types of films for Redbox nights at home with a 6 pack and cold pizza.

"Bridge of Spies" is in theaters now. Two American thumbs up!

Comment below if you've already seen it and share your thoughts. Join in on the fun of movie watching and be sure to share this post with anyone who you feel would enjoy another Box Office Review.

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