Get in here and tell me this trailer doesn’t give you a sense of Wonder. This is the kind of movie I prefer Spielberg directs and he strikes the right chords and evokes that giddy sense of wonder I haven’t felt since… Hook? Jurassic Park? Films that appeal to kids are the classic Spielberg kind of film that made him one of my favorite directors.
The BFG (Mark Rylance), while a giant himself, is a Big Friendly Giant and nothing like the other inhabitants of Giant Country. Standing 24-feet tall with enormous ears and a keen sense of smell, he is endearingly dim-witted and keeps to himself for the most part. Giants like Bloodbottler (Bill Hader) and Fleshlumpeater (Jemaine Clement) on the other hand, are twice as big and at least twice as scary and have been known to eat humans, while the BFG prefers Snozzcumbers and Frobscottle. Upon her arrival in Giant Country, Sophie, a precocious 10-year-old girl from London, is initially frightened of the mysterious giant who has brought her to his cave, but soon comes to realize that the BFG is actually quite gentle and charming, and, having never met a giant before, has many questions. The BFG brings Sophie to Dream Country where he collects dreams and sends them to children, teaching her all about the magic and mystery of dreams.
Having both been on their own in the world up until now, their affection for one another quickly grows. But Sophie’s presence in Giant Country has attracted the unwanted attention of the other giants, who have become increasingly more bothersome. Says Spielberg, “It’s a story about friendship, it’s a story about loyalty and protecting your friends and it’s a story that shows that even a little girl can help a big giant solve his biggest problems.” Sophie and the BFG soon depart for London to see the Queen (Penelope Wilton) and warn her of the precarious giant situation, but they must first convince the Queen and her maid, Mary (Rebecca Hall), that giants do indeed exist. Together, they come up with a plan to get rid of the giants once and for all.
Sure this is a teaser but this it’s just enough to give us an idea of the direction and generate excitement. I am wondering what the motivation may have been for Spielberg to sort of backtrack in his film selection as he’s been churning out dramatic movies for the last 5 years. Either way, I’m looking forward to a new fantasy film from the director. I’m not familiar with the books, as usual, but I’m sure someone out there is. What say you? Is this something I should be excited for? Should I expect sequels? I’m waaaay too lazy to wiki this right now…
[Entertainment One]
