Review: "The BFG" Brings Back the Spielberg Magic That We've Been Missing

Scene from The BFG

Everyone has that moment in their lives when they first discover the magic that is Steven Spielberg. For many, it was how terrifying the water was in Jaws; or how cloning dinosaurs in Jurassic Park was a bad idea. There's an unabashed amazement that comes with realizing the potential of cinema on a grand scale with the power to produce works that wouldn't seem fathomable on anything less. For kids of today, the magic of Spielberg may seem like a thing of the past, especially with back-to-back serious dramas like War Horse, Lincoln, and last year's excellent Bridge of Spies. However, the Spielberg that brought magic to family films is back with his take on Roald Dahl in The BFG. Lead by Mark Rylance and Ruby Barnhill, the fantasy adventure film may not be quite as captivating as the director's finest works, but it sure is a lot of fun while taking the viewer into a new and exciting landscape that only works because of Spielberg's assurance as a director, and we're all the more better for it.

The Trailer for Spielberg's "The BFG" Promises a Welcome Return to Kids Movies

Scene from The BFG

With the constant barrage of awards being announced in the weeks to come, it is likely that everyone is still thinking about director Steven Spielberg's impressive Cold War film Bridge of Spies. Among other things, it's an entertaining look into the attitudes of the era as well as the importance of understanding and humanity. However, the legendary director looks to remain busy with another film coming next year. It's the much touted adaptation of the Roald Dahl story "The BFG," which also features a script from the late E.T.: The Extra Terrestrial screenwriter Melissa Mathison; and is the director's first non-historical drama since 2011's The Adventures of Tintin. With the first trailer upon us, it's time to be expecting the friendlier Spielberg again. From the looks of it, it may very well be worth the wait.

R.I.P. Melissa Mathison (1950-2015)

Left to right: Steven Spielberg and Melissa Mathison

On November 11, 2015, screenwriter Melissa Mathison died at the age of 65 in Los Angeles, CA after battling an illness. Among her many credits is the screenplay for director Steven Spielberg's E.T.: The Extra Terrestrial, which many consider to be among his best films. Beyond that, her career has featured work on the sets of films such as Apocalypse Now, Kundun, and even in animation with the Studio Ghibli English translation version of Ponyo. With her plans to reunite with Spielberg on the Roald Dahl adaptation of "The BFG," the news comes as a shock. She leaves behind an impressive career spanning 40 years in which she inspired films to be more youthful, whimsical, and lively.