Spielberg’s ‘The BFG’ adaptation needs more salt

Though not as beloved as "Matilda" or "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," Roald Dahl's charming tale of a big, friendly giant who invents new words in every sentence still holds a special place in the hearts of the writer's fans.

The story is simple enough: Sophie (played sweetly in the movie by Ruby Barnhill) gets plucked out of the orphanage by a giant and she is introduced to the world of giants.

Younger readers would certainly find the funny words the giant utters amusing and his appearance before Her Royal Highness, the Queen of England is a visual spectacle that rewards imaginative kids.

Actor Mark Rylance (who plays the titular character) and director Stephen Spielberg translate these two delightful elements of the book into film adequately and despite the lack of genuine thrills—it could only have ended happily—this adaptation of "The BFG" is agreeable.

Sophie's first venture into The BFG's abode is quite literally dizzying. The camera takes her perspective briefly and the sheer size of his home almost triggers vertigo. Coupled with the shakiness of the camera, it can be a bit overwhelming for the senses.

The scenes after the first contact are mercifully stable and despite the proliferation of computer-generated images, The BFG and his world still look mesmerizing. It may not be vast, but Rylance fills the scene with personality. The punchlines work and his banter with the other giant, Fleshlumpeater (Jemaine Clement), is sure to force out at least a chuckle.

The visual gag is most effective when The BFG is in the human world, both in his sneakiness at night and, again, the encounter with The Queen.

Once the movie reaches its inevitable happy conclusion though, the audience might find themselves with a nagging feeling that there's something missing from what they just watched. It's as though a magician had thrown a flash bomb on the floor and struck a pose without doing a trick.

"The BFG" is dazzling and obviously well-crafted. It's pleasant, but not entirely memorable. — BM, GMA News

"The BFG" is now showing in cinemas.