The BFG

The BFG

movie

PG, 2016

WISE
68%

WISE Score

74

Avg. Tomatometer

Spielberg's Roald Dahl adaptation has heart and whimsy, but honestly? Most kids find it kind of a slog.

IMDb6.3
RT Critics74%
MC66
Common Sense Media
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Screenwise Verdict

Here's the thing: The BFG should be great. Spielberg directing Roald Dahl with a hefty budget and gorgeous visuals? Sign me up! But the reality is that this movie just doesn't land for most modern kids.

The pacing is glacial, the runtime feels endless, and while the imaginative elements are there, they're buried under a film that takes itself a bit too seriously. The scary giants are genuinely frightening (which isn't bad!), but the quieter moments drag. That 57% audience score versus 74% critic score tells you everything—adults appreciate the craft, kids check their phones.

If you have a patient kid who loves Roald Dahl books and can handle some legitimate scares, give it a shot. But don't be surprised if they ask to turn it off halfway through. The book might honestly be a better bet.

Age Fit

Best for 7-10 year olds who can handle some scary giants and have the patience for slower storytelling. Younger kids might be frightened; older kids will likely find it boring compared to faster-paced modern films.

WISE Breakdown
Wholesome
78

Roald Dahl's story centers on friendship, courage, and standing up to bullies (man-eating giants). The orphan protagonist forms a tender bond with the gentle BFG, modeling kindness and cooperation. Some scary moments with the mean giants, but overall emotionally healthy with positive themes of loyalty and bravery.

Imaginative
82

Giant Country, dream-catching, whizzpopping, and Dahl's signature invented language (snozzcumbers, frobscottle) create a wildly imaginative world. Spielberg's direction brings visual wonder to the dream sequences and fantastical landscapes. Invites curiosity about language, dreams, and the power of imagination.

Safe
72

Common Sense Media rates it 7+. The man-eating giants are genuinely scary and threatening, with some intense chase sequences and peril. No gore, sex, or inappropriate content, but the villain giants are designed to frighten. Younger or sensitive kids might find the giant sequences too much. It's a Spielberg-Dahl combo, so expect some genuine scares mixed with whimsy.

Enriching
70

Themes of empathy, courage, and using wit over violence are present. The BFG's gentle nature despite being feared teaches not judging by appearances. However, the film is slow-paced and somewhat ponderous—critics liked it more than audiences (74% vs 57% on RT). It's enriching in concept but struggles to fully engage, which limits its impact.

Parent Info
✓

Why It Might Be Great

  • Roald Dahl's inventive language and world-building (frobscottle, whizzpopping, dream-catching) sparks creativity
  • Beautiful message about friendship across differences and using kindness/wit instead of violence
  • Spielberg's visual magic in the dream sequences is genuinely stunning
  • The BFG is a gentle giant who teaches empathy and courage—solid role model
  • No inappropriate content, just classic adventure storytelling
⚠

What to Watch For

  • The man-eating giants are legitimately scary—expect nightmares for sensitive or younger kids
  • It's over two hours and slow-paced; even Dahl fans sometimes tap out
  • The 57% audience score tells the real story: critics appreciated it, kids were bored
  • Some peril and chase scenes that might be intense for under-7s

Conversation Starters

  • "If you could catch dreams like the BFG, what kind of dreams would you want to give people?"
  • "Why do you think the other giants were mean but the BFG was kind? What made him different?"
  • "The BFG gets made fun of for being small and different—have you ever felt like that?"
  • "What do you think about the made-up words like 'snozzcumber'? Want to invent our own silly words?"
Stills
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