This week in film; The BFG and Star Trek Beyond.

The BFG

The BFG, the second adaptation of the classic Roald Dahl novel, in which a young girl is taken from an orphanage to giant country and has various adventures with a big, friendly giant.

With stunning visuals, a twinkling score from John Williams, and a wonderful characterisation of the BFG from both the effects team and Mark Rylance, The BFG perfectly encapsulates the wonderous and mystifying tone of its source material, and a lovely pairing is created between Sophie (played with spirit by Ruby Barnhill) and the BFG.

Unfortunately, the film is let down by the crawling pace of its plot, and the dialogue, though fantastically written and implemented, is not captivating in long drones intercut with not enough action and adventure.

A powerful, moving, and hilarious romp that is well put together by Dahl, Disney, and Spielberg, but not quite the immediate classic it could be.

Star Trek Beyond

The crew of the Enterprise, now 3 years into her 5-year mission, is ambushed and stranded on a hostile planet, under the control of the villainous Krall.

Squabbling crew members, exploring the unknown, social commentary, this is what Star Trek is about, and what Beyond manages to capture far better than its previous entries. Though it also carries with it the sloppy direction, phony looking sets, and bizarre alien life that the original Trek carries with it. All this alongside huge set pieces that both hit and miss that are clearly brought along by director Justin Lin, known for the most recent entry into the fast and furious franchise.

Lacking the style and cinematics of Trek 2009 and Into Darkness, and under a far less capable director than J.J. Abrams, but making up for it with the spot on character dynamics and as-usual excellent cast, with interesting and awesome additions from both Idris Elba and Sofia Boutella. A Trekkie’s film, but nonetheless a good one.

Next Week In Film

1. The Ultimate Cut of Batman Vs Superman is released online, and adds 30 minutes of footage that makes the plot far more coherent and the pacing smoother. Though for most this will simply be polishing a turd, those who enjoyed the theatrical release will enjoy this cut far more.
2. And on the subject of DC Films, the animated adaptation of classic comic The Killing Joke arrives in limited release on Monday, and with Mark Hamill back in the Joker roll is unmissable for DC fans.
3. The BFI are celebrating Kubrick Day on the 26^th July, the birthday of the famed director Stanley Kubrick, and his Period Epic Barry Lyndon is re-released in select cinemas.

We lost Garry Marshall this week, a comedy legend, whose bravado and cheer will be missed.

Hear my full reviews on Between The Lines, Saturdays at midday.

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