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The BFG flops: Has Spielberg lost his blockbuster touch? (Variety)
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Slurpy2k20
Member
I read the book a million times as a kid, but the trailer did fucking nothing for me. These movies usually evoke some kind of nostalgic emotion for me, but I felt it was Meh and gave me no desire to see the movie. Not surprised it has flopped, and most people have no clue what the BFG even is.
Doctoglethorpe
Member
I had no idea he directed it.
Just one more way the promotion of this movie was a complete failure. I mean, mistake number fuckin one: why the hell did you abriviate the title? Half the people who heard about it probably didnt even know what it was. Its absolutely nonsensical.
Just one more way the promotion of this movie was a complete failure. I mean, mistake number fuckin one: why the hell did you abriviate the title? Half the people who heard about it probably didnt even know what it was. Its absolutely nonsensical.
SomedayTheFire
Member
for real. it's hilarious people think the general public would think that.
I want to see this movie, I love Dahl books, read farrrr too many as a kid. It's not a movie I want a 'Cinema Experience' of though, I usually only go to see big action films/Blockbusters at the cinema because I love the crowd reactions.
I'll pick up BFG on Blu-ray, as with most movies that came out this summer. I only went to see Civil War, Batman v Superman, 10 Cloverfield Lane and Deadpool at the cinema so far this year and am only planning 2 more for the rest of the year (Dr Strange and Rouge One).
I'll pick up BFG on Blu-ray, as with most movies that came out this summer. I only went to see Civil War, Batman v Superman, 10 Cloverfield Lane and Deadpool at the cinema so far this year and am only planning 2 more for the rest of the year (Dr Strange and Rouge One).
None of my kids have said a word about it. I've ignored it because at first glance it seemed pretty dumb and I don't like the CG: half of the movie looks like a cartoon. Also, I had no idea Spielberg directed this.
Just watched the trailer now to make sure it looks as bad as I thought. It actually doesn't, but my feelings about the CG are reinforced. I had no idea this was Disney, either. Also the name is terrible.
On paper, I would definitely think Ready Player One has a better chance of success BFG. The subject matter probably appeals to more people (kids and adults like video games, and anyone who has ever played an MMO or wanted VR has fantasized about this kind of thing, vs a kids movie about giants). I guess we'll see when that comes out if Spielberg still has it. Personally, Spielberg hadn't done much for me in a very long time, but I'm always up for another go.
Just watched the trailer now to make sure it looks as bad as I thought. It actually doesn't, but my feelings about the CG are reinforced. I had no idea this was Disney, either. Also the name is terrible.
On paper, I would definitely think Ready Player One has a better chance of success BFG. The subject matter probably appeals to more people (kids and adults like video games, and anyone who has ever played an MMO or wanted VR has fantasized about this kind of thing, vs a kids movie about giants). I guess we'll see when that comes out if Spielberg still has it. Personally, Spielberg hadn't done much for me in a very long time, but I'm always up for another go.
Sir_Crocodile
Member
You should. Even Roald Dahl liked it!
I saw on opening day here in Iceland and the theater was maybe 50% full
DeviantBoi
Member
Children everywhere go, "Roald, who? Spielberg, who?"
Neither are a draw for children nowadays.
Neither are a draw for children nowadays.
Triggerhappytel
Member
No-one ever references the 1980s animated film starring David Jason. It's really good and IMO has held up really well.
As for this, it seems like a really bad idea opening a couple of weeks after a major Pixar sequel. Surprised Disney went ahead with that.
As for this, it seems like a really bad idea opening a couple of weeks after a major Pixar sequel. Surprised Disney went ahead with that.
Thats exactly the point. Years ago people would have flocked to a film just because Spielberg's name was on it. Thats not the case anymore among the younger generation.
brandonh83
Banned
Agreed.
In some countries yes, in others not yet. Here in Belgium it comes out the 20th, which means it also comes out in a holiday weekend (21st is national holiday, most people will take an extra break from work on friday the 22nd)
I know that in my circle a lot of people are looking forward to it, as in my generation (born end of the 80ies) Roald Dahl was in vogue for a time after the Matilda film came out. Can't judge if kids are looking forward to it. I guess they will more easily pursuade their parents to go see something like Secret Life of Pets, which seems to be more easily marketed with a fun ans snappy trailer then the dreamy ones of BFG.
Regarding the 'has Spielberg lost his touch' discussion. I don't know. His films still tend to be great. BFG flopping isn't the man loosing his touch, but maybe more that these kind of films are becoming harder to market. Also, I find it really strange that this is a summer release. When I saw the first trailer it screamed 'christmas release' to me. I think it might have worked a lot better released in november.
Ignatz Mouse
Banned
Saw it, my kids liked it, but it wasn't great.
One, the source material isn't great. Nostalgia be damned, it's a kinda random book. Not Dahl's best.
Second, its pacing is off. It spends a lot of time lingering on CGI shots like we're supposed to be impressed. I could seriously not care about the dream tree thing.
It's occasionally visually clever and the last act is pretty great, but it's mostly a soggy mess.
It also relies on Spielberg Schmaltz a lot, which works for some people but not for me.
One, the source material isn't great. Nostalgia be damned, it's a kinda random book. Not Dahl's best.
Second, its pacing is off. It spends a lot of time lingering on CGI shots like we're supposed to be impressed. I could seriously not care about the dream tree thing.
It's occasionally visually clever and the last act is pretty great, but it's mostly a soggy mess.
It also relies on Spielberg Schmaltz a lot, which works for some people but not for me.
Dreams-Visions
Member
honestly, I think I saw maybe 2 commercials for BFG up to launch. They must have given up on it before it even released.
Can Crusher
Banned
Looked like Singer's Jack the Giant Slayer. That's bad.
BronsonLee
Member
I dont know what the fuck is wrong with the world right now that something as safe and pure boring garbage earns a million and something like this flops.
The CGI takes a lot of getting used to and the BFG can't fucking talk for shit
The trailer and the giants look awful, like a video-game cutscene.
His last 6 movies are very by the numbers and lacks soul IMO :
- Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
- The Adventures of Tintin: Secret of the Unicorn
- War Horse
- Lincoln
- Bridge of Spies
- The BFG? (Haven't seen it yet)
Nothing ambitious or surprising.
His last 6 movies are very by the numbers and lacks soul IMO :
- Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
- The Adventures of Tintin: Secret of the Unicorn
- War Horse
- Lincoln
- Bridge of Spies
- The BFG? (Haven't seen it yet)
Nothing ambitious or surprising.
Lol I meant a billion and I meant to put a example in that post, will leave it like that, looks funny.
But dont know why but I find it very compelling in trailers, like an old school fantasy film.
elrechazado
Banned
They didn't abbreviate the title. The book is "the bfg"
Disclaimer I haven't seen the movie and just basing my judgment on the trailer footage.
Personally I feel that Dahl books are better read than watching as he really goes in depth with is dark side while still keeping it light.
I never got that feeling from the trailer plus it being GCI lost a lot of the charm.
Have you read Roald Dahl's books? They are suppose to be dark, hence why children love reading them.
Personally I feel that Dahl books are better read than watching as he really goes in depth with is dark side while still keeping it light.
I never got that feeling from the trailer plus it being GCI lost a lot of the charm.
Have you read Roald Dahl's books? They are suppose to be dark, hence why children love reading them.
Nerdkiller
Membeur
Sigh. Sometimes, I can't seem to get you people at all.
I don't think general US audiences would have been able to get the abbreviation either way. Should have just called it The Big Friendly Giant over there.
Michael F. Assbender
Banned
Oh for Christ's sake. It's one bomb and the sky is falling.
Wales uk, haha I know I was in shock too, even in that cinema many times with even smaller crowds, I have never experienced anything like it, it was on at 11:10am but still on a Saturday morning youd think they would be full of energy but nope.
Hmm maybe the kids stayed up and watched the Football the night before, it was a huge win,for our country, but still I doubt every kid stayed up past 10pm to watch it.
AmaterasuOni
Banned
The last good movie was München in 2005. Although I liked The BFG.
GodParticle
Member
Never even heard of this movie
B-movies are not given $200-300 million budgets.
PeakPointMatrix
Member
It just looked like detatched, unappealing CG produced non-sense. It hovers on the same qausi-reality CG films like Mars Meets Moms, The Wild, and A Christmas Carol that have both a look and antiquated vibe that audiences detest.
DontBeThatGuy
Member
Those dry as bones period pieces do make money though, more than enough to be successful. Hell, Lincoln made almost 300 mil worldwide, which is impressive for the kind of film it was.
DragonSworne
Banned
The problem isn't Speilberg, it's the material they made the movie from. BFG should not have been adapted as a movie. Come on now.
They should have made it 100% animated too.
They should have made it 100% animated too.
CraigerGamer
Member
Saw the movie last night. I thought it was really good.
For anyone else who saw it, did the opening scene
.
For anyone else who saw it, did the opening scene
where the Giant grabs the little girl remind you of something from dark souls? The cloaked figure sees he's been spotted and then comes after her. I don't know why but during that scene I thought, holy shit, Dark Souls
AmaterasuOni
Banned
...flop?
Freeza Under The Shower
Member
Could have sworn John Carter cost 250 million to make.
btw, looking at the trailer I was reminded of that movie with a polar bear on the cover. The last compas, or something? That had a similar 'there but not quite' look to it. The scale of the giant(s) seems more consistent than in other flicks though.
There are other distinctions than budget.
They are, that turned them into blockbusters. Thats the formula that made Spielberg(as mentioned in the text) and Lucas juggernauts.
Barkley's Justice
Member
Ha, seriously. Looks so bad.
Barkley's Justice
Member
So a low-budget film can never be an A-movie?
IsntChrisL
Member
BFG probably should have been released around Christmas time instead. I don't know why they thought this would do well in the summer.
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