Perhaps director Steven Spielberg had an easier task than most. After all, he didn’t have to visualise Roald Dahl’s beloved children’s tale The BFG from scratch. Why? Because artist Quentin Blake had already done that. The latter could instil a childlike wonder through his sketches. However, the degree to which Spielberg was influenced or not by Blake remains unclear. Nevertheless, I rate his film adaptation -- penned by the late Melissa Mathison -- as first-rate.

Sophie (the charming Ruby Barnhill) lives in an orphanage. Her restless spirit keeps her awake at night, especially during the Witching Hour. Pretty soon, she spots a giant down the road. They make eye contact and seconds later the giant reaches in and grabs her. Before long, the young girl finds herself in Giant Country where not all behemoths project a friendly visage.

Quite frankly, it was hard not to feel enchanted by the collective effort on display here. Whatever time has done to alter or in certain cases dim the magic of Spielberg -- one accusatory finger aimed at War of the Worlds -- The BFG comes across as something splendid. Having watched E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial on many occasions, The BFG slides into the same loveable bracket. I enjoyed every frame, and there are twenty four of those every second. More importantly, I wanted to knock down the projectionist’s door in the hopes of gaining a second viewing… on the house no less. Oh well, I’ll have to wait for the Blu-Ray.

A highly emotive actor, Mark Rylance conveys joy and innocence as the Big Friendly Giant. Because he’s on our side, dramatic turns in the story strike more deeply. His eyes, so expressively rendered via visual effects, come across as beaming fixtures of hope. In fact, there’s enough creativity to bypass Spielberg’s maudlin habits. For example, composer John Williams delivers a terrific score. It might not be his finest hour, yet there are enough bravura musical touches to make this score unforgettable.  

Time for a little poem:

Niceties among deadly folk

Hiding where fearful brute spoke.

Sophie meets the BFG

A conjurer of dreams is he.

The plan to stop

Those monsters before they get the drop.

Spielberg brings magic once more

Drawing from emotional core.

Composer John Williams does a good score spin

Because anything less would go into the bin.

A mighty experience filled with glee

Classic status earned by The BFG.

(Released by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures and rated "PG" by MPAA.)