Steve Reviews: BFG 2016 vs BFG 1989 (which is better?)

Thanks to Kamikoto for sponsoring today's video. Go to kamikoto.com/stevereviews to save $50.
Due to popular demand in the comments section, I decided to do a comparison review of the 1989 film version of the BFG, to the 2016 remake, did it surpass the original? Or did this expected Box Office giant end up falling a bit short...
Twitter: / reviews_steve
Patreon: www.patreon.com/user?u=16101082

[@SteveReviews]

Thanks to Kamikoto for sponsoring today's video. Go to kamikoto.com/stevereviews to save $50.

[@milktea6676]

BFG Buy for game

[@aperson4287]

Insert very original person saying "no" here

[@cactuskid6747]

review troll of central park or up we soar

[@redpanda6497]

Could you do a video about Cat city/Macskafogó?

[@STICKOMEDIA]

Nice

[@teffy4345]

I remember when the “live action” movie was being advertised on TV. My husband , who has never read the book or know anything about the other movie saw the trailer and then said “BFG? What does that stand for? Big F*cking Guy?” I was laughing so hard. He ain’t wrong! Great video btw

[@lethalkrab]

My dad said the exact same thing 🤣 I was coming down here to comment that.

[@Mahsurik]

Okay, Now that’ll Funny 😄

[@otaking3582]

No, it obviously stands for "Big F*cking Gun". Hasn't anyone here played Doom?

[@IamJacksSTD]

@@otaking3582 Doom is actually a video game adaptation of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, along with some nods to other works by Dahl.

[@calnum1054]

Bollock Faced Grandad is a lot better

[@DarwinskiYT]

1989 Giant country: a strange alien world that looks unlike anywhere on earth 2016 Giant country: The Shetlands

[@romangunter621]

1989 Giant Country kinda reminds me of the alien planet Ygam from another cult classic animated film that Steve definitely needs to review soon: Fantastic Planet a French and Czech Republic adult animated experimental sci-fi film from 1973.

[@kingkaza]

Oddly reminds me of that fight scene in hellboy reboot and even that didn't feel fun

[@kingkaza]

@@romangunter621 ye i saw that recently and I'm happy that movie was dubbed cause when speaking French being watched by a brit English person it adds to the alien feel when aliens talk but that movie did have a funny idea What if we were the bugs in a human colony

[@He1IoDev]

and big vikings

[@MrOrcshaman]

1989 - Giants genuinely intimidating child eating monsters. 2016 - scotsmen after a bender.

[@THECRAZY320]

The part in the remake that annoyed me was that the queen’s assistant adopts Sophie but the two actresses barely exchange a line in the film.

[@silashurd3597]

Well, gotta give Sophie a happy ending somehow

[@JanieBee]

THIS!!! like...they literally shared one short small during the breakfast scene and I guess that was enough. I liked how in the original she wanted to live I guant country

[@sadrat5375]

I always thought she was adopted by the queen herself, not her assistant

[@josevasquez4080]

@sadrat5375 that's in the book.

[@sodagirl1092]

Sophie: "Be quiet! there are people trying to sleep!" Also Sophie: *yelling at them across an echoing street and being louder than they ever were*

[@CannoliSlugYT]

IRONY

[@ComicalRealm]

Fun fact: John Williams returned to score this movie. He had not worked on Steven Spielberg's previous movie Bridge of Spies (2015). Only 2 other times in 42 years have the pair not worked together on a theatrical movie.

[@chazofalsa]

Yeah, Ready Player One and most recently West Side Story.

[@ASMroleplay737]

You should cover Disney's 3d animation adaptation of a christmas Carol. It was pretty scary in some parts dispite being for kids.

[@miriamheidemann3878]

Omg yesss

[@williampulfer-melville8536]

Also the movie on a side note is actually the most accurate version of a Christmas carol made to film which is kind of funny considering the film stars Jim Carrey as Ebenezer Scrooge and the three spirits of Christmas which definitely shows you that Jim Carrey has a lot of Talent

[@beasty909]

that version, creeps me the hella out :/ i dont like it! supposed to be a Christmas movie bout an old greedy s.o.b finally stopping being greedy you know? x :/

[@Asphodelic_Ellipse]

I remember loving it as a kid

[@StoicVeR]

@@beasty909 Ebenezer isn't just a selfish, greedy sob. He's a dude that came from measly warm family ties when he was sent off to school, then working his way to wealth under the guidance of the good nature Fezziwig, and then later the harsh and penny pincher Marley. A CC is a story about redemption, not change. The dude lost his way and needed ghost intervention to teach him how to stop being a dick. Or else.

[@eeveestar6826]

The lines you showed as an example of the BFG's exaggerated broken English, and the boy's dream about chatting with the president is straight from the book, if I can remember. And the giants regretting their actions is them talking in their sleep after the BFG gives them the nightmare about them getting hunted by Jack from Jack and the Beanstalk.

[@Zerox_Z21]

I think line delivery hurts the first one. BFG comes across as sort of drunk or simple-minded in the new version: I can imagine David Jason speaking those lines and, because they are delivered with firmness and conviction, they come across much better; it makes it clear that BFG is simply ignorant of the nuance of language, whereas the new version I just found sounded, as I said, kind of thick. The lines for the giants' nightmares aren't great either: they shouldn't be sorrowfully admitting to being terrible cannibals as they do here, they should be pleading in fear that they aren't, which makes more sense if they actually fear Jack. This also more closely matches Fleshlumpeater's response to the nightmare in the book where he does just this.

[@tsnophaljakarax9963]

I don't think the film mentions the nightmare being about Jack and the Beanstalk. In fact, I don't think they mention it at all. Apparently the nightmare is just about facing your guilt or to paraphrase "look what you have done". I honestly think the animated film did the nightmare scene way better, and a nice bit of humiliation for Fleshlumpeater, seeing that the biggest and baddest giant is scared of a human that doesn't even exist. Also with the dream sequence....they could've chosen ANY dream mentioned in the book, and there was a few. There was the invisibility one from the animated one, but I also remember going on a mountain climbing adventure with a pet cat, or inventing a car that runs on toothpaste. Honestly, any of those could have been more visually interesting. Or heck, maybe show more than one dream.

[@PlanetZoidstar]

I'm glad you called out New!Sophie, her telling off those hoodlums for causing noise is VERY Karen of her, and not at all the behaviour or backbone of a small child who grew up in an abusive orphanage. It's like they wanted her to be a 21st centure Girl Boss without realising that makes no sense for her character. Plus it greatly diminishes her character growth if she is already bold and assertive right from the start.

[@JRBDWD]

Ah,good old feminism destroying women and female characters everywhere

[@jasminemohamed823]

@@JRBDWD glad someone finally understands, that feminism isn't always empowering

[@djtheturtle1399]

@@jasminemohamed823 I feel like "feminism is actually bad sometimes" isn't the point to take from poorly written female characters

[@AllyGatorAnimator]

@@djtheturtle1399 I was thinking the same thing. Feminism itself and what it stands for isn't the problem, there's nothing wrong with wanting to see or write strong female characters, it's a writing flaw. I'd argue, if we really wanted to bring feminism into the argument, that the issue lies with people either pandering in the laziest way possible without any understanding of what it means to write a strong character (female or otherwise) or trying to dismiss criticism under the guise of a movement. (which didn't happen here, but has happened before), but again, that's not a fault with feminism, that's a fault with bad writing and people who can't take criticism.

[@Ett.Gammalt.Bergtroll]

@@djtheturtle1399 It is not so much feminism itself as it is writers making female characters Powerful Gurl Bosses(TM) because they think it appeases feminist sensibilities.

[@thedeliveryboy6178]

I personally really like the new addition of Sophie not being the first child to be with The BFG, as it adds a level of tradegy to the character, but apart from that, I really don't like the Remake.

[@JanieBee]

Yeah even then I feel like they couldve added more to that. It just...doesnt make you feel anything

[@beverlyaponte6200]

Thats not an addition, thats directly from the book

[@thedeliveryboy6178]

@@beverlyaponte6200 um, okay?

[@harryfleutv666]

@@beverlyaponte6200what??

[@AVGNROCKS1996]

I’m noticing a distinct lack of killer space marines and world ending demons, and these BFG’s dont look like they shoot walls of green death so I think I’m gonna have to pass on both.

[@blakehernandez388]

Took me a bit to get the joke lol

[@beasty909]

yeah i cant help but wonder, what would it be like if they did cross-over? ;) lol x

[@Zedrapazia]

Big F*cking Gun! Doomslayer ahead!!

[@dogdog357]

The general in the 89 film did say "dakka," so... Doom, Rald Dahl, and Warhammer crossover? 🤔

[@beasty909]

@@dogdog357 ooooooh i like sounds of that :) x

[@liam6170]

The problem with most remakes is they can never find a balance between the source material an adding new things

[@JanieBee]

Yep. It's either copying everything word for word and putting CGI everywhere, or changing it to an unrecognizable state AND putting CGI everywhere

[@JanieBee]

@Khaled Shanshal because they know if they pop out 10 movies a month theyll still turn a profit I guess because theyll always have an audience of small children and easy to please adults

[@JanieBee]

@Khaled Shanshal well good on you. I hope you can succeed. Dont be swayed by the soulless corporations ruling us

[@JanieBee]

@Khaled Shanshal age means nothing. I know some 45 year olds who still act 16! We need young people in these industries considering it's always gonna be the younger people's era. You'll do great things :)

[@paladinboyd1228]

And they have a habit of dumbing things down.

[@rinakitty9283]

I never understood why they made Sophie so empowered and outspoken. I liked the animated films portrayal of her better, it made sense why she was so timid, growing up in a abusive orphanage that punished you for the littlest of transgressions. Gave her room to grow and develop character as the film progressed. It inspires timid people like me to believe we have inner strength, we just need to believe in ourselves. I want more main characters like that.

[@huntercoleman460]

I agree. As bland as she was in the original, Sophie grew as a character and even was a little snappy in the original.

[@alexkazhdan]

Because “strong female character”.

[@Treeeee2008]

I love how you actually give advice on how to improve the film instead of just criticizing it, many critics I know only look at the bad stuff but don't offer any input on how it could have been improved.

[@laliclaudesol2350]

Soooo... the giants are terrified of the rain but yet they allegedly prey on children from the UK? They must be starving for 3/4 of the year, then, if they want to eat children from "rainy places". Can someone tell me if we even get a traumatizing "murder of sleeping young child" scene in the 2016 version, please? Oh and yes, 1989 version all the way 💕 Great video, Steve! Greetings from Catalonia!

[@AllyGatorAnimator]

I haven't watched it in a while, but from what I remember there was no horrifying child-eating scene. There was, however, a scene where they were carrying humans back in a sack, but they don't really linger on it and how horrifying that would be (e.g. no screams, the bag doesn't really move). It's definitely a much softer take on the tale.

[@JanieBee]

No, we dont. I wouldnt recommend watching it at all. As someone who can find the good and humor in even bad/subpar movies, this movie has NONE. The only enjoyable thing was the BFG's home, purely out of nostalgia for me and the design was pretty nice. The ending scene with the queen and staff made me rethink suicide (jk) but yeah I wouldnt waste the 2 hours

[@barombolobombolo1501]

Nah the new one is more of a disney theme park ride so you know its lame as hell, like all the nostalgia traps disney spawns lately.

[@tsnophaljakarax9963]

@@AllyGatorAnimator I don't even remember seeing the sack. I just remember BFG hearing the giants come over a hill while he hears someone crying in the distance. I do remember it being really tame, and the only time we get a sense that these giants are supposed to be evil cannibals.

[@zapan9643]

So that's the idea behind the mo ie

[@LowellLucasJr.]

The 1989 film is infinitely better. While many can criticize the direction of its music or ending, the film stood out visually. The Troublesome Giants, for example, have been colored differently( for the most part) looked more monstrous and stood out from one another. The new film has generic designs that kinda clump them together in the category as Hairy-Cavemen. Also the worlds in the 89 film feel more fantastical than ones in the new film- as it sometimes feels like Bilbos backyard. This isn't Nostalgia talking either, just making some points.

[@moodycowcrafts4862]

The new giants looked like stereotypical 'barbaric scotsmen' (their behaviour was kinda more reminiscent of the wee free men of terry pratchett than the giants in roald dahl) and giants country just looked like scottish/irish moorland which didn't help with the whole 'this smells of english imperialism over even its white neighbouring countries'

[@beasty909]

oooooh sooooooooooo true!!! XD 1989 can NEVER be beaten :) xxx

[@kichiwas-hargan4775]

They didn't like the ending, huh?

[@RhiannonSmudge]

For the new giant's design: I can see why they went with a Nordic/Scandinavian appearance, as giants are prevalent in Norse mythology As for everything else about the giants like their personality quirks and story: meh, lackluster

[@williampulfer-melville8536]

True but I do have to agree on Steve with their designs in the original film as they look more fitting being these weird demon pirate entities

[@raptorjesus2516]

Ah this brings back memories of being terrified of the live action bfg

[@quattrobajeena135]

So your like 10?

[@TheBatIsRad6436]

@@poccahonta8577 what

[@toastedbabybuns1000]

2016 was only 5 years ago, so why are you on the internet

[@JanieBee]

I dont agree with everyone's points about Sophie's confidence. As a child of abuse, I developed to be pretty meek and unable to form relationships/be assertive while my sibling developed to be very short tempered and dangerously confident. People develop/respond to abuse quite differently

[@jorgeponce852]

This is one of my guilty pleasures, the other giants acting like kinder garden bullies and their line delivery is hilarious to me. I was even rooting for them at some point lmao

[@SailorMya]

Having the other giants being reformed would have been great! They could have still punished the leader since he didn't get a nightmare and banished him from giant country to the island. It would have been nice to see the BFG teaching them to farm or catch dreams becoming the new leader. I like that fact that Sofie can't dream so now any time she has a dream she will know that the BFG visited her.

[@ghastlyghandi4301]

The best thing about this story is when the giant has a diplomatic conference with the queen so that she can order the royal army to literally invade the f*cking island without approval of the United Nations to depose of the original population, essentially causing genocide on the island by exiling the local population to another more isolated island. It’s just the most British thing I’ve ever seen, it’s great that they teach them all that early.

[@deadbynightupbylunch]

Making the giant’s world like something out of the highlands and the giant’s looking far less threatening are what let this movie down in my eyes. The giants world in Cosgrove Hall’s version is a desolate wasteland so it would make sense that it only grew snozcumbers and the giants had to either feast on the disgusting vegetable or go to other dimensions to find an alternate food source. In Spielberg’s version with it being a beautiful place of greenery (where it rains). It doesn’t make sense for the Giant’s change in dietary and snozcumbers being the only editable thing in their world. The giants being less scary, threatening and very childish makes the BFG less understandable as to why he takes their abuse and knuckles under them which makes it far less impactful when the BFG finally stands up to them. It also makes their eventual capture by the army less deserving.

[@JanieBee]

Agreed. It all felt very lackluster. And felt like the jokes weren't even jokes just points in the script where they said "time for a forced laugh". Never made me laugh, not even chuckle. Besides the beginning scene when one of the drunk men said "watch the water". And also I think the lack of soundtrack really takes you out of it. And it was a weird choice to have quiet ass scenes and then fade the music in at the end of whatever scene

[@pyrrhusofepirus8491]

Why don’t they make the giants look like Vikings or Pagan Danes or Norse? It’d make them actually unique, and make them intimidating. Imagine Fleshlump Eater as a huge Norse warrior, with a great grey beard, tattoos, and armour with a winged helm, maybe even give him a milky, blind eye, like a aesthetic reference to Odin, who plucked out his own eye.

[@alexfeder9328]

Then make them into Jotunn by that point

[@pyrrhusofepirus8491]

@@alexfeder9328 exactly

[@tsnophaljakarax9963]

@@pyrrhusofepirus8491 That would be pretty badass ngl

[@cradiculous]

The use of that Biden clip definitely got a laugh out of me. The BFG would have to be some kind of sick monster to make any kid dream about that experience.

[@spartanumismatics8165]

Lol i know right. It made me right.

[@jacksonhodge4638]

Time stamp?

[@cradiculous]

@@jacksonhodge4638 21:30

[@StarShadowPrimal]

Easily the creepiest thing in the review or either movie...

[@arcadeassassin7176]

at this point i'm straight up convinced Joe Biden is a pedo. man these presidential candidates just keep getting worse and worse.

[@FF-tp7qs]

Imagine if someone made a futuristic Sci fi adaptation of the BFG, and called it BFG 9000

[@farelitoh4810]

BFG Division intensifies

[@Ashfold_Eberesche]

You can't just fart a hole in the surface of Mars!

[@Ryder-a-Blaze]

The dream world scene looked just like an Aurora Borealis, it makes me wonder why Principal Skinner wasn’t there.

[@ggrarl]

At this time of day? At this time of year? In this part of the country? Localized entirely in his kitchen?!

[@Ryder-a-Blaze]

@@ggrarl yes.

[@foodafen7406]

@@Ryder-a-Blaze Can I see it?

[@sageforasennight]

@@foodafen7406 No.

[@Natalie-qm3ys]

Seymour! The house is on fire!

[@QwertyRulz2]

I agree that, instead of being captured, they should've instead reformed once they realized that, yes, they were bad guys and didn't know that what they were doing was bad. Could've even had a build up where they had a "throwaway" line about how they only eat bad people or something.

[@davidspektorov8262]

Dahls antagonists are generally unrepentant bastards. And that was his experience with the bastards in his personal life. So he wrote what he knew.

[@matveynoname7083]

Thank you Steve for recommending me ,,The Pied Piper”. We had a literature exam about Dyk’s book.

[@brittanypayne9512]

I literally watched both of these the other day so happy you're doing a video comparing the two!

[@alfiejob6546]

18:00 - 18:20 There is definitely some potential there. After thinking for a bit, I come up with a storyline based on the ideas you have pu forward. Let's say, the BFG enjoys Sophie's company as it reminds him of the joy he had with the boy that used to live with him. Because of this, he becomes somewhat possessive (but not in a full- blown obsessive way) of her, keeping her locked in his home for safety and prevents her from trying to escape despite knowing full well that the world she is in is dangerous and that she can potentially be killed, which ties in with the idea of him being a "morally ambiguous" character you've put forward. Sophie finds out about the previous boy and feels sorry for continuously berating, and finally come to terms with eachother. Everything that occurs in the movie still happens as it does, such as the scene where they go dream collecting together. The others giants sense that BFG is harbouring a human is with him and raid his house, like in the movie, and Sophie narrowly avoids being killed. Following this incident, BFG finally accepts that keeping her with him is dangerous, and so he takes Sophie back to the orphanage, giving her a dream that makes her think her time with BFG never happened. Unaware to him, however, he drops Sophie's blanket before leaving Giant Country. Time passes since Sophie's return, and we are shown her everyday life as it was before she met BFG. Back in Giant Country, the giants discover Sophie's blanket and set about to crossing over into the human world. BFG overhears this and immediately rushes to back to try and save her I must admit that this is unoriginal, but I think that it is a decent storyline that works.

[@Ryder-a-Blaze]

The giants are scared of the rain? Well, looks like they have something in common with Henry the green engine.

[@ButterscotchMcBean1995]

Lololo

[@iapetusmccool]

That means they could easily be stopped. All you would need to do would be todig a bug tunnel for them to hide in. And then brick them up in it.

[@Videomaker-pz4xm]

They are basically giant Villagers in Minecraft who run inside a house immediately when it starts raining..

[@hmmmmmmmmmm..]

A couple of things, since this is aimed at kids, I feel like a couple of the more nitpicky things can be excused. Especially when it’s one of those half-fledged ideas, which make the film more enjoyable and different to the original in the perspective of little kids. Like someone else stated, many aspects that you critiqued are things from the books, and I also feel that the scene where the bfg almost leaves Sophie works, as he realises that he needs her and that she needs him

[@CinnamonGrrlErin1]

I think the 2016 one is one of the most forgettable movies I've ever seen. It's not "bad" per se, because even bad movies can have some entertaining elements to them, it's just bland.

[@osmanyousif7849]

Basically it’s a one-time-watch type of movie….

[@crazybobert5243]

Okay I’ve even watching too much daria, I accidentally read your comment in janes voice

[@thing1thing2themediamaniac43]

If you saw The original BFG before you saw The Spielberg Remake You'd understand why some people like myself HATE this film with THE PASSION OF A MILLION SUNS I didn't grow up on the original BFG. It wasn't in my childhood, although I did read the book in the 6th grade. I discovered The original BFG quite by accident in 2016 while looking for The Spielberg Remake and fell in love with it. Than I saw The Spielberg Remake and yeah IT REALLY PISSED ME OFF

[@Beer_Dad1975]

Yeah agree, took my sons to this in 2016 (they were 6 & 9 at the time & both loved the book) and we all found it disappointing but not awful. I've never seen the animated version, at least as far as I can remember - at 14, I would have been too old to be interested in it in 1989 I guess.

[@Nosferatu755]

The '89 version was my childhood, when studios actually had the balls to tell kids "life isn't all sunshine and rainbows, deal with it". But, that said (and having read the book again) I agree that the new ending offers the best of both

[@roo1014]

Great video Steve! Please do a review on Jim Henson's The Dark Crystal Or if you want an older animated movie that most people won't know of, The Phantom Tollbooth

[@charondusk5608]

Phantom Tollbooth was a trippy but beautiful movie and nobody can change my mind on that, it will always be one of my favourites.

[@alec2733]

List of things you should watch: - fehérlófia - Alice (Swankmajer) - animerama trilogy (one thousand and one nights + kureopatra + belladonna of sadness) - 1001 nights (Yoshitaka Amano) - yellow submarine - allegro non troppo (expecially the bolero segment) - Heavy metal - Aliens, flamingos & ecstasy - cat cindarella (Alessandro Rak) - the art of happines (Alessandro Rak) - the breadwinner - atama yama - Fantasia - Azur et Asmal - kirikou and the sorceress - where the dead go to die - the Adventures of Mark Twain - fantastic planet - waking life - I married a strange person - cat soup + Nekojirou theatre (you should watch nekojirou theatre first) - genji monogatari - genius party beyond - robot carnival - son smeshnogo cheloveka - waltz with Bashir - Chico & Rita - where's my body - Samson and Sally - neo Tokyo - Yolo: Crystal fantasy - $9.99 - it's such a beautiful day - anomalisa - consuming spirits

[@dori_v4927]

Ah yes, "Fehérlófia" I remember watching it back in elementary school. Nostalgia

[@raptorjesus5870]

The BFG reminds me of my great grandpa ( Pappa ) in his stubble, the way he talks, and his demeanor. Funny enough hes the tallest man in the family.

[@raptorjesus5870]

@@poccahonta8577 no

[@JackOfen]

I am glad they didn't have this third-act-liar-revealed moment with the nightmare. I always hate when movies do it, as it just brings everything so halt so the characters can bicker and mope for a few minutes only to get together again anyways. A lot of movies do it and it's always annoying and time wasting.

[@COctagons]

I much prefer the more bestial giants of the 1989 version. They're big, bestial, and more savage in appearance than the modern, lighter, softer adaptation. That said, it did raise a few questions as to why the BFG didn't look like them, despite allegedly being the same species. As for the story, being accurate to Dahl's works isn't always a good thing, as he had a penchent for non sequiturs as much as he did for making asshole characters. Just look at the two Willy Wonka movies...

[@justinsarcedo9355]

Same, I often prefer the Men in Black trilogy over MIB Intentional, the original series was enjoyable and fun. The MIB Intentional to me felt like meh and I kinda switch watching Venom instead. Most 80s and 90s movies/ tv series can have a good adaptations in films. But, it works if they either fixing the original issues on the series had or simple try something different like the Sonic the Hedgehog Movie did by a little touch up the characters and listening to fans.

[@PlanetZoidstar]

The BFG explains this himself when he refers to himself as "a freaky Giant" and how "there is no other Giant like me in all of Giant country" I took if as him being a Dwarf by Giant standards. He was just born short and without their murderous nature.

[@justinsarcedo9355]

@@PlanetZoidstar BFG seem like a small variant than the other Giants. Kinda comparing a pony with a draft horse.

[@Jojozilla426]

@@PlanetZoidstar he's smaller in both versions, but in the original they look like completely different species, not like dwarfism

[@kaijufan313]

As much as I want to respect an author’s original work, it seems like he’d deem any movie adaptation of his work bad unless it’s more accurate to his stories like how he didn’t like the first Willy Wonka movie and the first Witches movie.

[@kudrzyk]

You gotta teach that fear is normal, like scaring them with scary story, and showing how a relatable protagonists handles beeing scared . And i do agree that film should have went full cgi.

[@Morbegs]

I really liked the “live action BFG” he reminded me of my grandad lol.

[@Sencilia]

I saw this movie in the cinemas. The guy sitting next to me fell asleep shortly after it started and woke up near the ending. I actually forgot this movie existed.

[@MrTheWaterbear]

Great comparison! ^^ I was curious what you would think :) Just a heads-up on your sponsor, though. Kamikoto knives are a Chinese brand, manufactured in China, using a cheaper Japanese grade of steel. Not quite worth as much as they sell for, especially with the deceptive marketing. Definitely decent knives, just know what you’re getting into.

[@jaqjynx]

‘So she can live a normal life.’ Not sure it’s normal to live in Buckingham palace.

[@FyoCoutch187]

I'm 27 and the scene when they are eating with the queen and they start farting I laughed my ass off mostly because one of them was trying so hard to hold it in his face was priceless. My point being dont let someone tell you you're too old for fart jokes!

[@teoteous]

After seeing that one BFG x DOOM fanart the original DOOM theme won't stop playing in my head while I watching this.

[@sharpshooter63]

So glad the content keeps coming Steve, I’ve binged all your videos and over the past couple of weeks and I love your insight.

[@arielortiz5643]

I can't get over the fact that Steve left a question in the title, but the question is in the thumbnail 😂😂😂

[@fmsyntheses]

I really, really resent the entire dialectic surrounding the 'live action adaptation of an animated film'. I can skip the films, but the whole underlying assumption that if it's live action, it's more legitimate really bothers me.

[@LeoMkII]

exactly, people who don't watch something because it is a "cartoon" can rot in hell

[@xxshinanaevangelianxx]

I have loved 89's BFG since that was part of my childhood, I was stoked when I heard about the live action of it being made and I have to say I share the same sentiments as you about it. The older one was better as the giants were much scarier especially Flesh Lump Eater, the giants in the adaptation were a joke especially them being hydrophobics with Flesh Lump Eater being easily beaten. They really tried to go off script with the 2016's BFG so I'm sticking with 89's BFG.

[@calummaddison3355]

2016 Freshlumpeater: Scared of water. 1989 Freshlumpeater: On his way to eat human beings whilst swimming in water.

[@mancalledsol]

a forgotten memory of an insignificant past memory, in elementary school ; resurfaced in my mind, I only remember this story being read to me when I was in the 3rd grade . woe....

[@infiniteflame2374]

I think they confused sassy, with annoying and irritating where Sophie is concerned.

[@TV---kn2rl]

5:07 I thought this about Harry Potter, too. Other than his more pronounced reaction to the dementors, I feel like his abusive household didn't seem to impact him that much.

[@mathieuleader8601]

the giants is how I picture the Giant colony in Harry Potter as well as Hagrid's extended family on his mothers side

[@doomchap7614]

BFG 2016. I love the gun in that game. In eternal I only get two shots compared to 2016’s three. Yes I know this is the wrong bfg

[@lordofshades9852]

Sophie being sassy could be anger felt at being repressed by her orphanage being let loose, as it is confirmed orphanage kids can easily develop anger issue

[@chilathecreativefox9098]

Meaning being abused?

[@lordofshades9852]

@@chilathecreativefox9098 that too

[@chilathecreativefox9098]

@@lordofshades9852 What do you mean the orphanage let loose?

[@lordofshades9852]

@creativefox9098 I was referring to Sophie's sass and anger being allowed to flow out of her, because she couldn't do that at the orphanage

[@chilathecreativefox9098]

@@lordofshades9852 I see. You could've easily said that she developed a short temper due to the abuse at that place; that would be easy to understand. 🤷‍♀️

[@jessicaable5095]

It's a story with giants eating children. That should be scary. The original movie won that part hands down.

[@user-ey9uj6vp9s]

They have become afraid of making anything “scary” for children. The same thing happened with the new Witches movie. It’s such a shame.

[@joselazo9799]

I always thought the reason BFG kept Sophie around against his better judgment was due to loneliness. Feeling a connection with a prior child, having that relationship, and losing it may have made him want it more. You could consider it headcanon, but you can't assume it would be logical for him to try to remove Sophie because of his previous loss. He was likely conflicted, knowing the danger she was in, wanting that connection again, and having had a reason to kidnap her due to her seeing him. That part of the movie never seemed farfetched or out of place, made a lot of sense honestly. Who doesn't want to have a friend after losing the only one they had, when living among people who treat you like shit? Though I agree about the giants being beaten too quickly.

[@wkk89]

I really enjoy your reviews! I always pick your video to watch when a new one comes up! Keep up the good work and thanks for the excellent contents!

[@Jartist234]

If we don't learn from our mistakes, we are doomed to repeat them... Is this why we're getting so many reboots and remakes recently? Honestly though, I felt the live action version could have been done a lot better. Something about the cgi just didn't seem right espcially with the giants.

[@fawnieee]

We live in a capitalist society lol, all that ever matter to anything is making profit. That's why there's so many remakes.

[@LeoMkII]

@@fawnieee sadly, even a remake of cowboy bebop, it doesn't get much more unholy than that

[@LeoMkII]

line seriously, if people don't want to see the originals because those are "cartoons" then fuck them, they're missing on something great

[@bowmaj8666]

I didn't see the live action movie when it first came out, however I did catch a clip where the Flesh Lump Eater goes up to the BFG and says "I got a boo boo!" I was like "Oh no! No no no! You can't take the other giants and make them a bunch of big babies!"

[@anthonysandoval5512]

The 2016 movie was the first time I had been introduced to this story. It may not be the best adaptation but it will always have a special place in my heart if that makes sense.

[@BloodylocksBathory]

I remember kind of enjoying this film when I first saw it... for the only time. It really doesn't have re-watchability for me. I do love the set pieces (the dream world especially) and the title character looks great, as well as the casting of the kind-featured Mark Rylance. I only like the designs of the other giants by a smidge. Their generic appearance is utterly forgettable and they're not all that threatening. It's kind of like the filmmakers had cold feet about making them remotely frightening. You can imagine my disappointment that we don't see their raid on the towns and hunt for children, as you likely were too.

[@LindzTheLooneyOfLondon]

Does anyone else see a comparison between the men Sophie yells at from the orphanage and the giants? One of those actors Adam godley also voices a giant … are they going for a wizard of oz style parallel universe? Love your reviews x

[@williampulfer-melville8536]

Well I think is interesting is how this was actually the second Roald Dahl movie Adam Godley stared in as he previously played Mr TeeVee in Tim Burton's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

[@LindzTheLooneyOfLondon]

@@williampulfer-melville8536 I’d forgotten that :)

[@fluffyflareon4152]

I remember seeing trailers for the live-action BFG, then it seemed to drop off the face of the Earth and I never heard about it again. I actually thought it got canceled or something

[@Wolf_Dominic]

I feel it’s worth mentioning, the animated BFG movie was the only adaptation of any of his books that Roald Dahl actually liked. Pretty much every other one he hated. I wonder what he would’ve thought of the remake.

[@laurabrown2982]

Still prefer the original by miles (I love it) but as far as pointless remakes go, the new one wasn't bad, it certainly had it's charms.

[@yusukeelric]

hard disagree about the new giants. It's subjective, I like the giants being similar to the titular one because they are the same species. The other giants looked like different species of different beings all called giants. The book nailed it and the new animation did well in following the book, But i believe their faces lack feature, they look too generic.

[@vanguardplays3418]

isn't dumping the giants on an island a bad idea because couldn't they just swim to the mainland and eat children again. in the original movie the pit made more sense because they wouldn't be able to climb out

[@faintsmile363]

they're afraid of water tho

[@vanguardplays3418]

@@faintsmile363 that's weird though that they included a fear of water just so they could change it to them being sent to an island. Plus they could always get over that fear in the future

[@tristambre632]

You did well with both reviews, you sum up pretty much what I think about my childhood loved movie and the live action remake they did in 2016.

[@chsparkle]

I did like the BFG being given supplies to grow his own garden. Because you do wonder in the original film how Sophie would eat when she goes back with him. The Palace scene is fun, I do like how we see them organising the breakfast. Original definitely better but I don't mind watching the new one. You're right about the giants, it did feel like some sort of redemption was possible, especially as the BFG seems to care for them.

[@sharpshooter63]

Although using real actors, I’d love to see you take on Matilda, there are creepy moments and there’s a huge insinuation that Ms Trunchbull is a murderer

[@tsnophaljakarax9963]

I honestly love how Pam Ferris is really sweet when she's in other roles (including teacher roles, like in Nativity) and even did an audiobook or Roald Dahl stories, yet she's absolutely terrifying in Matilda.

[@WinkuzzVids]

My problem with the other giants is that they move so fast. Giants should move slowly, they have so much mass to move around over such a long distance, it doesn't make sense to have them tumbling and stumbling and running without the earth shaking.

[@MsAlyssaB1]

Is there the scene of the giant roaming through down looking to eat kids? That was actually terrifying!

[@medo5417]

I was actually pleasantly surprised by the remake

[@Smogget]

I do like the design of the "live-action" BFG. They manage to make him look harmless and other worldly without straying too far into the uncanny valley, and that's hard to do.

[@thediamonddragon1369]

To be fair to you I agre with alot of what you've said about what's better and what's worse you kinda made me see it more now that it's been said clearly, which is why I watch your reviews. I also would love to think about what a wizz pop song would look like in live action.

[@aimeesullivan5990]

Old one, all the way. I, found myself honestly bored and dissapionted watching the 2016 remake. And a number of reasons I like the old film? The animation(dream country is gorgeous), the bloody scary designs of the bad giants their real monsterous looking, the music, the emotions, the friendship between Sophie and BFG(it doesent even feel like they like each other much in the remake), and of course, DAVID JASON. He did the Bfgs funny way of speaking so marvelously :) Really gave the character life

[@tingofingo1348]

Literally about two weeks ago I started reading this book for school, and then you go and upload two videos about the movie adaptation. Thats crazy.

[@BossStar1995]

The BFG? Why are we bringing a Doom Weapon into this?

[@johnnessuno6515]

The BFG was one of my favourite books as a child but when we watching the 89 version in school I couldn't get past the musical pull. I didn't watch the newest version but seems like I've made a good choice on passing it on in 16. I adore Rhold Dhal buy still

[@am2382]

The best British reviewer has posted.

[@connorthompson8376]

Thanks for the side by side! I still haven’t seen the 2016 movie, but this was very enlightening.

[@serketenglish5963]

Now, the real question is do either of these stand up to the BFG 9000?

[@hardhattedwarcriminal2008]

Yes

[@serketenglish5963]

That comment when the DOOM Soundtrack kicks in.

[@CreatureCal]

I used to think BFG was short for Big Fat Guy. 😂

[@thefattesthagrid]

"The BFG 2016" _Mick Gordon starts rumbling_

[@ashvolante4835]

They advertised this movie for like 2 weeks then I never heard about it again until now..cool to see u review it

[@jordy_muhnordy]

Another great 80's movie (however not based on a book) to look into is the musical Rock and Rule. It's animated, maybe a dash of CGI. Whacky, weird, but somehow it works. Please please please give it a watch, I'd love to hear your thoughts on it. Also, it's free on KZbin ;)

[@whistlerdan7718]

I’ve always thought that BFG means Big Fucking Giant

[@Rahab84]

I thought it was Big Facking Git

[@tajklair]

I liked the live action scene how the giant used a pitchfork as a fork.

[@Cometstarlight]

I'd have to agree that the animated version works a bit better, but one bit from the 2016 version I liked was when the BFG and Sophie were having a conversation before the military arrived to capture the giants. It was about Sophie's future and what her dreams were and I thought it was really sweet for them to talk about that before the finale (even if the finale wasn't as finely executed as the animated version).

[@onebilliontacos3405]

Well that’s disappointing. I always thought that the 2016 BFG was pretty good (aside from the fart jokes). Never saw the original (aside from maybe the bfg’s design which I did not know the origin of), but by the sound of things here and the video you made covering it it sounds a lot better.

[@emiliomanueldepedro9650]

There's a few animated movies i would like you to review, Stevie boy. Those are: -Fire and Ice -Wizards -Night on the Galactic Railroad -Belladonna of Sadness -Rover Dangerfield -Starchaser: the Legend of Orin -The Return of the King (Rankin/Bass version) -Gay Purr-ee -Oliver and Company -The Great Mouse Detective -Transformers: the Movie

[@quattrobajeena135]

I’ve never heard of these. Return of the king a animated lord of the rings?

[@emiliomanueldepedro9650]

@@quattrobajeena135 yeah. It was a direct-to-tv movie

[@quattrobajeena135]

@@emiliomanueldepedro9650 Wow dude I just got hit with some flashbacks. I owned Fellowsbip animated on VHS got it for Christmas like 20 years ago. I never knew they made the others. I just found a 1hour long video on the subject. I think I’m going to watch it now. Thanks for the answer dude have a good Christmas!

[@quattrobajeena135]

Well Duh I know the transformers movie from then. Any of those others you would recommend more ?

[@toonsstudio1988]

you did it! i been waiting for this. thank you🤩

[@Gypsygeekfreak17]

iv been waiting for a review like this

[@serenitythesiren5031]

Steve, I have a review request for you: Restart the Earth. It's a life action, drama, sci fi, Chinese film about humans developing a drug to make plants grow quicker, but, the drug works *too* well, and plants become sentient and kill every human (except a few survivors) and take over earth.

[@MrD-on6dp]

So The Happening all over again?

[@serenitythesiren5031]

@@MrD-on6dp *Shrug*

[@ggrarl]

@@MrD-on6dp "What? No."

[@imogengould1859]

Original, always. For all the reasons you mentioned, and I feel the drawn out tension made with music, story development and visual imagination will always create and far more impactful and memorable watch. Most firms these day, wether live action or reboots don't always go full in with risky visual scenes in order to minimise the 'scare' factor of films and try to become more PG OR truly U rated. Most of those types of scenes went over my head as a child and only by rewatching them as an adult made me realize what I was actually watching. Now I find the film more memorable and impactful, because they managed to intergrate serious moments and funny adult humour. Yeah, bath scenes totally werid, but I take it as it is; something innocent that most children would be doing, every day, and play into some of child sociology to appear more relatable. Thanks for watching the original.

[@oliversherman2414]

I love your channel keep up the great stuff!