Disney’s “The BFG” is its director Steven Spielberg’s first collaboration with the studio conglomerate and his second with actor Mark Rylance since “Bridge of Spies” (2015)—which won the latter an Academy Award for his performance in the espionage drama-thriller. Rylance plays the eponymous BFG—a ‘Big, Friendly Giant’—who captures and kidnaps ten-year-old Sophie (Ruby Barnhill) because she’s stumbled into the existence of giants living in the shadows.

Essentially, a family film presented, co-produced, and co-financed by Disney should be a slam dunk; its odds increased exponentially with Spielberg behind the camera. Unfortunately, “The BFG” ends up being quite the opposite, though; a movie meant strictly for kids—if at all—but ends up being a phenomenally frustrating watch for both young and older adults. 

This doesn’t mean the film is unwatchable—Spielberg, dependable as ever, competently directs a well-acted movie with gorgeously composited visual effects and reliable work from his Oscar-winning regulars—Polish cinematographer Janusz Kamiński, composer John Williams, and film editor Michael Kahn—and has its moments.

The sum of its parts doesn’t necessarily make a narratively satisfying whole; it’s quite the shame, considering every person in front of the camera—including Rylance, Rafe Spall, debut child actor Barnhill, Penelope Wilton, and Rebecca Hall deliver excellent turns. From a storytelling standpoint, though, there’s no emotionally compelling adhesive to make even the sparks of brilliance stick with you.

At 118 minutes, “The BFG” may be Big enough to count as a feature film, and it’s reasonably Friendly for its target audience, but it’s just not Great overall. It’s competent in craft but leaves you more than wanting in narrative, turning the viewing experience frustratingly flat. Disappointing.