Ben says: From some of the people who put together The Nightmare before Christmas and with a host of voice talent including Richard Dreyfuss, Susan Sarandon, Simon Callow and David Thewlis, James and the Giant Peach is based on Roald Dahl's splendid children's story. As a film it works really well with a few exceptions. I didn't feel the songs added anything to the film and it lost its way a bit in the middle. The best thing about it for me was the characterisation of the various insects and the animation overall. Joanna Lumley and Miriam Margolyes were splendidly wicked as the two evil aunts that James is sent to live with after his parents get killed by a giant Rhinoceros. Overall then, a pretty good film, but one that might be a bit scary for very small children.
Ben gives it:

Fi says: Enough of the critical stuff, what about the film as entertainment. Well I think it works very well. The crossover from live action to animation happens about a third of the way through and I think from that point on children will really get into the story. The wicked aunts are truly gruesome and everyone in the cinema was pleased to see them get theirs! I agree with Ben that the singing wasn't really necessary but Mollie (3) chooses to differ. She sang along with all the songs and made up all her own words. What a genius! Charlotte, being 8 and therefore highly sophisticated, just thought it was good. She's at an age where it just isn't the done thing to get too excited about a fabulous story like this. Didge (my little sister) just wants to know where Miss Spider got her kinky black boots from and she gives it 8/10
Fi gives it:

Charlotte says: I thought it was OK but not the best film I've ever seen. I liked the bit where the bony skeletons scared the centipede. How ever I didn't quite like the big head of James. It looks silly a big head and a little body.
Charlotte gives it:

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