A magical candy factory, a convention of witches, a gifted girl and a mischievous fox: these are just a few of the subjects that star in the works of writer Roald Dahl.
The British author created children’s literature that is social commentary, fantasy, whimsy and wit all mixed together. The latest work to go from page to screen is his 1982 novel The BFG, a story of a young girl named Sophie who befriends a Big Friendly Giant. In celebration of this new release (courtesy of Steven Spielberg), you may want to venture into the vault of Dahl’s collection. Here's the rundown on what to expect from some of his most popular adaptations.
Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971)
Rated G
When most of us think of a Roald Dahl story, visions of chocolate rivers, Everlasting Gobstoppers and Fizzy Lifting Drinks pop into our minds – it’s hard not to. The 1971 film Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory –starring Gene Wilder and based on Dahl’s book Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – became a huge success, earned a loyal cult following and has been a family favorite for decades. And parents, don’t forget the trippy, psychedelic boat-ride scene. Well, it was the ‘70s. To rent or buy, check out FandangoNOW.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005)
Rated PG
Tim Burton dared to revisit Dahl’s masterpiece and update it with his high-def, stylized and, of course, odd take on Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. His version includes elements from the book not found in the first film, such as Charlie’s dad alive and well, working at a toothpaste factory and quoting the original lyrics for the songs of the Oompa Loompas. To rent or buy, check out Fandango Now.
Matilda (1996)
Rated PG
It’s hard not to have your heart go out to Matilda (Mara Wilson), the incredibly bright, gifted girl with telekinetic powers. Born to parents who don’t appreciate or understand her (Danny DeVito and Rhea Perlman), Matilda forms a very special bond with her teacher (Embeth Davidtz ) and both of their lives are changed forever. To rent, buy or watch the trailer, check out FandangoNOW.
The Witches (1990)
Rated PG
This may be one of Dahl’s darkest stories. A young boy’s parents are tragically killed and he goes to live with his grandmother. While on vacation, they accidently happen upon a convention of witches – led by the Grand High Witch (Anjelica Huston) – whose purpose in meeting is to figure out how to rid the world of children. Spoiler alert: one scene that has the potential to freak out kids (and maybe a parent or two) is where Huston peels of her human face to reveal the creepy crone underneath. Yikes. Watch the clip for a closer look. To rent or buy, check out FandangoNOW.
James and the Giant Peach (1996)
Rated PG
The young James in James and the Giant Peach has had a tough life. His parents were tragically killed while on a trip to New York City and then he’s forced to live with his horrendous and horrible aunts. Next thing you know, James has befriended a group of humanlike bugs who live in a peach. The whimsical (and odd) story is told in a mix of live action and stop-motion. To rent or buy, check out FandangoNOW.
Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009)
Rated PG
Director Wes Anderson tackled the tale of a rebellious fox in his first and only animated film, Fantastic Mr. Fox. In the tale, based on Dahl’s book from 1970, Mr. Fox, who had a history of stealing from local farms, must work with the community to survive the wrath of the angry farmers. The stop-motion film has an all-star voice cast including George Clooney, Meryl Streep, Bill Murray, Owen Wilson and Willem Dafoe. To rent or buy, check out FandangoNOW.
