James and the Giant Peach (1996): Dir: Henry Selick / Voices: Joanna Lumley, Mariam Margolyes, Pete Postlethwaite, Steven Culp, Paul Terry: Ridiculous yet creative family film that should fancy young viewers. The giant peach symbolizes challenge and responsibility. James lost his parents to the cloud rhino and is left to slave for two nasty aunts. One day he is given a glowing substance from a stranger, which he spills. A plant grows producing a single peach, which grows to an unbelievable size. Used for publicity by the aunts, James crawls inside and is befriended by insects. The peach rolls off and the adventure begins. They encounter a shark via water, then spider webs are attached to seagulls for air flight. They are heading to New York where his parents claimed to be going. Unnecessary skeleton pirates subplot and an ending that goes into overkill. Directed with imagination by Henry Selick who previously made A Nightmare Before Christmas. Joanna Lumley and Mariam Margolyes ham it up as the aunts out for profit and greed but their defeat is somewhat embarrassing. Pete Postlethwaite is not seen long enough outside of selling the glowing substance. Steven Culp has the idiotic chance to be a cloud rhino victim. Paul Terry plays James who evidently goes on this overwhelming trip that even marijuana couldn't conjure up. Exquisite visual effects full of spirit and imagination. Score: 6 ½ / 10
Review of James and the Giant Peach
