Sandy Kenyon reviews 'The BFG,' based on Raold Dahl classic

NEW YORK (WABC) -- A beloved children's book is hitting the big screen this weekend, with Roald Dahl's "The BFG" being re-imagined with Seven Spielberg at the helm.

Almost 35 years after "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial" comes the Big Friendly Giant, and while the two movies are very different, they both share a sense of wonder and hinge on a child's vivid imagination.

An orphan named Sophie who is prone to staying awake until the wee hours of the morning gets taken by giant hands belonging to the BFG. And in the land where the giant lives, there are even bigger creatures who aren't so nice.

"Dahl is famous for scaring us, then in the same breath, making us smile," Spielberg said.

And he made Dah's words come alive, especially in a magical trip to the land of dreams.

The giant was created in a computer, but his soul belongs to actor Mark Rylance.

"There's lovely, lovely talk and ideas about dreams for young people in this story," he said.

It's hard to believe he is the same actor who won an Oscar in "Bridge of Spies" -- also directed by Spielberg.

The director is is famous for guiding young people, and the latest is the terrific Ruby Barnhill.

Spielberg is a billionaire who will turn 70 later this year, but as "The BFG" proves, he has a unique ability to retain a sense of wonder that translates into terrific family entertainment.

"We're hearing all the whisperings of the world," he said.

The move is mesmerizing and the pace leisurely, and it comes from Disney, the parent company of WABC.