James and the Giant Peach

Henry Selick (1996)

85min

U Certificate

Review

Our Score

by David Parkinson

For a writer of children's stories, Roald Dahl undoubtedly had a dark imagination. Here, though, there will only be squeals of delight as James and his insect allies escape from a killer shark, skeleton pirates and a couple of awful aunts as they ride a giant peach to the city where dreams come true. It took three years to combine the live-action sequences with state-of-the-art model animation, and the latter is greatly assisted by the personality-packed voices of Susan Sarandon, Richard Dreyfuss, Simon Callow and David Thewlis. However, it's Joanna Lumley and Miriam Margolyes as the ghastly Spiker and Sponge who steal this wonderfully pantomimic show.

Summary

An unhappy orphan living with his cruel aunts discovers a gigantic peach growing in the garden. Venturing inside, he meets six friendly insects and together they embark on a magical journey. Animated and live-action fantasy, based on Roald Dahl's novel, starring Paul Terry, Joanna Lumley and Miriam Margolyes and featuring the voices of Susan Sarandon and Richard Dreyfuss.

Cast & Crew

James Paul Terry

Aunt Spiker Joanna Lumley

Aunt Sponge Miriam Margolyes

Old Man Pete Postlethwaite

Grasshopper Simon Callow

Centipede Richard Dreyfuss

Ladybug Jane Leeves

Spider Susan Sarandon

Earthworm David Thewlis

Director Henry Selick

Other Information

Language: EnglishColourTheatrical distributor: Guild Film Distribution LtdAvailable on: video and DVD

Drama Children's

Full Episode Guide

Henry Selick (1996)

Review

Summary

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