Big Fish,

Reviewed.

Once every so often, there comes a movie that you think is going to suck but it actually turns out to be a fairly good time. Take for example, Dumb and Dumber. Seeing the previews for this gives you the idea that it looks pretty stupid, this was the original intent of the movie. But, after viewing the film you find that its pretty damn funny, even to this day after we've seen it thousands of times on TBS. Anyhow, back on the actual film being reviewed here, Big Fish's previews show only bits and pieces of the film, and those shown give you the general idea that this is a sleeper and just another long Miramax (who only appears to make films just for the "big" Oscars.) film. This film is in no way a sleeper, unless you see a very late night viewing of it, then it might just put you to sleep. But enough of the rambling, lets analyze this film via it's direction, acting, and overall story.

Directing for a long movie, as this one is, is not an easy task by all means. I mean, all the times this film jumps around from place to place, actor to actor, real life to fantasy (or so we think) it would, I imagine, be quite a challenge. We should all know Director Tim Burton from films such as Batman, and Sleepy Hollow, maybe even Edward Scissor Hands. This film combines a lot of elements seen in several of his films, as well as some new stuff I've never seen him or anyone else for that matter, do. This film flows very easily, and I don't remember finding any slow points at all, another thing that tons of films have.

Acting is amazing in this film. I was blown away and my pants flew off. No, not nearly that dramatic, but you get the idea. Steve Buschemi (which I don't think I spelled right) is his usual self, but not like in Fargo here. He fits his part very well but at times, he over did it a bit. Ewan McGregor (from Star Wars) is excellent as the main character's younger self. He too fits the story and you can see him being the older dude. The other actors, Helena Bonham Carter, Devito, Lang, Finney, all do very well. This is one hard movie to analyze on the acting because the story is much greater.

The story is based off a novel of the same name by Daniel Wallace, as said before, does not slow down at any point in the film. This movie is basically about the life of a guy who loves telling his stories of strange travels, strange people, and friends he meets along the way. I'm not totally sure, but I think Second Hand Lions is kind of like this movie. I have no idea, maybe I'm getting them mixed up. Anyhow, the story and the script are top notch and you almost feel like you are in it. I suppose its because it is so unbelievable, but I won't give away the ending for the sake of all moviedom.

Overall I was shocked that this movie was as good as it was. I had no idea it would be as neat and fascinating (hea) as it was. The cinematography was superb with things I have never seen done before, and I always like to see new things. Lighting, sound, coloring, all work together to create one movie no one can resist catching the big one for, hea that made no sense. Buthesda Cobblebottom, my esteemed colleague viewed this film at the same time and I'm sure he would write much the same review.

Reviewed 2/17/04 Freddie Farz Jr.