Oversentimentality is the only flaw, albeit a minor one.

Rating: 9/10 (26 January 2004)

I say this as a warning to anyone who tends to avoid films that blatantly and shamelessly pull at one's heartstrings. But this film does it in such a creative way, and only in parts, that it would be a shame to miss out on seeing such a whimsical romp. Actually there is one other flaw: You don't put Jessica Lange in a movie and then underuse her! Shame on you, Tim Burton! (If in all her scenes, Lange leaves you wanting more, you MUST check out the HBO bittersweet drama, NORMAL.)
That being said, allow me to rave about Albert Finney and Ewan McGregor. They are just as successful at playing the same character at different ages as Judi Dench and Kate Winslet in the wonderful IRIS. Finney has lost none of the charm that made him an international star FORTY years earlier in TOM JONES, and McGregor, well, he's the ONLY major actor of my generation whose presence alone is reason enough for me to see a film, and I mean ONLY. He does not disappoint. Billy Crudup tones down his normally sexy persona and plays a stuffed shirt adequately. Marion Cotillard as his wife is lovely, could've used a little more of her. And Helena Bonham Carter? Don't get me started on how great she is in her supporting performance, hopefully this film will get her noticed and back into the leading roles she deserves to play. Matthew McGory and the up-and-coming comic actor Missi Pyle round out an incredible ensemble cast.
Burton takes all of the actors' strengths and puts them in visually splendid settings, creating a fantasy world that works perfectly for the narrative he sets up. This is one of those films like E.T. that you just have to go with, and the journey the audience makes with Crudup's character is definitely worth taking. I was worried this was going to be Schmaltz City, but with Burton at the helm it steers clear of that 85% of the time. If you don't mind that other 15% this film is for you, and it's a great film for families as well.