Fantasy and Reality Blend into Surprisingly Beautiful Film

Rating: 10/10 (16 December 2003)

I just saw "Big Fish" at an early screening last night, and I must say I walked away amazed.
To be honest, I am a big fan of Ewan McGregor's work; I think he is an excellent actor, and I mainly went to see his performance. I saw by looking around at all the Edward Scissorhands t-shirts and Jack the Pumpkin King ski caps that I was surrounded by mainly Burton fans. No matter; I knew I was going to enjoy this film from what I had heard about it, even if it wasn't completely up to par.
However, the film turned out to be fantastic in all ways; you'd really have to press me to find a single flaw. The characters were rich, and perfectly cast (I don't even really like Alison Lohman, but she was THE young Jessica Lange). I really liked how consistent each character was, as far as McGregor being dead-on as a young Albert Finney, and Finney hitting the mark as an old McGregor.
The film was crazily well-written; it was comedic, dramatic, far-fetched, light-hearted, and touching all at once. But what is amazing is that this was all accomplished without being too cheesy, too sickly-sweet, and too unbelievable. What's more, the way the story was told was very interesting; there was seemless transitioning from the past to present, with parts being told from different points of view. Also, each principle character had about the same screen time, which I really liked. The script, direction, and acting were so fresh that I never had a dull moment--the film was always interesting, never boring or lackluster. I didn't look at my watch once.
Tim Burton really surprised me with this one. Of course, I have thoroughly enjoyed a few of his films from the past, but I wasn't sure what to expect from this one. It is by far the most mature film of his to date. I appreciated that it wasn't too "Burton-ny"--but that's not to say that you cannot see him in this work. It is a true Burton film, down to the last detail, but it's not so out-there that only real Burton fans can enjoy it or understand it. His directing is superb and focused, and I cannot imagine another at the helm of "Big Fish".
I can guarantee you will not be disappointed in the acting. Finney is more than convincing as the stubborn, old, and colorful story-teller; Crudup IS the skeptical, annoyed son who really doesn't "get" his dad, and who has accepted the fate of never really knowing Edward Bloom; Lohman is the fresh-faced, youthful beauty--the only one who will ever really give Bloom the chance he deserves, no strings attached; Lange gracefully plays the aged wife, the one and only who understands Bloom, who lets him get away with his stories--he is not only devoted to her, but she to him, and you can tell how lucky she feels to have such a loyal companion who loves her unconditionally. But it is McGregor who really shines; he carries the movie and is flawless as the lovestruck, ambitious, curious, scheming underdog. His expressions convey every emotion perfectly, and his is a very honest performance, not matter how far-fetched the story. But every performance, from the children to Helena Bonham Carter, is so truthful, and this is what really makes the story work.
I think the ending was one of the best and least contrived ones I've ever seen in a movie. So, if you're curious, I urge you to see the movie. I really think it's for everyone, young and old, men, women, and children. If you're not curious, you SHOULD be. You really WILL laugh and cry, but mostly you'll be laughing. And I promise the tears are from sheer joy, not sadness. It would be a shame to miss out on this one just because you're not sure of it. Just so you know, my dad's a manly man who hates crappy movies, and I sure as hell am going to take him to this.