Visually stunning, wondrous and charming.

Rating: Null/10 (14 February 2005)

When I first saw this film, I was completely blown away. Ewan Mcgregor was perfect for the role, because he has a boyish quality that comes through in such characters as this. The different periods of the life of one man are seen with the progression of one town, certain tall tales, and mythical beasts. The conjoined twins were a nice touch, as well. The town of Spectre (spelling?) was a wonderful idyllic place, which represented the innocence of the main character. With the different stages of his life, it underwent certain changes. At the end, it was gone. Danny DeVito as a werewolf was exceptional. It was a great image, seeing him coming out of the woods with a stick in his mouth... Parts like that made me laugh out loud. There were parts that made me cry, as well. I am not really a sap, except for certain things (I can't hear Kermit the Frog sing the Rainbow Connection without bawling), but I could not contain myself when the son was telling the story. The old man reminded me of my grandfather, and his performance was so touching, I could not keep myself from crying when I thought of it. So, when I say the movie was visually stunning, I mean that it was a film chock-full of giants, monsters, impossible feats of strength and ego, and an entire field full of daffodils that won a beautiful woman's heart. When I say that the film was charming, I mean that the performances of the actors and actresses were carried off splendidly, and that the director (nods to Mr. Burton) was in top form. In short, any faith lost after a certain pongid-ridden film was restored with plenty to spare.