I left the theater emotionally drained.

Rating: Null/10 (1 January 2004)

Maybe it was because I had just returned from a visit with my own father, or perhaps because of my own life experiences, but at the end of the film I wept, like I never have during a film before. When I arrived at the theater I was tired and under the influence of allergy medication. Consequently, I caught myself dozing off a little at the beginning of the film. Soon, however, I found myself completely wrapped up in the film. It was obvious from the beginning of the film, that somehow the father's tall tales would somehow be related to his real life, but it was such a delight to see fact and fancy dance about each other, to ultimately produce an TRUTH which can not be described by facts or fabrications alone.
At the end of the film, I not only surprised myself with my own tears (I am not one who is often brought to tears), but also became painfully aware that I was unsure as to whether the tears were for my father, my grandfather or myself. I have no idea how others will respond to this film, nor can I predict what my response will be on a second viewing, but I do know that the film was beautifully crafted. The acting was not only perfectly suited to the script, but it was most definitely an ensemble cast, with no actor trying to outshine another, or dragging the production down with inferior skills. By far, this is my favorite Burton film, and my favorite film for 2003.