Count on Tim Burton to Bring You Something Different, Mystical and Magical

Rating: 9/10 (28 January 2004)

This is a movie that takes a little getting into, but by the end of the movie you'll realize how fabulous and special this movie is to view. Using style all of his own Tim Burton assembles an all-star cast to tell the story of a son, Will Bloom (Bill Crudup), trying to get to know his father Ed Bloom (Albert Finney/Ewan McGregor), who is dying of cancer. The ensemble also includes Jessica Lange, Helena Bonham Carter, Robert Guillaume, Steve Buscemi, and Danny DeVito, among many other fine actors and actresses.
Burton mixes fantasy with reality and spins tall tales, based in truth, as recollected by Will Bloom and re-told by Ed Bloom. He uses color, symbolism, music, and pageantry throughout this amazing movie to paint the vivid pictures that only words can fall short in describing. Even with all the unusual and bizarre images used the picture never crosses the line to become truly macabre.
The movie also sends a deeper message. Do not lose sight of what really makes people who they are by getting so caught up in the factual analysis of everything you've ever heard and seen. You might just end up losing sight of what really matters until it's too late for words. This is an original well-done movie everyone should go see.