The secret to good story-telling; build up slow and then reel'em in

Rating: Null/10 (12 February 2004)

We all know Tim Burton's work. He is possibly one of the few contemporary directors to whom you can attribute a definite style. The wildly immaginative approach to most Burton films would appear to be a perfect match for a film which takes place largely in a fairy tale world.
Burton does not disappoint, delivering a tale which catches you by the imagination and dangles the unbelievable in front of your eyes in such a warm and gentle manner that you have no choice but to be entertained.
The film itself explores the dynamics of storytelling, demonstrating the simple fact that the subject matter doesn't matter a single bit, it's the way that a story is told that determines a classic from the Kurt Russell film, Soldier. (A nice idea for a story but very badly handled.)
This is possibly where I can draw the only fault of the film. The non-linear editing of the beginning of the film may seem like a clever idea in other films but here it seems a bit confused and slightly muddled. Once the film gets into full flow, jumping from present day to the 'reality-enhanced' world of Edward Bloom's past, it is highly enjoyable.
Albert Finney is good as the older Bloom but Ewan McGregor completely outshines him and i'm delighted to report that his Alabama accent is spot on throughout the movie and in no way as irritating as I had assumed it would be.
The supporting cast is fantastic as well with Danny De Vito and Steve Buscemi really standing out.
Big Fish is a film that is well worth the admission fee and will leave you with a great sense of satisfaction. The imaginative plot and creative characters bring you right into Burton's fictional world and you will leave much happier.
Big Fish reels in a whopping 8/10