Brilliant, low rating makes no sense

Rating: 9/10 (30 September 2012)

I can't believe this film got such mediocre reviews. I absolutely loved it. Maybe it was just badly marketed, ie if you're looking for a lightweight comedy then you'll be disappointed. I think maybe the reason is, it's a little too subtle for an American audience. Although (ironically) it was made by Americans, I think it has more UK/Australian audience appeal. I know that's generalizing (i.e. satire doesn't bypass all yanks), but generally speaking..
I thought it was really brilliant, very very clever & entertaining. Johnny Depp was (as usual) absolutely mesmerizing & the rest of the cast really hold their own. I really think this is Tim Burton in top form.
I think they could have done more with the soundtrack. It's not bad, but... it's set in the 70s, it should have had a killer soundtrack. Apart from that, I'm completely stumped by the low rating. It did get the thumbs up from the ABC's Aussie critics (Margaret & David) and currently has a high (4.5/5) score on the Oz iTunes store. So I think it's "knowing satiric edge" (per Margaret Pomeranz) was just, perhaps, a little too subtle for many.
I loved this film. I really hope they make a sequel.