Who Woodn't Enjoy This Film

Rating: 10/10 (20 January 2005)

This film comes from the talented director Tim Burton. Burton has done many good films including: Batman, Edward Scissorhands, Big Fish, and even Mars Attacks was enjoyable with its over the top humor and fun. But Ed Wood is a different type of film. Unfortunately, Ed Wood did not get the box office results that was hoped, but it did get him critical acclaim and rightly so. Ed Wood is a biopic about the notorious director Edward D. Wood Jr. Who is responsible for such films as Glen or Glenda, Bride of the Monster, and of course the infamous Plan 9 from Outer Space. However, Tim Burton does not try to show how bad of a director Ed Wood was, but rather how enthusiastic and how great of a man he was. The movie is a comedy/drama, and it can be hilarious at times, and also be just a down right great movie at other times.
This movie's strongest and weakest points are it's acting. Jonny Depp did a splendid depiction of Mr. Wood and he was perfect for the role. Martin Lundau was perhaps the greatest virtue of this movie. Portraying Bela Lugosi, Lundau did a phenomenal job being both funny and dramatic. He won the Oscar for this role and is almost believable as Lugosi himself. There are also some good acting from Sarah Jessica Parker. So if you are a Sex in the City fan, or even if you aren't, you will enjoy her performance. Bill Murray fans may also want to check this movie out, for his performance is brilliantly played and also can make you laugh as Bill Murray always can. Unfortunately, George "The Animal" Steele and Lisa Marie did not have the best performances. However, their characters, Tor Johnson and Vampira, were still enjoyable.
Tim Burton's directing was exquisite and precise and the music was an added enjoyment. I'm glad Tim Burton was the one to direct this movie. In a way, Tim Burton is just a more successful version of Ed Wood. They both got a chance to befriend their mentors at the end of their life. They both enjoy science fiction. This is perhaps Tim Burton's best film and it is probably due to Tim Burton's similarities to Ed Wood.
In conclusion, this is a piece of masterful cinema. It has both the power of making you laugh and bring you almost to the point of tears. If not for all the great talents and performances in this movie, original Ed Wood fans and fans of old films should not miss this film either. This movie is a definite must see and will not disappoint you.
10/10