"This story is gonna grab people."

Rating: Null/10 (1 September 2011)

Johnny Depp stars as Ed Wood, arguably the worst movie director of all time, in this amusing and at times, touching story of Ed's career in the fifties. Ed was an unparalleled optimist, enamored with movie-making; he possessed little talent, expertise, or money, but he and his little group of pals made cheap and very bad horror/sci-fi movies and loved it. The only star he ever worked with was Bela Lugosi (Martin Landau), decades after his success as 'Dracula,' now drug-addicted and in failing health. Wood and Lugosi made several films together, the most (in)famous being, "Plan 9 From Outer Space," which was actually made after Lugosi's death.
Depp is extremely likable and sympathetic as the effervescent Wood. His quirky, driven personality and penchant for wearing angora sweaters seem entirely believable. Landau won a Best Supporting Oscar for his portrayal of the washed-up Lugosi; he's pathetic and grotesque and absolutely mesmerizing. Watching Ed throw together a whole movie in a few days is hilarious. For Ed, quality was in the mind of the beholder and he loved his movies.
This is a sweet, amusing, lightweight tale about a fascinating Hollywood character that may inspire you to see some of his movies. Recommended.