Is this one in the textbooks?

Rating: 9/10 (24 April 2004)

As I type this I ask myself "with 204 comments posted already, what can I add?" Well, probably not much, other than to say that this is a film that compels you. It compels you to smile, to laugh, to cry, to cuss, to want to see Anthony Michael Hall's character beaten into an inky black spot, or in my case, write a comment on IMDB.
I've never been to film school, and I find myself wondering if film schools make a study of this film. Is it in the textbooks somewhere? Do aspiring filmmakers study this movie for direction, context, genre, subtlety? Damn if they shouldn't.
Anyway, since a million others have done a fine job summarizing the film, I won't repeat their efforts. I'll just say.... Tim Burton: Masterpiece... a stellar director's crowning achievement. Jonny Depp: Genius... a bold move, early in his career, firmly establishing himself as his generation's finest actor. Danny Elfman... Brilliant... a perfect score, not a note out of place, again, establishing himself as his generation's finest cinematic composer. This film is a rarity, an oddity, an inspiration.