Well Executed, but not spectacular

Rating: 6/10 (28 November 1999)

I always believed that movie critics accentuated too much on the negative aspects of movies. Therefore I want to acknowledge the good aspects of this movie. First is Tim Burton's direction. He is able to create the perfect mood for the movie, frightening and simultaneously ridiculous. It is beautifully photographed. The ensemble actors suit the time period so well, they appear to be oil paintings instead of people. Danny Elfman's beautifully dark and complex score is a perfect match to the action at all times. However, Depp carries this movie on his charismatic shoulders. His driven yet cowardly Ichabod Crane is strangely riveting. Ricci also flashes her acting talent as well as her haunting eyes to create a vulnerable and curious character.
But there are many flaws in this movie. The plot is interesting, but the dialogue is subpar and the love interest between Katrina and Ichabod has no basis. We are supposed to believe that they fall in love, "Just Because". Many major plot elements are thrown in simply to create mood, such as the story of Ichabod's mother. Some other elements are simply unnecessary gore and disturbing material. I will not even touch upon the total ignorance of Washington Irving's original short story. Let us say that it was changed enough that if Irving were alive today, they could have skipped out on the royalties. However this is an above average movie, and has many scary moments. Bottom Line, it's worth $7.50 if you just want to see a movie, but don't go out of your way.