It's a headless horseman! I saw him! 9 of 10.

Rating: 9/10 (5 July 2002)

This is the movie that shows why Tim Burton is the master of the Gothic horror genre. He gives a classic story a new make-up and creates a wonderful atmosphere by adding to the fantastic set all the right colours, textures and music. His attention to detail and ritual make this a magical experience, a dark fairy tale. The cast are all superb, but it is Burton's screen alter ego, Johnny Depp, whose mesmerizing presence steals every scene. Let's admit it, the back of his hand is more expressive than some other actors' faces. His Ichabod Crane is not only endearing and intelligent, he is also involuntarily funny much of the time. And it is this sense of humour that lifts this movie above even the good ones of the genre. The moment when Crane finally meets the Headless Horseman face to... er... missing head, and faints, and afterwards, when he regains consciousness and tries to convince everybody of the existence of the demon - that's just pure brilliance. This is Tim Burton at his best, with a film that firmly belongs in my Top Ten.