Great Film!

Rating: 8/10 (31 October 1999)

I just watched Sleepy Hollow last night at a preview screening and I have to say that I was not disappointed! I have always been impressed with Tim Burton's work, and with this film he has lived up to expectations once again. Visually, it was typical Tim Burton, dark and mysterious with a fantasy/fairy tale feel, carried out through the spectacular sets, dark costumes and deathly make-up. Johnny Depp was brilliant as the straight-laced, cowardly Ichabod Crane, prone to fainting spells. Also to be applauded were the performances by Christina Ricci, Christopher Walken, and Miranda Richardson. I also particularly enjoyed the performance by Ichabod's young sidekick, who's name, unfortunately, escapes me. :(
Story wise, the film can get a little campy with some rather mechanical lines, but I was personally willing to forgive them in exchange for some of Burton's typically dark humor, causing many audience members, including myself, to both laugh and groan at the same time. One word of caution though, for those who are planning to watch this movie with children. Believe the tagline to the movie, "Heads Will Roll," because it's true. Heads are rolling everywhere in this movie, blood is splashing, and it can get rather gory. When I think Tim Burton, I think of "Nightmare before Christmas" and "Beetlejuice", filled with dark humor, but nothing that will "scar" kids. Not so with this movie. Beware the faint of heart! The beheadings (among other several other scenes) can look quite real in action and might be disturbing to young viewers, so make sure whomever you bring to watch this movie will be able to handle it.
But if you don't mind the blood and gore, and you have a sense of humor and a taste for the fantastic, be sure to put this movie at the top of your list!