And I Thought Alice In Wonderland Was Bad...

Rating: 3/10 (13 July 2012)

I was struggling to find something to rent on the DVD part of Netflix and after some horrible suggestions (No, Netflix, I do not want to see "Meet The Dweedles"!), I suddenly remembered this movie and that I had wanted to give it a try. I guess there was a reason I forgot all about it...
So Sleepy Hollow is just...I dunno---I want to say bad, but it's not completely bad---it's a movie where special tastes are required. My biggest complaint about this movie is that it doesn't quite know what it's supposed to be. In my opinion; in my viewing, it would alternate from thriller to comedy to just plain weird. Even the characters don't know what their supposed to be sometimes. In some scenes, Depp is afraid of a spider but then has no problem fighting a ghost! In some scenes, he is afraid of the ghost but no longer fears insects! Also, Christina Ricci's character seemed to be going in and out of a English accent. I guess she forgot she was in a movie or something...
Another setback this movie has is the acting. There are some of the best actors in the world (not you Ricci!) in this picture and yet, somehow they all manage to give the worst performances they could manage! Especially, at the end, when the villain is revealed and gives their "Why I Am Evil" speech! I'm sorry but that actress just stunk out that scene. It was so bad that it took me out of the moment and made me laugh. If you're intending a movie to be scary or intense, then that performance should not be the one you went with! Another cringing actor was the child who played Depp's sidekick. Very wooden. Sorry kid...
The story is alright; nothing like the original short story but that is to be expected. My problem with the story/characters is that every thing seems fast paced, not explained or magically solved. Depp and Ricci fall in love in about ten seconds. Literally. He enters the house for the FIRST time. She, blind folded, kisses him. They're in love now, for no apparent reason. Another example of the weird writing is how Depp's character seems to know everything without any real knowledge. His character is supposed to be intelligent and fact based. He doesn't believe in magic or ghosts or what have you---BUT THEN HE SEEMS TO KNOW EVERY SINGLE SUPERNATURAL THING IN THE MOVIE! He says something like, "That's the Tree of Death---it leads to Hell!". HOW WOULD HE KNOW THAT? I wonder if Burton proof reads or anything...
The effects, make up and visuals are pretty enjoyable. Albeit, a bit cheesy. Especially the blood. It looks like red pudding. The houses, forests, backgrounds and all that look great, but lack color. The effects are good for their time; but some murders look more silly than terrifying. Lastly, Christopher Walken as the Headless Ghost is a mixed bag. He is a great actor---one of my favorites---but his costume or makeup was really silly. Vampire-like teeth and blue eyes. REALLY? THAT'S THE BEST YOU COULD DO? There's one part, where, after his horse is shot, he is supposed to be sad, looking at his horse, but with his stupid vampire teeth, wacky contacts and no actual dialogue, it was hard to convey his emotions. Actually, he looked silly and it made me laugh again because Walken is just (I mean this in a good way) weird looking already, so it's hard to take a sentimental moment with him (dressed like a monster, no less) seriously...
In conclusion, I really wanted to enjoy this movie as I like Tim Burton's overall style (I just really dislike him as a person but I respect his talent) and this story is exactly Burton's taste but with the horrible acting, plot holes, character plot holes and the movie not knowing what it wanted to be, I couldn't get that much into it. It's worth rental or watch; or a good Halloween movie but only serious Burton fans will want to own this dud!
1-Worst. Movie. Ever. 2-Never Watching This Again 3-I Only Watch This Once In Awhile 4-Meh 5-Pretty Good 6-I'd Pay To See This 7-I'd Pay To See This Twice 8-Great Movie 9-Amazing Movie 10-Best. Movie. Ever.
I'm giving this movie a 3!
Best Actor: Michael Gough (Simply because he's Alfred in Batman!) Worst Actor: Pretty much everyone!
Pro's: Great background visuals; sometimes creates a creepy ambiance. Con's: Bad acting; bad plot holes and character development.