. . . it breeds new meaning for `Watch your head!'

Rating: Null/10 (19 November 1999)

Sleepy Hollow Reviewed by Bill Stoll
I'll admit it: I never read the original Washington Irving story. Cliffs Notes covered the topic perfectly back when I was in school. So I critiqued this work `exclusively' on its film merit . . . as I should anyway.

Ever wonder where the phrase: `Spinning the truth' comes from? (it's a good political year for "that!") This film tells you with a charming childhood metaphor threaded throughout the story. It breeds new meaning for `Watch your head!' and that perky invitation `Who wants to go along?' It's a laugh fest if you listen closely.
The acting is terrific. Johnny Depp `IS' Ichabod Crane, a tribute to his diverse `character acting' skill. He surpassed my expectation; and I expect a lot from the man. In tandem with the oft "head-free" Christopher Walken, they reclassified the film as "riveting" for me. Miranda Richardson delivers a brilliant Lady Van Tassel - both naughty and nice ( . . . and no more about "that" till you've seen it!) Christina Ricci is a great love interest for the eccentric Constable Crane. She's come a long way from Mermaids (where she first hit my list).
Despite all the head lopping, it isn't that scary. (That from a guy in his 40s. For the 11 year olds, it might carry quite a different SQ [scare quotient]!) There are a couple of fright spots, but I had deeper chills from Ghostbusters, like the library scene, e.g. This is a well told story where I reasonably anticipated what the screen delivered, yet enjoyed every moment of the ride without drifting. For those who know me, this is a major accomplishment. Distraction could be my middle name. But not here.
Director Tim Burton is now the undisputed King of Gothic. Absolutely. From his Batman to Edward Scissorhands to Ed Wood, he infuses gloom into my mood like nobody else can. It pushes me into the right frame of mind for his movies. The gothic feel here would make Batman himself envious. He holds tenaciously to the look until the problem at hand is eliminated. And then, guess what?! What a talent. If you need detail on the story, do what I should have 30 years ago. Read the book (or I'll lend you my Cliffs notes). But for a wild ride on a galloping horse, see this movie. 3 out of 4 stars. Check it out.