MUCH BETTER THAN I THOUGHT

Rating: 9/10 (17 January 2000)

Saw the trailers for this previously. Was not too impressed. We see the Headless Horseman so I was immediately under the impression of: oh, so that's the story then. Hack, off with your head.
However, after seeing this, I was proved wrong. I like a bit of humor, as these sorts of flicks that take themselves too seriously often end up hideous. The sets were like outdoor versions of the House in the Haunting. Astounding, beautiful Gothic Forest!
But by gosh the Horseman knows how to throw his sword around! The sword-swinging scenes were awesome. He was actually played by the stunt man who was Darth Maul in THAT movie. Impressive! Sword fights get 10/10.
Although a flick directed by Tim Burton, who seems to love making movies out of children's fairy tales, this one is most definitely not for the children. The Tree of the Dead was a particularly frightening example - especially when Constable Crane chops and hacks at its roots and blood begins to spew out. What comes out next... well, I don't want to put in too many spoilers!!
I don't have many negative views, probably the only minus would be one too many heaving bosoms... take for example Crane's mother. Most of her scenes seemed focused on her bosom and nothing else.
CONCLUSION: If you are squeamish, you may want to give this a miss, there is a lot of blood and gore. However, I still give this excellent flick 9/10.