The ending truly makes it

Rating: 9/10 (2 April 2008)

This starts with a very dark and foreboding feeling, and then for the better part of the film, Burton achieves just the right balance of horror and extreme dark humor. All this is quite enjoyable and those who can appreciate Grand Guignol horror mixed with tongue-in-cheek humor will be completely satisfied. One enters into a kind of macabre reality and experiences sufficient suspension of disbelief to prepare for the final 20 minutes.
It is in the final portion of the film that Burton achieves a combination of suspense, horror, and stark tragedy. There are no laughs in this final segment. Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter under Burton's direction are at their peak. The conclusion is horrific enough to satisfy any horror fan, and will have others enthralled and watching hypnotically through it all.
I can't give this a perfect score, but if you're not squeamish, you'll find this a near masterpiece.