Big Fish
Tim Burton has brought many great films to the big screen, including many fantasy tales in the genre of Big Fish. Beetlejuice, Edward Scissorhands, The Nightmare Before Christmas, are all fantasy tales that have delighted fans and are still favorites for many. The only real bad movie ever done was a remake of Planet of the Apes that Burton attempted. As it is, that was his last film and he needed to rebound. That is exactly what he did. Adapting the book by Daniel Wallace, Burton makes a wonderful film about the tribulations between father and son, as well as a story about tall tales. Burton returns to prominence with a film being rated as one of the best this year by many critics, including this website.
Ed Bloom has led an amazing life. He's been on some of the most amazing adventures ever. Met all kinds of different characters. But sadly he is on his death bed. His son, Will, fed up with all the "lies" his father told him his whole life, tries to piece together what about his father's life was true and what was make-believe. Edward continues to tell his stories, even while on his death bed and we get to meet all the great characters he did and take those same adventures. Through meeting giants, working in a circus, meeting his dream girl, and everything else that has happened we see a beautiful tale being told, but is it only a tale? Will begins to realize, maybe it doesn't matter whether his father has been the most truthful guy ever, what matters is that his father was there to entertain him and love him his whole life.
Alber Finney is Oscar worthy as the elderly Edward Bloom in this film. As is Ewan McGregor in flashback mode as the young Ed Bloom. The entire cast is amazing in this film. They bring to life a truly beautiful story. A film is only as great as the actors make it, and they make this great. Danny Devito, Steve Buscemi, Helena Bonham Carter all add to the film in their supporting roles. Perhaps the most underrated actor around today is Billy Crudup. Since his breakthrough role in Almost Famous, not many roles have come his way and I for one can't understand it. He continues to shine in this film, although he is overshadowed by Finney and McGregor. The casting director should be honored for this film because this ensemble is brilliant.
Big Fish is one of the best movies of the year. Burton does it again with this heartwarming tale that sends a deep message but at the same time is entertaining. To combine two different elements, that of fantasy tales and a real life story, into such a brilliant film, Burton shines. The great cast also adds to Burton's directorial abilities, and the result is one of the greatest movies ever. The film brings something for everyone. Children can enjoy the amazing adventures, teens can enjoy a comedic story, and adults will appreciate the father-son storyline. Rarely can a film appeal to the masses but those with that ability, are truly masterpieces.
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for a fight scene, some images of nudity and a suggestive reference