BIG FISH

[thompsoncory]

"An adventure as big as life itself"

http://imdb.com/Photos/Ss/0319061/Bigfish_onesheet.jpg

Plot Summary: The story revolves around a dying father and his son, who is trying to learn more about his dad by piecing together the stories he has gathered over the years. The son winds up re-creating his father's elusive life in a series of legends and myths inspired by the few facts he knows. Through these tales, the son begins to understand his father's great feats and his great failings.

Directed by: Tim Burton (Sleepy Hollow)

Starring: Ewan McGregor (Moulin Rouge), Albert Finney (Erin Brockovich), Jessica Lange (Blue Sky), Helena Bohnam Carter (Planet Of The Apes), Billy Crudup (Almost Famous), Alison Lohman (Matchstick Men), Steve Buscemi (Ghost World), Danny DeVito (Get Shorty), Missi Pyle (Bringing Down The House)

Written by: John August (Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle)

Rated: PG-13 (for a fight scene, some images of nudity and a suggestive reference)

Release Date: December 10th, 2003 (limited), December 25th, 2003 (wider), January 9th, 2004 (wide release)

---------------------------

I figured that since this opens in limited release on Wednesday it would be appropriate to open a thread in this forum about it. I think BIG FISH looks fantastic, sweet, heartwarming, sad, funny, romantic and clever. I am dying to see it after the trailer, which incorparates most of my favorite genres into one. The cast is excellent, and Tim Burton has a great track record with me, with his SLEEPY HOLLOW being my third favorite movie ever made and EDWARD SCISSORHANDS and PLANET OF THE APES both being entertaining. I will see this as soon as it opens near me.

[Jon Lyrik]

I loves me Tim Burton. I will see it when it gets local.

[Scarface98.9]

Although it looks like a well-done movie, I have very little interest in seeing it. It may be fantastical and be a great movie, but it's all doing very little to pique my interest

[Lynn Minmei]

www.themoviebox.net has all of the clips availible of the internet.

This is my #1 most anticipated film of the year. I CANNOT wait.

[Jerk Shapiro]

Wow. I hadn't heard anything about this film until now, but I like what I'm hearing! Maybe it'll come out on video, because it sure as hell won't come to my one-whore town.

[tbone]

Originally posted by Jerk Shapiro
Wow. I hadn't heard anything about this film until now, but I like what I'm hearing! Maybe it'll come out on video, because it sure as hell won't come to my one-whore town.

It will be in wide release come mid-January, so you should get it. There is some pretty large buzz on it for the Oscars.

[Moviefan1234]

I normally like Burton and McGregor, but this doesn't look that great to me. It just seems way too comical for my liking, if they would've made it more dramatic I think it'd be much better. I'll most likely pass unless I hear it's not as comical as the trailer shows.

[Fisting Ackbar]

Here's to hope that this film makes up for Burton's last film.

[Jon Lyrik]

Originally posted by Fisting Ackbar
Here's to hope that this film makes up for Burton's last film.

Agreed. POTA was very mediocre.

[Jerk Shapiro]

Originally posted by tbone
It will be in wide release come mid-January, so you should get it. There is some pretty large buzz on it for the Oscars.

Thanky goodness.

[Lynn Minmei]

Originally posted by Jon Lyrik
Agreed. POTA was very mediocre.

It was below mediocre...It's the only movie I've ever seen, where when it ended someone stood up and swore. That's how unhappy they were with it.

[Strider]

Well, I am anticipating "Big Fish" very much. It looks like a great, charming, funny, and emotional fantasy film. Besides all that, the film is directed by Tim Burton! Burton is one of my personal favorite directors, I think he's an imaginative and brilliant mastermind. Hopefully, "Big Fish" will be a great film, and vastly superior than his last film. I have lots of faith in Burton.

[mikeyD]

i think the car in the tree is so cool. I can't wait for this movie.

http://www.sonypictures.com/movies/bigfish/site/content/downloads/wallpaper/wp_bigfish_800x600.jpg

[RobertPaulson]

That's from the website right?

I loved the script-to storyboard-to screen comparison of the witch scene.

Although my desktop is still Last Samurai, I know have the big fish screensaver.

I love Burton's creativity and imagination. Edward Scissorhands, Ed Wood are two movies that really show Burton's style, one that is very unconventional and rare in this paint movie by numbers stage of film production.

[blankpage]

The more and more I hear, read, and see for this flick, the more and more excited I get. Tim Burton is a genius - is only bad flick being 'POTA', true shite- and is one of the best living directors right now. It will no doubt be incredibly beautiful and creative, just what I love. The day this flick hits my movie circuit, I'll be there....front and centre.

[rushmore beauty]

I cannot wait for this flick! I read the book and loved it and Tim Burton is my favorite director of all-time and I have yet to see a movie of his that I won't like (the lowest score I've ever given one of his movies was 7/10 and that was Pee Wee...I gave PotA 8/10).

[sleekproductions]

I'll be goddamned, but this looks excellent. Tim Burton is a great director, and this is a dream cast... I mean, Ewan McGregor... come on! The trailer is enchanting and charming, and it has some serious Oscar buzz, so I'm sure this film will not dissapoint...

[mikeyD]

That's from the website right?

You are correct. And I agree with you about the storyboard - its really cool to see the different developmental stages a movie goes through. Especially one like Big Fish.

[LexLuthor]

this seems like the world i live in....
presented in big fish...

tis true when you see true love for the first time, time does indeed stop.
movies like this show how simple and dull ordinary life is....
that why it might be on my fav list very soon

[HHH123007]

I'm mixed on it after seeing the trailer, but since everyone's praising it I'll have to see it in theaters. Tim Burton isn't a draw to me.

I did get excited when I heard it compared to Forrest Gump though...

[bankholdup]

I am desperately hoping this gets a release somewhere near me, when it goes wider in late December. This was my #2 anticipation for the year of 2003, as far as flicks go. The trailer is also one of the best of the year, and the poster...well, the poster is one of the 3 best of the year.

[RobertPaulson]

Agreed - tops on my list nwo that I have seen ROTK.

I just love to see a visionary like Burton getting a project like this that fits his talents perfectly. I'm looking forward to seeing the combo of his imagination combined with a compelling father/son story.

I've heard this story is tugging at the emotions of both men adn women, a hard task!

[FeverDog420]

Just saw the commercial for it the first time. Holy fuckin' shit, I so want to see it now. It's the best trailer possible, one that gives a feeling of what the movie is without telling the plot. Can't wait. Maybe I can get out to see it this weekend.

[Lynn Minmei]

Originally posted by FeverDog420
Just saw the commercial for it the first time. Holy fuckin' shit, I so want to see it now. It's the best trailer possible, one that gives a feeling of what the movie is without telling the plot. Can't wait. Maybe I can get out to see it this weekend.

I'm glad to hear that FeverDog....This has been on the top of my list to see for months. So, please, if you do get to see it, you must post a review :)

[Shockwave]

Heavily looking forward to checking this out! Burton is one of my favorite Directors and easily the most imaginitive.

[MartinGPB]

hey, i write reviews for my college paper, and I saw Big Fish last night at a press screening, and I must say, it's my favorite movie of the year, and i think i can make that statement because i've seen everything now except paycheck and mona lisa smile. Just delightful, funny, and fun all the way through, and incredibly touching in the end (no kidding, there were a few hardened cynical critics with tears in their eyes) I really hope this one catches on with the public - just visually stunning and incredibly entertaining- the first hour was great but felt like it was a little bit of a let down, but then in the second hour kicks into high gear- i'm sure it'll only improve on repeat viewing, especially with a TON of symbolism which i didnt get all of- if any of you see the film, id love to discuss it with you


(if you're wondering if you should take my opinion to heart, here's the rest of my top 10 which i had to make for the paper: 2-mystic river, 3-LOTR:return of the king, 4-21 grams, 5-in america, 6-lost in translation, 7-finding nemo, 8-kill bill vol.1, 9-american splendor, 10- (tie) school of rock & a mighty wind)

[chinton]

Hey Martin how did y ou get tickets to a press screening. I a long with many others I think also write college reviews and Im curious how you managed to g et into a press screenings. Got any tips?

[Fergus]

I'm trying not to get too excited because if this anticipation escalates any higher, I might be grudgingly disappointed. I did get a chance to read the book and I LOVED IT so much I read it again. Its quick, funny, meaningful without overindulging itself with details. And the ending in the book is very unpredictable; I don't quite understand how those who've seen the movie predict the end so early, or so they say....and that is unless they changed it, and I'm hoping they didn't. Needless to say, I love imaginative fantasy films, and it puts Big Fish at the top of my must see list this year.

I didn't like the trailer though. Visually stunning, but I HATED the fact they used Edward Scissorhands music in it. That's my favorite piece of music from that movie and they use it in this trailer. Scissorhands came out 13 years ago too!!! What is up with marketing as of late, it's getting worse; Quit Borrowing Dammit!

My only fear is that it will turn out to be too cute, and I don't want it to be cute, because the humor in the book was very deadpan, and in someways sort of darkly comical.

Rest assured, when I sit down to watch it, I'll put all thoughts aside and enjoy it.

[MartinGPB]

chinton, it's pretty simple- press invites get sent to our main office, and the editor sends out e-mails to the Arts and Entertainment staff and asks who wants certain screenings- I snatched Big Fish up a few weeks ago which was lucky because at that point most of the staff hadn't heard of it

Anyway, adding on to my comments before- after being very let down by so-called "Oscar movies" lately (like Cold Mountain- well made but incredibly dull), Big Fish just exceeded all expectations

[dellamorte dellamore]

That's great news . I'm glad Burton is in rare form again , he desperately needed it , and what's even better , the film seems like it will come as a total surpise to the mainstream public , with regards to quality and entertainment value .

I haven't heard too much about it , until recently , and now i'm looking foward to it , i love pleasant surpises .


I just hope it can make a little profit , and not die a quick death like some other quality films have done this year .

[chinton]

Can I just tell you how jealous I am of you. Not only would press screening tickets never come to our office (Frankly half og the school doesnt read The Pendulum) but I always have to pay for the movies I review for the paper. I have tried to get into local papers. But the paper that really liked me reviews, the Greensboro newspaper, already had someone hired. Irionically, an alma mater from my college.

Still glad you liked it Martin

[Jon Lyrik]

Originally posted by thompsoncory
Rated: PG-13 (for a fight scene, some images of nudity and a suggestive reference)

NO!!!

Not a suggestive reference!

Not a sprinkling of nude images!

Not a fight scene!

EVIL!!! Should get NC-17!

[silentasylum]

This looks like a great movie, can't wait to see it.

[mikeyD]

Big Fish looks like a truly unique film that will appeal to only a select audience because of that fact

Yes the film does look unique but I think this film has wide appeal. Just take a look at the cast (Ewan McGregor, Albert Finney, Billy Crudup, Jessica Lange, Helena Bonham Carter, Steve Buscemi, Danny DeVito) its pretty diverse and will appeal to a wide range of people.

[Moviefan1234]

Originally posted by Homer
No one in the cast really has widespread drawing power. Now, if the film had Tom Hanks or Tom Cruise in it, it would be a virtual lock for 100 million plus.

I think Ewan McGregor is a pretty big draw. He obviously isn't a Hanks, Cruise, or Ford, but he's big enough to get people in the theatre. (My opinion, o' course) I expect this to do well because we haven't had a film like this in awhile.

[silentasylum]

I've been craving a movie like this, Tim Burton is a unique filmmaker so I'll expect nothing less than that.

[mikeyD]

I think Ewan McGregor is a pretty big draw. He obviously isn't a Hanks, Cruise, or Ford, but he's big enough to get people in the theatre.

Agreed, but the cast is definitely not going to keep people away either. For all I'm concerned they could have cast Gary Coleman in it and Burton could have still worked his magic. Well, maybe not Gary Coleman but to me this film just looks great all around, cast included.

[anakinsrise]

I want to see this but i hear its shockingly similair to Forrest Gump!

[ashumz]

i wanna see this manly cuz im a good fan of tim burton's his films are almost always amazing. plus the trailors look twisted=interesting.:):)i hope its good thats all i can say

[Indy in IN]

I have huge expectations for this movie. It does have a Forrest Gump feel to it, but that isn't a bad thing. you know it will have the Tim Burton trademark feel look to it. I can't wait.

[silentasylum]

I haven't heard the new song that Pearl Jam did for this movie but having them on board only strengthens my desire to see this film.

[Lynn Minmei]

Originally posted by silentasylum
I haven't heard the new song that Pearl Jam did for this movie but having them on board only strengthens my desire to see this film.

I posted a link to it somewhere in Upcoming Movies...

But it's an interesting song.

[sharkstank]

i rreally hope this is playing by me on christmas, burton's the man.
and it has an awesome cast, with lohman and the still really really hot jessica lange.
i was actuall wat watching the king kong from the 70's or 80's (w/jeff bridges) on amc and she was amazingly hot there.damn

WWWWWWWHHHHHHHHHHHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

[bowieee]

I just got back from this movie and I've done nothing but mull it over since I left the theatre. Well maybe I did some other stuff but most of my time was spent reflecting on this movie. I have always been a big fan of the surreal in movies and this movie did an excellent job of walking the line keeping the tall tales blurred with the real world. It has some fantastic set pieces as well as some scenes that grabbed me emotionally to the point where I got a little teary. This is just a beautiful movie that takes the viewer floating through one larger than life character walking in a mythological world. Hoorah Tim Burton! You made a winner with this one :)

[Michael Corleone]

Originally posted by anakinsrise
I want to see this but i hear its shockingly similair to Forrest Gump!

Having read the book and the script, I can safely say it's nothing like Forrest Gump. The South is about all they have in common.

[ohsocrazy]

Just saw it today and was disappointed but i still liked it. I can't believe that no one else posted a review there (on Joblo's What Do you Think section). I guess we have a lot of small town people here. But anyway i agree with Joblo 100% on this movie. I wasn't that emotionally attached to the characters, but i had some moments of cinematic perfection, and quite a few laughs. Overall, i can recommend it, but it is far from what i thought it would be.

7/10

[Darth Dzikowski]

It's great to see Tim bounce back after the abomination that was Planet of the Apes. He is one of my Top 5 or 6 Directors, with Pee Wee's Big Adventure, The first two Batman Films, Ed Wood, Edward Scissorhands, Bettlejuice, Sleepy Hollow & to some extent Mars Attacks, he hasn't really been off, until he wanted to reinvent the Classic.

That being said, this is the closest Burton has come to making his masterpiece. All the performances are knockouts, especially the leads in the Edward Bloom roles. Finney & Ewan are just as good as anything they've starred in before, Crudup & Lange & Lohman & Devito & Buscemi are stellar as well, not to mention my main man Carl. The thing about this film is that Burton doesn't bombard you with his Burton-isms, while not a bad thing mind you, sometimes I have to turn off Scissorhands whe nit's on cable just because that is just TOO Burtony, know what I mean? Well this is the polar opposite of that, just bits and pieces of all things wonderfully Burton without the overkill.

Heartwarming & I can see if you've had a strained relationship with your dad, that this one might give you some of the ol waterworks, theatre I was in you easily made out sniffles in the audience, much more than the in the King opening night and the first saturday matinee I saw.

No where near Gump (sappy)

[the saw is family]

saw this last night and absolutely loved it. it is a truly touching and beautiful film. i'll admit i did find it a little hard at first to connect but as the film progressed i could really feel myself beginning to feel connected to the characters, and just be overtaken by the story. visually the film is brilliant as usual with burton, and there are a few moments of visuals that are pure burton. the acting is pretty top notch all the way around, and the film is just good-natured and sweet which i don't always like but it really touched me and have a great ending, in my opinion big fish is one of the years best.

big fish-9.5/10

[mikeyD]

I watched a Nightmare Before Christmas last week and it really got me in the mood for another Burton movie.

I can't wait to see Big Fish.

[bankholdup]

I am 90% sure I am going to see it this weekend. I can't wait, considering I'm a huge Burton fan.

[Fisting Ackbar]

Despite some dark elements (haunted forest, lycanthropes), I was surprised how light hearted it was in the end considering that Burton directed it. A little uneven in parts and I felt that Billy Crudup was miscast (he just didn't seem to have chemistry with Albert Finney) but overall it was a nice little fairytale.

[HHH123007]

I saw it tonight.

I'm not really in a position right now to put down my complete thoughts on it, although I do have to say that it's now my #1 movie of 2003. It was quite funny at times and brought a lot of warmth to table at the same time.

It also is the only film of the year that made me tear up a bit.

****1/2 or (9/10)

[bankholdup]

8.5/10

At first, I wasn't too fascinated by the film, but that was only for the first 15 minutes or so. After that, I was drawn in. It's a magical story, and it will definitely make my top 10 of the year.

[Benny]

I can't wait till this goes wide. Tim Burton is a great director (Planet of the Apes aside), and this looks to be a nice, heartwarming film. And it has a great cast.

[mikeyD]

I can't wait to see this on Friday.

[Rated R]

This has quickly become my most anticipated movie of the moment...heh, it opens here I think this friday, if it doesn't there'll be hell to pay!

[mikeyD]

Rated R, I know big fish is supposed to be released "wide" on the 9th. Here's hoping it comes to your theater.

[Deckard_HR]

Yes! I was hoping it would open here in my area and sure enough, it is! This Friday...I'll probably go this Saturday or Sunday to see it...hope it's as good as it looks.

[Mr. Fred Krueger]

I can't wait to see this movie!

Tim Burton + Ewan McGregor= MUST SEE FILM! :D

[AppleHuntr]

Big Fish 6/10

I side with Joblo on this one. Being a big Burton fan, when all is said and done the film is a disappointment, but it does feature some nice moments/acting. The film was definitly striving for that magical, fairy-tale feeling but its way too long winded. There are so many flashbacks that they become tiresome, a few seem like they would be so easy to just cut right out that I wonder why the editors didn't. I know that a few are there to tie up loose knots but when I completely forgot about these loose knots I just kinda felt irritated that Burton felt obligated to do something about it. A movie like this wouldve benefited greatly from a nice, neat 90 minute running time. It wouldve kept some of the magic alive. Also, the scenes with the real family (Crudup, Finney, Lange, etc...) become exhausting at a point. The movie tries to handle too much.

But on the positive side, the imagery is fantastic, some of the stories are beautiful and funny and the ending is a nice, fitting one. I recommend it but I hoped for a lot more.

[ANavissi500]

I think this film is visually stunning and also well-acted (I think Ewan McGregor should get a nod) I empathized with the characters and felt genuine emotion throughout the film. Good stuff. 9/10 #3 of the year!

[Jon Lyrik]

Stunning film, brilliantly directed by Tim Burton, a fantastic cast (especially McGregor and Finney), and a poignant and imaginative script. #4 on my Top 10 list of 2003, and a 10.

[movie fan #1]

Originally posted by mikeyD
Rated R, I know big fish is supposed to be released "wide" on the 9th. Here's hoping it comes to your theater.

This is rated R?

[MovieMan75]

Originally posted by movie fan #1
This is rated R?

No, it's actually PG-13, for some nudity, a fight scene, and a suggestive reference

[JCPhoenix]

Originally posted by movie fan #1
This is rated R?

LOL. i believe mikeyd was referring to Rated R, one of the schmoes...

in any case, i saw this movie last night and it was great! my mom didn't like it as much as i did, but she enjoyed it. the thing is though that i read the book several months back so i pretty much knew most of the stuff (though they did change several of the stories extensively from the book to movie to make it more coherent) that was going to take place. i enjoyed the book a lot so i knew i was going to really like the movie. right now it's my favorite movie of the year so far along with pirates of the caribbean. i do have one or two problems with it (one being that it didn't have enough of a focus which was fine for the book but not as good for a movie) but overall, i loved it. wanna c it again...

9/10.

[chinton]

Hey you guys loved this movie. In f act it kept getting better and better and I lovced Finney and Mecregegor.



But my questions is this:


Did anybody else think the ending was absolutely fantastic. Throughout the entire film I kept wondering how they would bring everything together. Having the son finally telling his first story was incredibly moving. I wont ruin what happens inside the story but it was really fine. I had to practically stamp my foot to hold the teers back. i ddint want to embarrass the guy I was with. Later I found out he was irionically doing the same thing.


8.5/10

[HHH123007]

Originally posted by chinton
I had to practically stamp my foot to hold the teers back. i ddint want to embarrass the guy I was with. Later I found out he was irionically doing the same thing.


I would think this movie will make more males tear up in the audience than females.....the Father/Son relationship might hit kinda close to home for some.

[chinton]

it certianly did for me. The Father/Son relationship was done so well.

[Nate6]

When I was really, really young, my dad would would always tell me these wild, fun stories before I fell asleep. I loved it, and this movie brought me right back there. Big Fish is a magnificent experience - a heartwarming movie that, while having small flaws, explodes with life, ingenuity, and care.

The acting in this movie is part of what makes it great. Ewan McGregor does an excellent job as the young Edward Bloom. He has exactly the tone needed for his character, striking the right note of determination, confidence, and comedy. Just the same, as the older Edward Bloom, Albert Finney makes us believe he could hop out of that bed at any minute. Jessica Lange did a very good job - unfortunately, she was too young for the part. But just the same, very good. Billy Crudup was solid as usual - and I thought he and Finney had good chemistry, despite what some people have said. Steve Buscemi was great as usual, and Danny DeVito was amusing (but did we really need to see his ass? :eek:)

Tim Burton's direction is what makes this movie really stand out. It's not really a Burton movie - not mind-blowingly weird and inaccessible. Rather, it's calm, and sweet, but bursting with imagination. The visuals here are outstanding, some of the best of the year, and the screenplay, on the whole, featured many different kinds of touching moments, especially the brilliant ending, which I won't give away.

This film has its flaws. As I said before, Lange, in my opinion, was too young for the part. She looked mismatched with Finney (though it's not so bad because his character is supposed to be sick). That said, she did do a good job. As well, I thought the movie slid into melodrama a bit too often during the course of it.

But overall, this is an impressive achievement. I'm willing to overlook many of its flaws to give it a very high grade (for me, anyway) because this movie is like no movie I've ever seen before, and the emotional investment I put into it was quite large, larger than any other recent film.

What can I say? It brought me back.

9/10

[XCoRyX]

DEFINETLY need to get around to seeing this...looks amazing....i was going to go see it last night,but my friend and his girlfriend came with me to the movies,and they of course didn't want to see it,and it also wasn't playing at the theater we went to so...but i will get around to it,im finally getting back into my movie boots...

[thompsoncory]

I saw it this afternoon and it was great. I loved it, and it is my 6th favorite film of 2003.

9/10 (A)

[rushmore beauty]

A much different film than I was expecting...and I am a massive Burton fan and I've read the book "Big Fish" twice. But just because it was different doesn't mean I hated it or anything. Far from it actually, as the more I think back on it, the more I love this film. Burton didn't try to do anything fancy with it and, for me, it is one of his very best films. My fourth favorite of 2003, but it could easily work it's way up to #2 with a few more viewings.
9/10.

[blankpage]

Saw it yesterday. I enjoyed it. A tad disappointing, but a magical movie. I'm working on a review right now...

7/10

[idealdiscountdude]

Tim Burton's Big Fish is an engaging fairy-tale grounded in reality. A film that is technically brilliant, well-acted but leaving you wanting just a little bit more.

I can't put my finger on it, but while I thought Big Fish was really good, I didn't love it. There was just something missing.

Big Fish has many memorable moments, particularly Edward's first visit to Spectre, the Witch, his meeting of the giant Carl, and the entire last 20 minute sequence which really got to you.

As far as acting is concerned, Ewan McGregor was perfectly cast and his accent completely hidden.

Albert Finney is flawless as always. Jessica Lange and Alison Lohman equally effective as the younger/older versions of Edward's wife. Billy Crudup as Edwards son was spot-on.

My two favorite performances however came from Steve Buscemi who was hilarious and Helena-Bonham Carter who was extremely brilliant. Unfortunately both of their roles were quite minor.

My main problem other than Big Fish missing that something to elevate it from very good to great, was that I found the first 30 minutes or so of the film a tad bit uneven as it began to establish the flashback scenes and the present day scenes.

All in all, Big Fish is not Burton's best film, but one of his greater efforts.

A very good film that I hoped would have been a bit more.

Nonetheless, B+ from me.

[The Handeman]

There really aren't words that can explain how much i loved this movie.

9.5/10 (A+)

this movie was absolutely fabulous

[sharkstank]

holy shite!
it's #1 at the box office!

WWWWHHHHHHHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

[t3h Qster]

I just saw it, early predictions are giving it a 9, but it may settle into an 8 with me.....gotta think on it a little more......great flick none the less.......Im glad that after butchering PotA Burton came back with some real good stuff!

[MonkeyGoat]

I saw it yesterday. Wow. This movie was REALLY good. I cried! Hell, I have NEVER cried at the theater. I mean wow! Only two othe movies made me cry, and one other got me teary eyed, but that was at home. This movie was fantastic! I wanna see it again.

(9/10)

[sharkstank]

just saw it.
i loved it. very deep, touching, entertaining story. wondeful film
GREAT PERFORMANCES

just some slow spots, and some minor quips

***1/2 out of ****

WWWWWWWHHHHHHHHHHHHHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

[blacksnake]

Big Fish, is based on the novel Big Fish: A Novel Of Mythic Roportions. It is about a yong man named Will Bloom, who is married to a girl named Josephine. On the night of their wedding his father Edward Bloom, was telling one of his tll tales and this really bothered Will, and he hasn't talked to him in several years but his mother Sandra, would often write him in the mail. One day Will, gets a call from his mother telling him that his father is sick. Will, goes to visit them with Josephine, and when they get there Will, realizes that he knows nothing about his father because all he ever told him was tall tales with himself involved. Will, doesn't understand his father and the film re-enacts Edward's stories as a young man when he went through many different adventures including meeting a giant, a witch and as the title of the film says, catching a big fish. Will, doesn't think much of his father but soon starts to investigate and maybe soon begin to appreciate his father and understand him and may perhaps find a way to say goodbye to him. Big Fish, has good direction, a good screenplay, good performances, from everybody involved, good original music, good cinematography, good film editing, good production design, good art direction, good set decoration, good costume design and good makeup. Big Fish, looks good, is imaginative, emotional, heartwarming, interesting, fun, entertaining, charming, smart, a treat for the eyes with the film's beautiful visuals and cinematography and the film has some very neat looking and fun fantasy sequences. I have always been a big fan of Tim Burton, and while I do not think this is his best film I did enjoy it and think it will be up for a lot of Oscars for visuals and art design. A good film.

[Joemovie]

I hadn't planned to see "Big Fish", but my editor at the school paper asked me to review it...Speaking of which, I posted said review in the "What did you think?" section so if you're THAT interested in what I think, take the journy over...

Basically I thought it was good, especially during the scenes of Bloom's stories, but most of the stuff between the father and son just didn't work...Those "real life" scenes were downright depressing, and they come at you right after you've had some fun with the fantasy stuff...McGregor is great here though, I wouldn't mind seeing him get a few award nominations...And the ending comes together perfectly, I'd say from like the last three scenes, very moving stuff...

[Alecc Bracero]

This movie was very entertaining. Tim Burton definitely redeemed himself from that crap known as Planet of the Apes. All the performances were great, especially Albert Finney. The music was excellent, just like every other Danny Elfman score. The ending was definitely a heartbreaker. *** stars. MAH!!!!!

[MovieMan75]

Everyone's been talking about Elfman's score, but am I the only one who didn't really even think about it? I've always loved Elfman's work, but after I left my screening I couldn't even play it back in my head. I knew it was there, but it just didn't seem as pronounced as his music usually is in his films.

[KiddReign2]

This film was amazing. I walked out of the theater saying "I Loved This Movie!" Tim Burton is on top of his game, even if he has toned down the oddities of which he puts in his film but it's ok. You still know watching this film that it's Tim Burton's. Ewan is awesome and he better see some awards coming his way and a lot of nominations. The entire cast is great with Ewan & Albert being the standouts as young and old Edward Bloom. If you want a fairy tale type fantasy that will take you out of your normal life or just an EXCELLENT film, Big Fish is it.

[Sigur509]

I saw it the day it came out. I am a huge Burton fan, and I went into Big Fish with high hopes and I was not dissapointed at all. I cant wait to see it again. I always loved hearing tall tales when I was a child, and this realy reminded me of those times.


9/10

Also a bonus was to see the Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind trailer before Big Fish, also looks like a friggen great film, cant wait. I got goosebumps during it:)

[TheGodSon]

Originally posted by AppleHuntr
Big Fish 6/10

I side with Joblo on this one. Being a big Burton fan, when all is said and done the film is a disappointment, but it does feature some nice moments/acting. The film was definitly striving for that magical, fairy-tale feeling but its way too long winded. There are so many flashbacks that they become tiresome, a few seem like they would be so easy to just cut right out that I wonder why the editors didn't. I know that a few are there to tie up loose knots but when I completely forgot about these loose knots I just kinda felt irritated that Burton felt obligated to do something about it. A movie like this wouldve benefited greatly from a nice, neat 90 minute running time. It wouldve kept some of the magic alive. Also, the scenes with the real family (Crudup, Finney, Lange, etc...) become exhausting at a point. The movie tries to handle too much.

But on the positive side, the imagery is fantastic, some of the stories are beautiful and funny and the ending is a nice, fitting one. I recommend it but I hoped for a lot more.


I totally agree.


I thought it was entertaining at times. I checked my watch a couple times to quite honest. The imagery was fantastic and it definitely had it's moments. But I left the movie feeling kind of underwhelmed. I really wanted to love this movie. But I left just liking it. Totally forgettable movie to be quite honest. I wasn't emotionally involved with the characters as I was in some other fantastic movies this year. Billy Crudup turned in a good performance. He needs to get more roles!

A 6/10 is being generous. Sorry.

[Lynn Minmei]

9/10

Great soundtrack and great storytelling.

Best Picture hopefully.

[Mr. Orange]

The first 15 minutes I wasn't impressed but I was quickly drawn into this movie. Not the best movie of the year and not Burton's best, but it most definately worth watching. I think that I will give it a 8/10.

By the way did anyone pick up on the numerous references to previous Burton movies?

Examples (some might seem ridiculous but I am going to put them here anyways.

SPOILERS!




1. The hand that Edward sells seems to be a reference to Edward Scissorhands.

2. When Will is eating with his family he goes to put some food into his mouth and it falls off the fork. Intentional or not it reminded me of Edward Scissorhands.

3. Edward's tie that he is wearing when he fights that jerk appears to have the Nightmare Before X-mas hill on it.

4. Edward's final scene in the river. When Will lowers him in he crosses his arms over his chest and goes under the water. Maybe like Bela in Ed Wood?




SPOILERS OVER.........



I dunno I know some of those are deliberate but some might be coincidence.

Who knows...

[AppleHuntr]

Originally posted by TheGodSon
I totally agree.


I thought it was entertaining at times. I checked my watch a couple times to quite honest. The imagery was fantastic and it definitely had it's moments. But I left the movie feeling kind of underwhelmed. I really wanted to love this movie. But I left just liking it. Totally forgettable movie to be quite honest. I wasn't emotionally involved with the characters as I was in some other fantastic movies this year. Billy Crudup turned in a good performance. He needs to get more roles!

A 6/10 is being generous. Sorry.

I think it is too, but I still can't decide whether I like it or not. I just saw the trailer again and it's so beautiful, but I think about how the feeling I got during it was totally absent during the actual movie. The friend I saw it with was at first a bit neutral, but now she can't stand it, and I guess that the fact I can understand that feeling says something. Big Fish just doesnt feel........genuine like some of Burtons previous efforts. Too feel-good and phony.

[dellamorte dellamore]

Maybe the words you're looking for are pretentious and emotionally manipulative , but i still haven't seen it so i'm only guessing .


I never really was interested in seeing this in theaters , cause it looks like more of a curiosity than a must see theater experience .



It's still nice to see Burton come out with a mild box office hit , he needed it big time .

[Jon Lyrik]

Originally posted by dellamorte dellamore
It's still nice to see Burton come out with a mild box office hit , he needed it big time .

Since when? His last film was almost a blockbuster.

[Schatten]

Originally posted by Moviefan1234
I normally like Burton and McGregor, but this doesn't look that great to me. It just seems way too comical for my liking, if they would've made it more dramatic I think it'd be much better. I'll most likely pass unless I hear it's not as comical as the trailer shows.

It's more dramatical than comical, go see it.

[Droog989]

Words cannot even express how much I love Big Fish. Immediately after leaving the theater after having seen it I went and purchased a ticket for the very next showing that day. I loved it that much. I've seen it 4 times now since it's release, and odds are, I'm going again.

Tim Burton is definately one of the most unique and original directors around (alongside people such as Terry Gilliam, Spike jonze, David Lynch and Sophia Coppola), and Big Fish is one of his best films yet. I'd say THE best, but Ed Wood is still one of my favourites, so the two are tied.

This film is Burton at his very best. I don't know what has happened in his life since Planet of the Apes to mature him as a filmmaker so much, but Big Fish is easily one of the most brilliant, engrossing, and spectacular films I've seen in years.

I never thought that I would find a film that could top the grandeur of Return of the King (a film which is actually superior to the two films preceeding it, both of which were my number 1 films of the year for the year they were released), but Big Fish has done just that. The only other time I've came near to the emotional high I achieved during this picture was with ROTK (Faramir's death charge while Pippin signs still haunts my dreams). I cannot stress how highly I recommend this movie. Tim Burton has truly come into his own as a filmmaker.

[Benny]

Well it's my birthday tomorrow, and Big Fish is finally out here, so a bunch of friends and I are gonna go see this movie tomorrow night. I'm really excited, I've wanted to see this for a long time.

[Spacey_Norton21]

I was upset when I heard that it only got one oscar nomination (Best Score- Danny Elfman, whi was excellent btw) It should have been nominated for at least best director or best picture.

[The Delfonics]

Great movie! I finally saw this, I went so many weeks and just didnt see it but finally I did and its the best movie ive seen in a long time. A great/sad ending.

9/10

[The Engraved]

This movie is one of Tim Burtons best . The only problem in the movie is Danny Devito's backside.
Also how could this movie not be nominated for best picture.
10/10

[dellamorte dellamore]

The Penguin lives , and the Red Triangle Circus gang has regrouped for another assault on Gotham . :)

[Strider]

Big Fish (2003)

Rated PG-13 for a Fight Scene, Some Images of Nudity, and a Suggestive Reference

Director: Tim Burton

Starring Ewan McGregor, Albert Finney, Billy Crudup, Jessica Lange, Alison Lohman, Helena Bonham Carter, Robert Guillaume, with Steve Buscemi, and Danny DeVito.

http://us.ent4.yimg.com/movies.yahoo.com/images/hv/photo/movie_pix/columbia_pictures/big_fish/ewan_mcgregor/fish6.jpg

Synopsis: "The story revolves around a dying father (Albert Finney) and his son (Billy Crudup), who is trying to learn more about his dad by piercing together the stories he has gathered over the years. The son winds up re-creating his father's elusive life in a series of legends and myths inspired by the few facts he knows. Through these tales, the son begins to understand begins to understand his father's greatest feats and his greatest failings."

After the disappointing "Planet of the Apes" remake, Tim Burton is back and better than ever with his latest film, "Big Fish". Not only does Burton redeem himself here, but he also proves once again why he is one of the best directors working in the film industry today. "Big Fish" is a wonderful fairy-tale of a film which is nothing short of magical, dazzling, and touching.

The greatest strength of the film is its story. And even though the story is quite simple, its fantasy and mythical elements turn it into something that is completely enchanting and captivating. The performances of the talented ensemble cast prove to be another strength of the film. The film is really centered around the characters portrayed by Ewan McGregor, Albert Finney, and Billy Crudup. This trio of actors are accompanied by a great supporting cast, which includes Jessica Lange, Steve Buscemi, Helena Bonham Carter, and Danny DeVito. Everyone is great in this film, but I was most impressed by Finney, who delivers a wonderful and fascinating performance that should have been acknowledged by the Academy with an oscar nomination.

The stragest thing I noticed about "Big Fish" is how different it is than Burton's previous work and style of filmmaking. Burton seems to enjoy to make films that are grounded in darkness. But his usual dark touch hardly appears in this film. "Big Fish" is actually very lighthearted and optimistic more than anything else, but it still features a hint of Burton's darkness and his usual quirkiness. What Burton tried to accomplish here was unlike anything else he has ever done before, and it ended up working out perfectly. "Big Fish" is a mesmerizing experience which ranks as one of Burton's greatest achievements.

Running Time: 2 hours 5 minutes

Grade: 9/10 or **** 1/2/***** stars

Strider