Big Fish (2003)

Take all the stories from the tall tale genre, and combine it with a person's real life, and you get this movie. “Big Fish” is basically a tall tale of someone's life told through an extraordinary, and surprising way. This tall tale contains stories of love, laughter, drama, and excitement that will make you laugh and cry at the same time. It's both a wonder and an achievement at how this movie is so good. “Big Fish” combines all the stories of a tale tale, and getting at your emotions, including this reviewer, in one of the most underrated gems from Tim Burton.

The story is that Edward Bloom (Albert Finney and Ewan McGregor) tells his son, Will (Billy Cruddup), stories based on events in his life. As a child, Will believes his dad, but on his wedding day, Will now realizes that the stories his father told him were not true. After believing this, Will promises to never speak to his father again. Several months pass, and Will is doing fine, until he learns that his father is dying. It is here that Will finds out what is real and what he thinks are works of fiction.

“Big Fish” is an outstanding movie from beginning to end.

The acting is pretty good in this movie. The male leads did a great job, especially from both Finney and McGregor who play Ed Bloom. With Finney, we get a man who wants to remember the past as it was: joyful and cheerful. And in the past, McGregor plays an optimistic who is curious about the entire world. Plus, the supporting cast which ranges from Matthew McGrory, Helena Bonham Carter, Steve Buscemi, and Danny DeVito, all turn out great performances.

The visuals are very impressive and can get dark as the story enters its conclusion.

Speaking of the story, there is a lot comedic values to it and some dramatic moments as well. There's both laughter and sadness and it can remind people of someone we have lost which makes the movie more memorable. And the ending really effects me personally; I can't say why, but it does.

Director Tim Burton goes back to his comedic roots for this film. And by this is that he's going back to his early films like “Pee-Wee's Big Adventure” and “Beetlejuice.” With “Big Fish”, Tim Burton brings forth comedy and drama together perfectly.

This movie is not a typical special effects movie that studios put millions of dollars into. There are a few scenes that offer good special effects, but nothing that is really groundbreaking. There is, however, one scene where the special effects are amazing. As the crowd in the circus starts to leave, Ed Bloom sees the woman he's going to marry and time stops around him.

Next is the music; Danny Elfman reunites with Tim Burton yet again to create another wonderful soundtrack. Mr. Elfman blends country with a mix of adventure together to create a beautiful score. Plus, the soundtrack is also combined with popular songs used in the film, that make it great for an easy listen.

Overall, “Big Fish” is an amazing film that you must see. It will make you laugh, and it will make you cry, but most of all you will be entertained by a great story.