Reviews

A great film from a great story. Ryan Phillipe's blatent and blunt interpretation of the character of Sebastian fitted in well with the innocent yet devious portrayal of Katherine, by Sarah Michelle Gellar; an actress whose talent is possibly still hidden beneath the "Buffy" stereotype. Her acting here is a sure sign of good things to come, and once and for all shows that she is not just the aforementioned TV character.

Gellar and Phillipe's on screen chemistry is as obvious and brilliant as it was in their previous joint venture "I Know What You Did Last Summer".

Some people have questioned the content of this film; implying that it's sexually charged nature and general content are not applicable to the ages of the characters portrayed. In my view, the content being related to the "teenage" lifestyle is what makes the film. The shock which gives the film it's edge would be lost if the characters were older. The film also faces up to the fact that teenagers these days do get up to these things. People were shocked by the graphic detail in "Saving Private Ryan", point is, reality usual does shock. Yet in true Hollywood style, there is a moral justice served in the finale. It definitely does portray "The Bitter Sweet Symphony of Life" and at last we have a film that shys away somewhat from the Disneyesque naivity still so common in movies today.

An excellent movie with good acting, direction and some strangely comical moments. In-line with the tradition set by John Williams with Indianna Jones and Star Wars, followed my James Horner in Titanic, the music makes a powerful influence. The use of The Verve's "Bitter Sweet Symphony" in the finale was inspired. Well worth seeing!.

Any reservations that I had about the film being be a turkey, were almost immediately quelled upon seeing the movie. From the offset Mr. Depp throws himself into the role of Icabod Crane with enthusiasm and gusto; portraying excellently a man of "science" suddenly out of his depth in legend. Christina Ricci also plays the role of Katrina van Tassel superbly; a sure sign of good things to come from this talented young actress.

I would be reluctant to call this film an outright horror film - the special effects are used primarily to enhance the plot and visual appearence, and the gore level is low. The visual detail is a masterpiece - the sets are fantastic and lighting brilliant. Tim Burton has superbly used music and suspense to build the thrill in the film. However, the comical interjections provide the required break-up of the suspense.

All in all a very well put together film, with solidly good acting, and most of all a superb plot. Well worth seeing!