PG-13
Directed by Tim Burton (Beetle Juice, Batman, Edward Scissorhands, Big Fish, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,…)
Starring Ewan McGregor, Albert Finney
Yes, this is a Tim Burton film. Even though this is one of his better films, it still is Burtonesque. If you like films like Edward Scissorshands, Ed Wood, and Mars Attacks then you’ll probably really like “Big Fish.” If you don’t like those films, you’re not out of luck, but you might find parts of “Big Fish” a little bizarre, as are many of Tim Burton’s films.
The film is about tall tales, truth, and the relationship between father and son. Edward Bloom (Albert Finney) is a storyteller. And the stories of his life are so bizarre that everyone believes them to be tall tales. This creates a problem between father and son, because Will, Edward’s son, doesn’t feel like he knows the truth about his father’s life.
Will and his wife come home for the first time in years to visit his father on his death bad. As his father recalls his life story, we flash back to see young Edward (Ewan McGregor) go through the many adventures as told by the older Edward on his deathbed.
As the story unfolds, Will tries to separate tall tale from truth and discover who his father really is.
The film definitely gets points for originality. The performances are strong and it keeps your interest.
Is it a good film? Some really like the lesson that you can’t assume the worst in someone. There is a message of reconciliation and forgiveness in the film as Will finds out the truth he never knew about his father.
Will kids want to see it? Most kids, no. I don’t know too many kids that are Ewan McGregor or Albert Finney fans. And there is some mild objectionable material in it that you might want to consider before letting your kids see it (see www.screenit.com ).
Adults may enjoy the film. If you don’t mind “artsy,” it’s worth the rent. But you won’t find it in my DVD drawer next to my favorites.
Conversation Starter
Three Simple Questions (with Answers You May Be Looking for):
- What are some of the messages or themes you observed in this movie?
- How do you suppose we—as serious Christ-followers—should react to this movie?
- How can we move from healthy, Bible-based opinions about this movie to actually living out those opinions?
