Rating: 
Summary: About as gothic as my arse...
Review: Gothic ? A return to roots for horror ? Um yeah, sure. The classic Legend Of Sleepy Hollow has been butchered. Se7en Scribe Andrew Walker, I assumed would bring at all the thematic depth and darkness of the original story, instead he's opted for the Scream pop-horror root. Instead of using the headless horseman as a metaphor for the vengeance of a superficial society against outsider Ichabod Crane as in the novel, the horseman here (in true hollywood fashion) is being controlled by some stupid witch. It's like instead of a killer in a mask, we get a medieval witch. The classic story of Sleepy Hollow has been turned into a medieval slasher film ! In true hollywood fashion, everything is made nice and simple for the audience. Lots of jump in your seat moments, lots of blood, and a nice happy ending. Everything is explained to you and there is no thematic depth here at all. Gothic does not mean everything is dark. Gothic goes deeper than that, I really thought Tim Burton understood that. But this is pop-horror. Cheesy jump in your seat moments of horror. Nothing disturbing or even remotely depressing like the original book - this ain't The Exorcist folks. Texas Chainsaw massacre ? Don't get me started. Using blood is cool, if it's going to disturb the audience ala Last House On The Left, but this is just cheesy mainstream trsh. OKay, the cast are great, but I feel sorry for such wasted talent. This could have really brought back gothic horror, instead it tries to make gothic horror appeal to the masses. BRING BACK LOW BUDGET DAMN IT ! A triumph for visual style it may be, but a triumph for horror this ain't. Tim Burton barely says a word in his commentary track, which shows how much he thinks of his film.
Rating: 
Summary: finally Burton got to make and R-rated movie!
Review: Tim Burton, the director of this movie, is a really twisted filmmaker. He has made some films that were meant for kids in the past that were really creepy. Just look at the 2 Batman films he made. Those movies were so darkly violent and twisted that they came very close to the R-rating. But this time Paramount put their trust in Burton to do this R-rated flick and let it totally rip. The result, unfortunately, is not exactly what I'd hoped for. The movie's look is absolutely amazing, the most stunningly beautiful Burton film to date (and that's saying something). But what disturbs me is the complicated plot, which this movie didn't need, and some lacklustre performances. The movie is definitely spooky and even humorous at points, but some of the acting is below par, especially Christina Ricci. Casper van Dien is as mediocre as he usually is, Christopher Walken is wasted in a microscopic role, and so are Ian McDiarmid and Michael Gough. But, focusing on the movie, it's definitely worth watching once. So rent it first and, if you like it, then buy it!
Rating: 
Summary: suprised
Review: i was really surprised at how great this movie was. i thought that it would be your average horror movie, but it was anything but! not to mention the fact that it was nominated for several academy awards, and even won one!~ i recomend this movie to anyone who is a tim burton, johnny depp, christina ricci fan, or just a person in the mood for a movie that's scary, dramatic, funny, and romatic all at the same time. buy it!
Rating:
Summary: Awesome legends!
Review: This is an awesome movie. Jhonny Dep at one of his best acting. He's the best Ichbod there could be! Its a in depth look at the Legend of Sleepy Hallow. You learn about the headless horse man, and it's very gothic and creamy? It's a good moive! But for the younger one's who've seen the cartoon, this isn't for them. There is alot of graphic killing's but don't let that discourage you, but it's awesome. A must see!
Rating: 
Summary: not THAT bad - 2 and a half stars
Review: This movie is a little less than average when compared to all other movies. For one, the movie doesn't follow the story. But even if story never existed, it would still be just an average idea. Who really cares about a headless horseman back in the 1700's? There was no dreadful acting, but nothing groundbreaking, either. Casting was done pretty well, I think. Although it strays from the story, I liked the tree that shed blood. I thought that the headless horseman would have looked better with a pumpkin on his head. The first half of this movie is really rather slow and tedious, but it slowly gets better after that. Probably worth a rental, but not much beyond that.
Rating:
Summary: Tim Burton continues to shine!
Review: Tim Burton's "Sleepy Hollow" is a dazzling visceral feast for the brain. It dips into elements of timid comedy, macabre imagery and suspense and mystery that all coems wrapped in a sensory package that brings Washington Irving's tale to a vivid new life. The movie has a unique feel to it that only someone with the imagination of Tim Burton could create, and that, combined with the gorgeous cast and their witty characters, make this film work on many different and exciting levels. Sure, it does have a little bit of blood and gore (what were you expecting?), but I looked at this as a serious movie with comical undertones, which is what makes it work so well. The story borrows from Irving's tale, which delves into the belief that a ghost, in the form of a headless man upon a gigantic black stallion, inhabits the woods outside of the quiet town of Sleepy Hollow. This brings Constable Ichabod Crane into the picture, who is sent by his superiors to ivestigate the deaths of several people. Crane believes it to be cold murder, and sets out to prove his theory, along with making good with the citizens as he dismantles town life with his discoveries. Johnny Depp plays Ichabod Crane, and this pairing of his character with the rest of the town sets up a lot of the tension that keeps the movie's mystery and intensity moving. Crane's discovery that there really is a ghost sends him on a journey into the woods to discover if it is true, and what he will discover will bring the town to a jaw-dropping stand-still as they anxiously await for the final answers to come to light. There are more than enough elements at work in this movie, but the most intriguing is the mystery behind the Headless Horseman, and the forces at work that bring him into the picture. The story gives us small yet confusing clues that seem to be leading us to nowhere in discovering the mystery, but once the secrets are revealed, everything falls into place and the clues take on more significance. This is the kind of movie that starts out confusing, then turns out to be everything you never thought to think of. I like these kind of clues; every spoken line in the movie is going to have a significance, whether big or small, at some later point in the movie. There is a significant slowdown towards the end once all the secrets are revealed, at which point it becomes increasingly easy to predict what's going to happen, but this is not a hindering factor for the movie, but rather a period of calm after the storm. This gives us a chance to reflect on the events of the movie, thereby forcing us to consider a second viewing in order to capture all the clues once again, only with more ease. The story works well with this mystery, moving along at an easy pace, with moments of fast action mixed with slow scenes that revolve mostly around one of two things: the love relationship developing between Crane and Katrina Van Tassel, the daughter of a wealthy resident, or in giving us the small clues aforementioned. There is a nice balance that allows us to catch our breathes in the midst of all the suspense while not ever becoming to melodramatic or woeful. Tim Burton has an extensive visual integrity, as displayed in his previous movies (if you don't believe me, then rent "Edward Scissorhands). With "Sleepy Hollow," he is given the opportunity to transport us to a totally different place and time, and he does so elegantly and eerily. The sets and the costume design are resonant of the time period, while also increasing the high-class nostalgia of the characters that dwell within them. These sets are also very eerie in that there is always shadow and poor light which hide certain things from view, so we never get the full picture. This adds to the mysticism and keeps up a sense of unease and tension. Other sets, such as the forest setting, are completely ominous and overbearing. The trees have no leaves, which are spread out on the ground in rotting piles, leaving the branches as bareand twisting fingers to the sky. This is the ultimate walk in the woods, people. Burton's use of off-beat skin tones, which give the characters a more-than-normal white appearance, convey the sense of death and decay along with the other aspects of the set design. Danny Elfman's music is effective and brooding, adding to the sense of romantic phantasmagoria that pervades the movie's plotline. The acting in this movie is purely magical, like a dream. Johnny Depp as Ichabod Crane is goofy and intelligent, his dialogue sounding natural and coming at us with ease. His investigation of the crimes brings out his aspirations of austerity, while his clumbsiness in handling an autopsy is comical and brings humor to the movie. Christina Ricci is bright and gorgeous as Katrina Van Tassel, and the perfect match for Depp. Their chemistry is convincing and inviting, and we begin to enjoy watching them together onscreen. All of the characters are given the wittiest and most pristine dialogue I've heard in a movie in ages, which adds to the aristocratic sense of the movie. I enjoyed "Sleepy Hollow" because it is able to do what most movies cannot: it can take a classical story, give it a more-than-praiseworthy makeover, and combine elements of horror and humor without going into to much of one without the other. The movie is witty, intelligent, and frighteningly good fun with a surprise twist ending that delivers satisfaction. It never strays from the boundaries of its subject matter, nor does it try to modernize it. The Legend of Sleepy Hollow may never be the same again.
Rating:
Summary: Horror Classic,Burton Style
Review: "Sleepy Hollow" is epiclly gorgeous,full of eye-popping visuals,and rip-roaring action.Tim Burton,the creator of singular masterpieces like Edward Scissorhands and Beetlejuice outdoese himself here,presenting his most visionary film yet.Based on the look and feel of classic "Hammer" horror films of the fifties and sixties,the film largely takes place on an expertly crafted soundstage,giving the scenes in the woods and around the fabled town of Sleepy Hollow a classicly evocative feel.Tim Burton is an expert at creating atmospheres,and here he imbues the film with a perfectly forboding,autumnal resonense that's perfect for Holloween,it may become the October 31st classic that movies like "Frankenstien" are now.The film stars Johnny Depp,one of the most fearlessly dedicated actors working today,as the indomitable Ichabod Crane,the New York constable(it's 1799)sent to Sleepy Hollow to investigate several murders where the victim's heads were lopped off"clean as dandilion heads",as the great Christopher Lee puts it in sly cameo.Crane is a great believer in sense and reason,and the scientific,logical explanations behind things.He's convinced that the murders in Sleepy Hollow are the work of a flesh-and-blood man,and will find him through practical investigations.His journey,"three days to the north",sets the tone of the film.His carriage ride through beautifully wrought landscapes,backed by Danny Elfman's sweeping score,establishes a thrilling mood that is only strengthened once he arrives.The fog enshrouded town seems to envelop him as he walks down it's main street,with frightened residents closing thier shudders at the intrusion.He sees young men setting up embattlements and loading muskets.Upon arrival at the house of Baltus Van Tassel,one of a close knit-conspirational group of town elders,he meets Katrina Van Tassel,played by a radiantly georgeous Christina Ricci.He's introduced to the other characters-Reverend Steenwyke,played by the priceless Jeffery Jones,Magistrate Phillipse,Notary Hardenbrook,and Doctor Lancaster.It's clear that Ichabod Crane's presence puts them ill at ease as they spin the chilling yarn of the Hessian mercenary who was slain in battle and has returned from the grave th reap vengence on the townspoeple.Ichabod,of coarse,doesn't believe the fantasic story,instead positing the existance of a real human murderer,which sends the elders into a fit of eye-shifting and murmuring.He then sets out to solve the puzzle,eventually encountering the horseman,which sends him into a philisophical tailspin,and forces him to approach this case from a completely illogical standpoint,or as he puts it"to pit myself against a murdering ghost".We see flashbacks to his childhood,and dark events that led to his current resolute state of mind,even as they're being challenged to the core by the events unfolding before him.There's also a surprisingly tender(if under developed) romance between Ichabod and Katrina,as she beguiles him with her "white magic".Johnny Depp and Christina Ricci give fine performances,finding the heart and intelligence in thier characters,and lending a grounding sense of believability even as the heads start piling up.The overall sense of this film is something deep and primal,it hints at the origins of fairy tales,as well demonstrating why they retain such a hold on our collective psyche,tapping into elemental fears,and confronting them.It's thrilling,moody,frightening,funny,completely absorbing and smashingly entertaining."It's A Wonderful LIfe" is often called the perfect Christmas film.Well,say hello to the perfect Holloween film.
Rating:
Summary: a nightmare made flesh
Review: The title describes both the Hessian himself and this film as a whole. Few movies have been as saturated with atmosphere (HORROR HOTEL --- also with Christopher Lee --- comes to mind)and Irving's tale, alternately bucolic and satirical by turns, has been turned into a effective horror piece, fulfilling all its Halloween potential that we think we remember years after reading it. (Re-read the story; you'll see what I mean. Plus is's a classic piece of comic Americana that'll repay your time; in its way it's the equal of TOM SAWYER.) Depp is always a pleasure to watch, and he shines here, alternately brave (the man has no fear of corpses)and then as cowardly as Dr. Smith (don't show him any bugs!) His "crisis of reason" is nicely handled, as is his Holmesian dependence on logic and observation. Ricci is quite affecting as Katrina, and they are backed up by a solid ensemble of first-rate actors. Walken actually manages to wring a bit of sympathy out of the Hessian during his byplay with the little girls in the forest. The suspense is well-maintained throughout, and the set-pieces (the attack on the church, the Tree of the Dead) are as vivid and memorable as the best of Hammer combined with the best of Universal. Although there are some splashes of blood (van Dien takes the worst of it) this is a movie that exemplifies spectral dread over stupid slasher-flick violence,and it delivers the goods. Visually the film is a treat from beginning to end, with its lushly Romantic views of a landscape corrupted by an evil presence, signalled early on by one of the most evil-looking scarecrows ever put on film. Sleepy Hollow in a place where the very ground exhales menace. Baudelaire and Poe would have felt right at home here.
Rating:
Summary: sword-happy hessians and hot constables
Review: this movie is a real winner. the plot is a delightfully spooky remake of the origonal tale. not scary enough to give you nightmares, but enough to keep you on the edge of your seat. johnny depp's facial expressions keep the movie entertaining in the slow parts and the blooming romance between him and katrina keep you pining for more. lovely little twist about the owner of the hessian's head controling him (did anybody but me notice that the skull's sharpened teeth are a lot closer together than the actors?). the graphics with the witch could have been better but did make me jump, and the foggy-town-in-the-midst-of-a-forest-setting is inspired. as a whole, i think the movie is a lot more satisfying than the actual story and would definently recomend it if you swing by the video store on halloween.
Rating:
Summary: Now we are talking....
Review: A director/actor combination to challange Spielburg/drafus. Sleepy hollow is magnificent and it isnt because of the story or the special effects (which are both strong) its all about the atmosphere, again Burton is Artistic and passionate and it really comes across. An American story told in a cult style, very dark and very mythical. The complexity of the moods and relationships are seemlessly boiled in an atmospheric rolacoster, it has everything. The sword fight at the bridge is one of the best ever. Elfmans score is brilliantly Burton and Ricci is back to her old self. Its almost as if she has slipped into Winnona Ryder's shoes and added another dimension. Depp is a supurb (as usual) because his insane view of life is natural in this 'world'. I saw this movie three times at the theatre as i was afraid that the DVD wouldnt quite have that edge... believe me it does. This is one of my best discs. The music rumbles and the clolours are faultless. Some scenes are obviously sets but you dont care because it fits, and it fits because it is Burton. Thank you Tim.
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