Big Fish

Plot Details: This opinion reveals minor details about the movie's plot.

Big Fish gives new meaning to tall tales.  Really, it's one heck of a fish story.  And now that I've got that out of my system I'll move on to the review.

Edward Bloom has always been destined for bigger things.  And his stories are the stuff of legend.  He packed a lot of living into his years.  It's a shame his son doesn't believe a word of it.  And a certain wedding speech alienates them for three years until Edward is diagnosed with cancer.  While visiting his dad, flashbacks to Edward's incredible life come through and we see how he left his home town, his time with the circus, his time with the army, and most important, how he met his wife and love of his life.  And he needs an end to his story, one that he heard a long time ago but is the only tale he hasn't told.

Characters:
Albert Finney: Old Edward Bloom
Ewan McGregor: Young Edward Bloom
Christopher Mcpherson Jr.: Child Edward Bloom
Jessica Lange: Sandra K. Bloom
Alison Lohman: Young Sandra K. Bloom
Billy Crudup: William Bloom
Marion Cotillard Josephine Bloom
Helena Bonham Carter: Witch/Jenny
Hailey Anne Nelson: Young Jenny
Robert Guillaume: Dr. Bennett
Matthew McGrory: Karl
Danny DeVito: Amos Calloway
Steve Buscemi: Norther Winslow

Ewan McGregor has the largest part in this movie and he does very well.  He's completely cocky and fitting to the personality of Edward.  But he's still likable.  And he's a good storyteller.  Older Edward is not quite as charming, but then again he's on his sick bed so that's understandable.  I think the hidden talent in the movie though is Jessica Lange.  She plays a quiet part, but acts completely devoted to Edward and makes the relationship beautiful.  I especially loved the tub scene between the two (and no it's not as dirty as it sounds).  The other characters are in and out of the movie at irregular intervals, but they are all unique and special.  I think they chose well for the parts as everyone is funny without being over the top. 

Since this movie is based on tall tales, everything in it was a little over the line of being outrageous.  But it was interesting and I can't say that I've ever seen something like it before.  The movie weaved its way through Edward's life in somewhat chronological order (except when it's showing him as older and dying).  Even the little touches were well done, like the life with the circus and various jobs that Edward had to perform.  It's not often you have a movie that can combine War, daffodils, elephant poop, and witches.  Although I should warn, there's back end nudity of both men and women in this movie.  Not that that's a big deal, but still thought I'd have the warning here.  My only real complaint with the movie is that it had some pacing issues in some parts.

The cinematography is outstanding.  Unlike most of Burton's movies where everything is dark, this one has a lot of light.  Lit-up towns, a bright circus, performance during war, everything has a lot of color.  It's a pleasure to watch because of it.  And even the special effects, although somewhat cheesy, are well done.  I especially enjoyed the catfish that was featured throughout the movie.  The music is so-so.  It fit with all the scenes but I can't say that it was memorable. 

Big Fish is a good movie.  It has a lot of emotion and while it's not perfect, it is perfectly enjoyable.

Review by M. Reynard 2013

Recommend this product? Yes

Viewing Format: DVD
Video Occasion: Good Date Movie
Suitability For Children: Suitable for Children Age 9 - 12