Fathers can be larger than life. For Will (Billy Crudup), his father Edward Bloom (played by Albert Finney and Ewan McGregor) is one of those people but he doesn’t find his father’s tall tales to be as charming as everyone else does. Searching for the facts behind all his fathers elaborate fanciful stories Will takes us on a journey through the larger than life adventures. Interlaced within this simple tale of a son’s search for the father he’s never understood, are scenes of some of Edward (McGregor) more outlandish adventures.
Tim Burton gives us a terrifically fractured sense of the fantastic and surreal. Without any of his typical cynicism he delivers a wonderful story that captivates the imagination of our youth while speaking to the wisdom of age. Discovering there are still mysteries yet to be uncovered in this world of our, and adventures to be had for those willing to set their feet upon the path, Will learns not all of his fathers whoppers are embellishments.
Because of the whimsical, fairytale grandeur of the storytelling this is a movie right at home sitting next to Princess Bride and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. (Coincidently slated to be Burton’s next project.) This is a fun movie to satiate your inner child.
As a side note it is important to state I watched this movie at home on DVD. Many times that makes a difference on the enjoyment of a film. There are movies that are great in the theater and movies better suited for viewing at home. There is a good chance this movie is one of the later.
