11/16/99: When I heard about Tim Burton making Sleepy Hollow, I was ecstatic. I couldn't think of two entities more perfect for each other. I've never read Washington Irving's story, but like everybody I've seen the Disney cartoon version. A real Halloween classic, with unforgettable images. Tim Burton is the only director who could bring this classic to life. The film looks perfect. Everything, the sets, the clothes, the photography, well it all looks Burtonish, the trees alone make a huge impression. Burton is one of the few directors, where you will just see a piece of the background and know instantly it's his film.

We all know the story. Ichabod Crane comes to the small town of Sleepy Hollow, and is terrorized by the Headless Horseman. This being a feature length film it is obviously imbelished. Crane is a constable in New York city in 1799, sent to Sleepy Hollow, to find out why people keep losing their heads. We get to see the Headless Horseman's past, the character's and town's history gets fleshed out. And of course we learn the mystery behind all the be-headings.

Burton brings back many actors from his past movies. Johnny Depp is Ichabod, as always he blends right into character, scared yet confident. Personally I think Depp is one of the best actors working today, it's a great treat to see him play such different roles in each film. Christina Richi is Katrina, the love interest, a role Winonna Ryder probably would have filled a few years ago. Martin Landau, and Christopher Lee each have a fun cameo. Everyone else is recognizable character actors, too many names to go into. But it really isn't about the acting for these characters, they are there because they look the part, the right face with the appropriate clothes and wig. Christopher Walken is the Horseman, he doesn't say a word, but looks the most evil he ever has, and that's saying something. Burton also brings back another familiar character, Danny Elfman's score. It fits in harmoniously with the dark story.