Big Fish
Category: Movies...
Posted Saturday, January 10, 2004 at 06:32 PM [GMT-6]

OK, just for the record, let me tell you what kinds of movies I like, by giving you a representative sampling:

• Tremors (1, 2 & even 3)
• Starship Troopers
• Silverado
• Time Bandits
• A Boy and His Dog
• Platoon
• Lake Placid
• POTC
• Clear and Present Danger
• Joe vs. The Volcano

I think I've made my point. Nowhere in that list do you see movies about feelings or emotions or bonding with the father you never really knew until it's almost too late.

That's why I'm mystified as to why my future lists will have to include Big Fish.

Frankly, the only reason we decided to see BF was (1) we had a craving for popcorn, and (2) The Last Samurai wasn't showing early enough to accommodate that craving. Neither of us knew anything about BF other than it was directed by Tim Burton. I think I was expecting something of a wild ride. I wasn't disappointed in that respect, but it was so -- SO -- much more.

I don't want to say anything more about the plot. And, really, all I can share is that this movie was something of an emotional MOAB. After it ended, there was absolutely no conversation from our fellow moviegoers. People filed silently out of the theater, trying to assimilate what they just saw.

I was just trying to compose myself, as was my wife. Neither of us could even comment on the movie during the drive back to the house, fearful of not being able to hold back the emotion.

The thing is, this was a hilarious movie in many respects. It was a FUN movie, mostly. But, in the end, it was simply a powerful movie. If this intrigues you, by all means, go see it and decide if I'm right, or just off my rocker.

The only practical advice I'll share with you might seem kind of strange, but here it is: if you've lost a loved one recently -- if you're still a little raw and tender from that loss -- consider carefully if you're ready for this movie. It could be therapeutic; it might be painful. It most assuredly will be tearful...from both sorrow and joy.

Man...I need to go watch a football game.