TOP 5: Tim Burton Movies
Introducing our newest Lobby contributor, Elijah Scott. After some sharp-witted 25 Words or Less reviews, now he’s posting. Go for it, buddy.
Tim Burton is perhaps one of the most imaginative American filmmakers of the last 25 years. While previewing his upcoming Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street at the Venice Film Festival, Burton received the coveted Golden Lion Award for “brave, innovative and visionary filmmaking.” So there’s no better time to humbly submit my Top 5 Tim Burton Movies.
5) Batman (1989)
True fans of the comic book have all but emptied their memories of this film since Batman Begins. Still, Burton’s first Batman film is sheer, 80’s, blockbuster fun. With his unique artistic design and Jack Nicholson as The Joker, you’ve got a wonderful rollercoaster that still holds its own.
4) Edward Scissorhands (1990)
It doesn’t matter if the plot is a little too fairytale for the big screen. Or if it’s difficult to imagine Anthony Michael Hall as a high school bully. Burton’s camera gives a visual treat that few movies have been able to match since. Of course, Johnny Depp’s performance ain’t none too bad either.
3) Beetlejuice (1988)
For one of his first blockbusters, Burton was able to showcase his vast cinematic talents, whether directing future stars like Alec Baldwin, Geena Davis and Winona Ryder or getting one of Michael Keaton’s best comic performances. He even shows off his Harryhausen-esque stop motion animation. This film never fails to put a smile on my face.
2) Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure (1985)
Burton proves he can not only out-imagine a child, but also can keep it adult enough for the parents to enjoy. As with Beetlejuice, his comedic timing is impeccable.
1) Ed Wood (1994)
There are very few films where all aspects seem to slide together perfectly, where script, acting, direction, music, etc. can all combine to create a movie that continues to resonate with audiences for many years. Ed Wood is certainly in that category. From the razor-sharp script to the genuine performances, this film is perfect in every way.
… AND TIM BURTON’S WORST FILM
Batman Returns (1992)
Not even Burton’s dark and opulent production design can save this clunker. A 2-hour borefest that seems to have everything a blockbuster should: competent cast, good effects, even some okay action. But painfully little happens, and we’re forced to linger a little too long on the would-be Batman/Catwoman romance.
Not the worst of the series, but it came at a time when we expected much more from this innovative director.
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Welll … I think “Planet of the Apes” is far worse than “Batman Returns.” The second Batman movie at least had Pfeiffer in a tight catsuit. “Apes” had one of the worst endings of all time.
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To tell the truth, it was tough to decide between “Batman” and “Apes” as his worst. I guess I just didn’t expect as much from “Apes.”