Sleepy Hollow (DVD, 2000, Sensormatic)

This was an okay movie. The special effects/ costumes/ scenery are wonderful and the storyline departs from the original tale in some interesting ways that make the story a little less predictable and give it a more "modern" feel. These are the things we have come to expect from Tim Burton, so if you are a fan of his work you will not be disappointed. Although this is listed in the horror genre- I didn't find it at all scary. It was however a bit (unneccesarily) bloody, so I wouldn't recommend it for the younger set. Also, this "new and modern" version of the storyline has a big emphasis on witchcraft. I'm not a big fan of that...

In this film Ichabod Crane (Johnny Depp) is portrayed as a forensic investigator in New York, who aspires to modernize the 18th century judicial system by investigating crimes from a scientific standpoint (rather than accusing and prosecuting the poor, those w/ a poor reputation or just anyone off the street). [I agree- it's a lot to swallow in the first 5 minutes.] His beliefs are not readily accepted- in fact they appear to tick off just about everyone in NY- so he is sent to investigate a series of murders that have been taking place in the remote village of Sleepy Hollow. Once there, he learns that the townspeople believe the murders have been committed by a headless horseman. Being a man of logic he refuses to accept this, instead insisting that murder can only be committed by those of flesh and blood and he sets out to discover the true identity of the killer.

I have always loved the story of Sleepy Hollow and the Headless Horseman. This movie brought that to a whole new level. Starring Johnny Depp (as Ichabod Crane), Christina Ricci, and Christopher Walken (has the Horseman). I just love the story line and the way it was played out in this movie. Everyone knows the story but Tim Burton twists it like I never would have thought before. Great special effects and acting. Christopher Walken was perfect for that role! This is a great movie that everyone should watch.

Ah, I can remember when this first came out on VHS, I went to blockbuster with my grandmother and purchased it the first day.
Now everybody I know tells me that I look like Johnny Depp's character Ichabod Crane.

Based off of Washington Irving's famous legend, master storyteller Tim Burton has outdone himself this time.
I couldn't tell you one complaint about this film.

Also, a neat little fact many don't know is that Casper Van Dien (Christina Ricci's character Katrina Van Tassel's love interest) is related to the actual Van Tassel family in real life.

Johnny Depp, Christina Ricci and Christopher Walken
star in Tim Burton's 1999 horror film based on the book.
In the 18th century, an investigator is sent to a town
discovering that an evil ghost is beheading people.
This is a good ghost story and Johnny is great as
usual. This dvd has decent picture and sound plus
some neat extras. I recommend this.

This movie has all the qualities of a great scary movie. The story is classic, taken from the novel written by Washington Irving. The set and costume design are dark and forboding. Tim Burton does a fabulous job of making every dark corner of the town and woods seem ominous. The acting is extraordinary from Johnny Depp down to the smallest part. I love the elders of the village who fall one by one as they struggle to keep their dark secrets. The music is brilliant. All in all a classic worthy to watch even outside of October.