Opened: December 10, 2003

Directed by: Tim Burton

Starring: Ewan McGregor, Albert Finney, Billy Crudup, Jessica Lange, Helena Bonham Carter, Alison Lohman, Robert Guillaume, Marion Cotillard, Missi Pyle, Matthew McGrory, David Denman, Loudon Wainwright III, Ada Tai, Arlene Tai, Steve Buscemi, Danny DeVito, Deep Roy, Perry Walston, Hailey Anne Nelson, Grayson Stone, R. Keith Harris, Karla Droege, Zachary Gardner, John Lowell, Darrell Vanterpool, Miley Cyrus, Joseph Humphrey, Billy Redden, Russell Hodgkinson, Daniel Wallace, George McArthur & Bevin Kaye

With tall tales and striking imagery, Tim Burton’s Big Fish is a beautifully told story about life and death.

Edward Bloom (Albert Finney) has always told stories about growing up that seem larger than life, which has alienated his son Will (Billy Crudup) from him. As Edward’s health declines, Will returns home and hopes to learn more truths about his dad when he was young (Ewan McGregor).

The story is relatable whether it’s about the exaggerations you make, the difficult relationships you have with family or the realization of what’s important in life. Scenes may be filled with fantastical characters or places, but there’s so much heart at its center.

Finney is brilliant as the older Edward and watching him and Jessica Lange (as Edward’s wife Sandra) interact is enough to break your heart.

Final say: Accept life’s adventures. ★★★★☆