Opened: September 23, 2005

Directed by: Mike Johnson & Tim Burton

Starring: Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, Emily Watson, Tracey Ullman, Paul Whitehouse, Joanna Lumley, Albert Finney, Richard E. Grant, Christopher Lee, Michael Gough, Jane Horrocks, Enn Reitel, Deep Roy, Stephen Ballantyne & Danny Elfman

If there’s one thing Tim Burton knows how to do, it’s creating a weird, macabre world but infusing it with a strong emotional core.

The nervous Victor Van Dort (Johnny Depp) is about to get married to Victoria Everglot (Emily Watson) when he messes up their rehearsal. Victor flees to the woods to practice his vows and accidentally puts his ring on the finger of the dead Emily (Helena Bonham Carter), making her his wife.

The character design is first-rate with each character having a distinctive look that reflects what’s inside as well. Allowing us to visit the living and dead worlds shows us they’re not so different.

Depp and Bonham Carter give fantastic voice performances, while the supporting cast of Tracey Ullman, Paul Whitehouse, Joanna Lumley, Albert Finney and Christopher Lee all make their marks.

Final say: I do. ★★★★★