Tim Burton movie reviews Part 1 (1985-1992)

With Frankenweenie's release just around the corner, I though it would be appropriate to give a short review to each of the (feature) films of one of my all time favorite filmmakers, Tim Burton.
I have not seen Mars Attacks! or Planet of the Apes.

written by: Gavin Miller

Part One: 1985-1992

Pee-wee's Big Adventure (1985)
Tim Burton's first feature film surprisingly still holds up, as one of his best. While some more cynical viewers may not appreciate it, if you can accept the film's sense of humor and silly, lightweight and weird attitude towards, well, everything - I think that this flick is extremely enjoyable, hilarious and as a cult classic it simply has to be appreciated for it's unconventional style and oddness. If you haven't seen Pee-wee's Big Adventure, do your self a favor and check it out.
my score: 85%

Beetlejuice (1988) 
I adore Beetlejuice. Its originality is enough to make to make it great; but add in a a great cast, a classic Danny Elfman score, and gleefully twisted, occasionally gruesome visuals to make a film go from good to great. Sure, there's not a whole lot of substance here, but who cares? This movie is a great time, a whole lot of fun, and often very funny. One of Tim Burton's most classic and iconic films, and we still want that sequel!
my score: 89%

Batman (1989)
Batman is a movie that I watched growing up, and simply because of nostalgia, my opinion is biased. But as biased as it is, my opinion is that Batman is a masterpiece. I think it holds up extremely well, and, I regard it almost as highly as Christopher Nolan's Dark Knight trilogy. To me this is one of the most re-watchable movies ever made, and if you don't try to compare it to Nolan's films, its great entertainment that never gets old. I love this film it's one of my favorites.
my score: 100%

Edward Scissorhands (1991)
If I had to pick a favorite Tim Burton film, it would be Edward Scissorhands. Not only is this one of my all time favorite movies, but I respect it on so many other levels, I truly believe it to be a piece of art. It is a great director's personal piece and a masterfully made film, featuring one of Johnny Depp's greatest performances (same with Winona Ryder). Edward Scissorhands is extremely emotional, as well as funny and sad. I love this movie, and I find that it's gets better with each viewing.
my score: 100%

Batman Returns (1992)
Batman Returns is a movie I find very underrated. It's much darker and grotesque that Burton's original Batman, and depending on the viewer this can be viewed as either a good or bad thing. This is a movie that is somewhat depressing, also it's weird, disturbing and disgusting. This is mainly due to the main villains  The Penguin and Catwomen, played by the amazing Danny DeVito and Michelle Pfeiffer. Anyway, this is definitely Burton's vision of Batman, no one else's. His. And I appreciate the film for that, and it is very entertaining. There are many great moments in the film, and though I don't love it like I love Batman '89, it's still a good movie if you're not afraid to plunge into a twisted, weird, dark and violent film that could easily turn you off.
my score: 80%



Check back tomorrow for part 2 of my Burton reviews!
I'll be discussing Ed Wood, Sleepy Hollow, Big Fish, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Corpse Bride, Sweeney Todd, Alice in Wonderland and Dark Shadows!