"Bloody Clever Hollow"

(Sleepy Hollow)

Ever since I was a kid I've always enjoyed the Legend of Sleepy Hollow. I loved the setting of the lanky Ichabod Crane running terrified from the Headless Horseman. But there was something missing from the various versions I had seen, and color me a gore monger, but I was always let down by the fact that they never actually showed the heads being cut off. That's right, I wanted to see it! I wanted to see the heads slice off, leaving the bloody stumps to spurt all over the place!

Therefore, I am thrilled to say that my gore hunger was finally nourished by Tim Burton's latest, "Sleepy Hollow".

Now, don't get me wrong, this film is far from a blood bath. It has the usual awesome and gothic cinematography, chilling score by Danny Elfman, and entertaining, though humorous, script. But it also has something unique for an old tale- a Creative plot.

First things first, we are introduced to Mr. Crane, but instead of the skinny and clumsy lad we're accustomed to, we are treated to sex symbol, Johnny Depp, in his third collaboration with director Burton (Ed Wood; Edward Scissorhands). Depp is basically a Mulder and Scully wrapped into one who comes to the small, quiet village of Sleepy Hollow to investigate recent decapitations. Right off the head…er…the bat, his investigation becomes labored by the townspeople's belief that the murders were actually done by some seemingly mythical Headless Horseman, something Depp does not believe in.

Until he sees it.

And as soon as he crawls out from under his blankets, he is forced to put aside his scientific, rational approach and simply worry about keeping his head.

But he then discovers something. With help of Pagan love interest, Christine Ricci (Adams Family flicks), and the family tree background of the town, he discovers that the Horseman's beheadings are not random. Yes, five+ people have been buried headless, but WHO they were seems to hold some significance. And naturally, once Depp comes to this realization, certain townsfolk, who may hold a secret or two, want him to leave.

Nevah!

Instead he remains in the village, squirms with the rest of the townsfolk, gets dragged behind a coach and meets 'Headless' face to face (you thought I was gonna say head to head!).

What's fun about this film is the suspense and tension it holds despite the humor emanating from Depp and the others, and the knowing that the Horseman will gallop out from the fog infested forest to strike again each night. And Burton treats us to the appearance of the Horseman from various points if view, always keeping us guessing whom the next victim will be.

And of course, there are the tasty viewings of heads being cut off!

B+


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