MOVIE REVIEW FRIDAY: ED WOOD
No Horror Movie This Week — Going Instead with Tim Burton’s Best: Ed Wood
This isn’t just a movie about making bad movies — it’s ABOUT chasing YOUR dreams, no matter how ridiculous they seem. With a standout performance from Johnny Depp and Burton’s signature style, Ed Wood is a weird, funny, and surprisingly touching ride through the life of one of Hollywood’s most infamous directors.
Story – 8.8/10 🤖🤖🤖🤖🤖🤖🤖🤖
The movie follows Ed Wood (Johnny Depp), an optimistic but struggling filmmaker in 1950s Hollywood. Despite a string of box office flops and a lack of talent, Ed is determined to make his mark.
What makes the story work is how it balances comedy and heart. Ed’s passion for filmmaking is infectious, even when everything is falling apart around him. The film doesn’t mock Ed’s failures — instead, it celebrates his undying belief in himself and his love for making movies, no matter how bizarre they turn out.
Performances – 9.2/10 🤖🤖🤖🤖🤖🤖🤖🤖🤖
Johnny Depp absolutely nails it as Ed Wood. He plays him as this wide-eyed, overly enthusiastic guy who’s completely oblivious to how bad his movies are — but you can’t help but root for him.
Martin Landau steals the show as Bela Lugosi. He’s heartbreaking and funny at the same time, portraying the washed-up horror star with both dignity and sadness. Landau’s performance earned him a well-deserved Oscar.
Style and Direction – 8.2/10 🤖🤖🤖🤖🤖🤖🤖🤖
Tim Burton’s love for misfits and outsiders is all over this film. Shot in black and white, the movie feels like a classic 1950s B-movie in the best way. The sets, costumes, and even the cheesy special effects are pitch-perfect, capturing the feel of Ed Wood’s low-budget productions.
Burton treats Ed with affection rather than mockery. His direction is tight, balancing humor with emotional depth. The film flows well and never overstays its welcome.
JOe’S Score – 8.9/10 🤖🤖🤖🤖🤖🤖🤖🤖
Ed Wood is funny, heartfelt, and visually stunning. It’s a movie about failure that somehow feels inspiring. Johnny Depp and Martin Landau deliver incredible performances, and Tim Burton’s direction captures the magic and madness of low-budget filmmaking. Even if you’ve never heard of Ed Wood or Plan 9 from Outer Space, this movie makes you appreciate the sheer passion behind even the worst films.
OVERALL- 8.78
