Based on a piece of classic American folklore and classic novel "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" by Washington Irving, this movie tells the tale of the infamous headless horseman, who roams through the night, beheading those who dare to venture outside. Set in 18th century New York City, Johnny Depps's character young police constable Ichabod Crane believes that the way forward in criminal investigations is science (forensics). This angers many of his superiors. Hence he is sent to investigate the numerous decapitations that have occured upstate in the town of Sleepy Hollow. Here, after falling "head" over heels in love with Katrina Van Tassel, played by Christina Ricci, he decideds to unravel the mystery of the headless horseman, by searching extensively for him. However the horseman seems to be searching for Crane as well.

Tim Burton returns to his prefered genre. Arguably he never left his favoured macabre and quirky movies, but threatened to do so in favour of a new Superman movie. Tim Burton reunites with Johnny Depp, whose previous collaboration was the sentimental hit, Edward Scissorhands. Depp is one of those stars, who doesn't make a box office killing, yet still gets critical praises. This could be, along with "Ninth Gate", the movie(s) to really establish him as a major box office draw. Christina Ricci seems to be growing from strength to strength in consolidating her hollywood status, and reports suggest that she is perfect for the role. Overall, I feel that this movie will be a success, especially as it is being released in the fall, which suits its macabre tale.