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8

Brent_MarchantDec 25, 2014

A fun-filled romp with wit and warmth and just enough of an edge to keep it from becoming bland. Terrific performances by Amy Adams, Christoph Waltz and a cast of colorful supporting characters make this a wonderful time at the show.

3 of 3 users found this helpful30

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7

BHBarryJan 11, 2015

"Big Eyes" is a biopic starring Amy Adams (as kitsch artist Margaret Keane) and Christoph Waltz (as her husband Walter Keane) and the story of his attempt to pass off his wife's artwork as his own. The film was written by Scott Alexander and"Big Eyes" is a biopic starring Amy Adams (as kitsch artist Margaret Keane) and Christoph Waltz (as her husband Walter Keane) and the story of his attempt to pass off his wife's artwork as his own. The film was written by Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski and directed by Tim Burton.

Much like any film attempting to tell the true story of its subjects, life is not always as dramatic and interesting as a fiction writer and/or viewer would prefer and this movie is no exception. More like a short story made into a feature length film, the movie holds our interest primarily because it relates events that actually happened and with which most viewers will either identify or remember. Beyond that, the film is light and certainly not worthy of the accolades heaped upon it by so many critics. Mr. Waltz tends to overact and Ms. Adams, although trying very hard, appears uncomfortable in playing this heavy dramatic role. I give the film a 7 reminding the viewer that although fact may be stranger than fiction, it isn't always more entertaining.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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7

csw12Jan 11, 2015

One of Tim Burton's better films becuase of its charming qualities. I've seen better acting from Christoph Waltz but Amy Adams gives a solid performance in Burton's finest work since Big Fish.

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7

moonman1994Jan 5, 2015

A very solid film. Both Waltz and Adams did a fantastic job in their respective roles. The film also made you very interested to see how it would all turn out for the Keanes. However the film does not use Burton's directing style to it's fullA very solid film. Both Waltz and Adams did a fantastic job in their respective roles. The film also made you very interested to see how it would all turn out for the Keanes. However the film does not use Burton's directing style to it's full effect. Although their are several scenes that use the typical Burton colors it just doesn't live up to his former movies.… Expand

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7

SpangleDec 29, 2014

Big Eyes is a pretty good film that has some major strengths and some real negatives. First, the positives. Amy Adams is stupendous in this film. I had high expectations for her performance and she certainly lived up to them. She was awesome.Big Eyes is a pretty good film that has some major strengths and some real negatives. First, the positives. Amy Adams is stupendous in this film. I had high expectations for her performance and she certainly lived up to them. She was awesome. The soundtrack here, highlighted by the Lana Del Rey track, is also great. The song "Big Eyes" was used perfectly in the film and truly communicated the feelings Margaret Keane was feeling at the moment. On top of that, the script and plot were awesome, plus they were told very well through Tim Burton's direction. I do not love Burton, but he was great here in telling the story. On that note, the plot was very interesting. Very interesting story and enjoyable to watch unfold. Art is not something that really interests me, but when put on screen in this fashion, it was riveting. I also loved the cinematography. I do not know if I was seeing things, but there seemed to be some effect put on Adams' eyes reminiscent of the eyes in her paintings, which I thought was really cool.

On the negative, some plot elements felt...extra. Namely Krysten Ritter's entire character (her acting was also sub-par). I typically love Christoph Waltz and Jason Schwartzman, but neither were amazing here. They were solid and, in particular Waltz, had moments of sheer brilliance, but felt comically over the top at times, which really messed with the tone of the film. Finally, the film has a really contained feel to it. Biographical films can feel this way sometimes and this one certainly does. It felt very small and as if it was just trying to hit certain marks, which is something I never really enjoy.

As a whole, Big Eyes is a good, enjoyable film with a fantastic performance from Amy Adams and good direction from Tim Burton that both combine to make this one well worth your time.… Expand

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9

analogkid280Dec 28, 2014

It does an excellent job of sticking to the great story at hand. So many Tim Burton movies loose themselves in their own visual loonies but not this one. The story is interesting in itself and it is directed perfectly with unspoken notes inIt does an excellent job of sticking to the great story at hand. So many Tim Burton movies loose themselves in their own visual loonies but not this one. The story is interesting in itself and it is directed perfectly with unspoken notes in many of its scenes and has an excellent use of color.… Expand

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8

Compi24Dec 28, 2014

Two enrapturing leads, beautifully idyllic imagery, and a near too-ridiculously-outlandish-to-be-true story all firmly confirm "Big Eyes" as quite possibly Tim Burton's best live-action film in nearly a decade.

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9

GinaKJan 2, 2015

Big Eyes is a lot of fun with the kind of distinctive look that Tim Burton always gives his films, although this time it’s the opposite of dark and Goth. Amy Adams and Christoph Waltz give wonderful performances, and the film has a lot to sayBig Eyes is a lot of fun with the kind of distinctive look that Tim Burton always gives his films, although this time it’s the opposite of dark and Goth. Amy Adams and Christoph Waltz give wonderful performances, and the film has a lot to say about the Fifties and how that era affected women’s lives, and what exactly art is.… Expand

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7

manofthemoonJan 11, 2015

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Accepting the fact that, as with most biopics, once you've seen them, you've seen them and don't really need to see them again, "Big Eyes" is a touching rendition of the story of artist Margaret Keane and the decade long abuse she suffered at the hands of her husband, including him taking credit for all of her work. Amy Adams gives a strong performance as Margaret, but Christoph Waltz's shtick is already wearing thin. "Big Eyes" is a restrained, and better for it, Tim Burton film, subtly shot and intended. Worth watching.… Expand

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9

royphishoohApr 15, 2015

Hugely entertaining movie with Burton's fine direction and great performances from Adams and Waltz. I didn't believe Keane was so extreme but on reading about him it seems Waltz nailed him! As csw12 commented, this is nearly as good as theHugely entertaining movie with Burton's fine direction and great performances from Adams and Waltz. I didn't believe Keane was so extreme but on reading about him it seems Waltz nailed him! As csw12 commented, this is nearly as good as the sublime "Big Fish"… Expand

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7

Armin_AbbasiApr 27, 2015

Big eyes has a serious not so interesting story about a fraud. Burton loses some details and adds some fantasy and comedy to the story to make it more interesting which he succeeds. It’s a PG-13 movie so feel comfortable to watch it with yourBig eyes has a serious not so interesting story about a fraud. Burton loses some details and adds some fantasy and comedy to the story to make it more interesting which he succeeds. It’s a PG-13 movie so feel comfortable to watch it with your family.… Expand

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8

MattBrady99Mar 10, 2015

Tim Burton looks like he's going back to his roots of what made his films great from the first place. That's nice news I like to hear.

Big Eyes tells the story of a painter "Margaret Keane" flourished in the 1950s, as her paintingsTim Burton looks like he's going back to his roots of what made his films great from the first place. That's nice news I like to hear.

Big Eyes tells the story of a painter "Margaret Keane" flourished in the 1950s, as her paintings featuring children with large eyes became the rage. In the 1960s, her husband Walter Keane started taking credit for her work, leading to a long, difficult legal battle.

Tim Burton back in his glory days was the best. Releasing movies that turn out amazing or great, but something happened with Burton when he started directing remakes of classic movies or old TV shows. Yeah Tim made so pretty crappy movies in the 2000's such as: Plant of the Apes (2001), Charlie and the Chocolate factory, Alice in Wonderland and Dark shadows. At one point I was losing hope for him as the great director that he was is soon gone, until a film called Frankenweenie came out in 2012 that I actually liked and give me more hope for Burton. And now I sawed Big Eyes and yeah Burton still got it, because this movie is pretty damn good.

Amy Adams pulls off once again a fantastic performance in this movie. She brought such a powerful weight and a heart hitting performance to her character that's actually base on Margaret Keane that you has a viewer knows how she feels as her dream has been taken away from her. Shes such a brilliant actress that it's kind of sickening that she hasn't won a Oscar yet, I mean come on.

Christoph Waltz in this movie was good but I think at times he dose come off over the top, a bit cartoony and not on this earth human been who would act like this person. But I can't conform that yet, because Margaret Keane is still alive today and maybe she described him like that and Waltz got him spot on, but I still can't conform that yet. But anywhere Waltz has I said was good but I bit cartoony.

Tim Burton directing a movie with no white face paint, No Johnny Depp or his wife Helena Bonham Carter, a simple movie with so beautiful shot scenes that the good all Tim Burton use to do in his golden days....yep Burton's back everyone and he shows that he still can do drama and he still dose. Now would I put this up there with ED wood or Big Fish? no but it's good to see Burton still got it after years of directing and in this he did pretty good.

For problems: The start of this movie didn't really suck me in with it's story and character's, it's until later on it finally did. The movie did drag at times and has I said before about Waltz being a bit cartoony at times.

Overall Big Eyes was a lot of fun to watch. Amy Adams dose a brilliant job in this film and this is a solid Tim Burton film.… Expand

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9

MadMaxFuryRoadAug 8, 2015

Amazing story is one of the most beautiful directed films I have ever seen. Great performances from Amy Adams and Christopher Waltz. The paintings were just gorgeous and the film overall was just entertaining and fun to watch with the wholeAmazing story is one of the most beautiful directed films I have ever seen. Great performances from Amy Adams and Christopher Waltz. The paintings were just gorgeous and the film overall was just entertaining and fun to watch with the whole family. It also has a beautiful message for us at the end.… Expand

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3

nicholasbertJan 16, 2015

Big Eyes has set a negative note for everyone involved except Amy Adams, who's the only one who seems to think this is a valuable film. Tim Burton has long lost the charm of his earliest pictures, turning what could have been a great drama inBig Eyes has set a negative note for everyone involved except Amy Adams, who's the only one who seems to think this is a valuable film. Tim Burton has long lost the charm of his earliest pictures, turning what could have been a great drama in a jolly caricature, complete with cartoonesque narration, silly music and over-the top acting (Christoph Waltz). Speaking of Waltz, his performance is not completely bad, but it's miles away from the ones that got him two Oscars - while still retaining the comical aspect.

Seriously, this movie could have been a much deeper insight on 50s culture, art culture, gender roles, everything; and instead it was forced into a senseless, cold comedy that loses power after minutes. Amy Adams is the one who keeps it together.

Generally unimpressive. I blame Burton and Danny Elfman (a combination that rocked some twenty years ago); one for losing his wit and his talent, the other for... well, what the hell was that score? Straight out of a bag of old tricks. No. I had hoped for more.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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5

tvnewsguidoJan 11, 2015

I found it a trifle boring.

The story is fascinating but not the way the filmmakers chose to tell it. If it's on cable one rainy Sunday afternoon you should watch it.

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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2

hotfromcauldronDec 28, 2014

What "Big Eyes" you have?
The better to see- the story is too small for the big screen and Christoph Waltz -same old song and dance performance-too big. An opening scene paints a portrait of an independent woman way before her time- thenWhat "Big Eyes" you have?
The better to see- the story is too small for the big screen and Christoph Waltz -same old song and dance performance-too big. An opening scene paints a portrait of an independent woman way before her time- then proceeds to drain her of all her color. Her muted relationships with daughter and "friend" are barely visible. Why she is so blind to all that surrounds her - remains a mystery. A beautifully shot film that hangs too much on one big lie.… Expand

1 of 5 users found this helpful14

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3

GreatMartinJan 2, 2015

Just as a good actor can raise a picture to be better a good actor without being reigned back can make a so-so picture worse and that is what happens in “Big Eyes”, the story of Margaret Keane (Amy Adams) who painted the best sellingJust as a good actor can raise a picture to be better a good actor without being reigned back can make a so-so picture worse and that is what happens in “Big Eyes”, the story of Margaret Keane (Amy Adams) who painted the best selling painters of waifs with huge eyes while her husband, Walter Keane (Christoph Waltz), claimed to be the painter. Waltz has shown that he is an excellent actor and while Walter was charismatic, a ‘salesman’, a manipulator but most of all a liar who invented himself, obviously, the director, Tim Burton, gives him too much freedom, especially in the trial scene. Though he is suppose to be obnoxious, possibly to make Margaret more understandable, he crosses the line.

Aside from the question of who did the art, and the bigger question of what is art, the reasons Margaret left her first husband, being strong enough to leave and take their daughter, why she stayed with Walter, letting him take away her accomplish- ment as an artist, as well as all her self-esteem, until two Jehovah Witnesses knock on her door, is not gone into deep enough by the screenwriters Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski.

A segment takes place in the building and opening of the World’s Fair in 1964 where I worked in the Gas Pavilion as a waiter and I don’t recall any of what was suppose to have happened there but then except being aware of the ‘Big Eyes’ paintings I wasn’t aware of Margaret Keane’s story.

Amy Adams, playing a quiet, single mother of the 50s who doesn’t find acceptance due to the social mores of the time, does a good job and comes into her own with her eyes and facial experiences during the trial scene. Delaney Raye as her young daughter Jane, and Madeleine Arthur as Jane in her teenage years, don’t add anything to the film. Jon Polito, as the owner of the Hungry I, and Terence Stamp as the New York Times art critic John Canaday are standouts.

The story of Margaret Keane, her art, the times she lived through and why she was the way she was, and who she became, deserve a much stronger film then “Big Eye… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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5

heathermJan 4, 2015

This movie felt like a long series of missed opportunities. Both Amy Adams and Christoph Waltz came off as ultimately flat, making it that more frustrating that a cast of supporting characters were kept in the background rather than used toThis movie felt like a long series of missed opportunities. Both Amy Adams and Christoph Waltz came off as ultimately flat, making it that more frustrating that a cast of supporting characters were kept in the background rather than used to flesh out the story. The movie often seemed more concerned with producing a shiny, gorgeous version of the 1950s and 1960s than it did with developing either the plot or the characters. Christoph Waltz isn't quite believable as the charming sociopath, because his charm is too manic from the beginning--I wanted him to be a more talented liar early on, so that his unravelling could be more satisfying. Similarly Amy Adams' misery and submission aren't entirely convincing either, and the hallucinations so prominently advertised in the trailer had a minimal role in the movie, and lacked an accompanying narrative of mental illness to explain or justify them. The movie was still somewhat enjoyable overall, but it felt too glossy and superficial to be a compelling portrait of the Keanes.… Expand

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6

LynJun 27, 2015

This film is well-acted but frustrating. Adams is her usual charming self and Waltz is his usual sparkling-sinister self. Visually, it's great. But there are several key moments when you want so much for Adams's character to reveal the truthThis film is well-acted but frustrating. Adams is her usual charming self and Waltz is his usual sparkling-sinister self. Visually, it's great. But there are several key moments when you want so much for Adams's character to reveal the truth about her artwork -- which would have been great for her sanity and perhaps even workable if done early in their marriage. She doesn't, of course, and where the film falls short is helping us to understand why.… Expand