Review of The Adventures of Baron Munchausen (1988) by Ashley C — 26 Apr 2008

Despite its convoluted beginnings, there's no mistaking this for the work of anyone but Gilliam. Yet while the film was as visually gorgeous as anything he's done, it still felt somewhat empty and I found myself checking my watch several times.

Gilliam tackled the theme of reality versus fantasy much more adroitly in Brazil, made the actual fantasy elements much more compelling in both Brazil and Time Bandits, and added a theme of age versus youth that might have been more convincing coming from an older director.

Points have to go to Sarah Polley for avoiding the many pitfalls of child actors and creating a very well rounded Sally. An extra half star as benefit of the doubt, given the turmoil under which the film was made.