Johnny Depp, Alan Arkin, Anthony Michael Hall

When a mad scientist meets an early death his creation is left to fend with scissors for hands.

Flixster Users

88% liked it

939,836 ratings

Critics

90% liked it

52 critics

PG-13, 1 hr. 45 min.

Directed by: Tim Burton

Release Date: December 7, 1990

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DVD Release Date: December 18, 2001

Stats: 62,001 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (62,001)


  • November 10, 2009
    Peg Boggs: Oh, my. What happened to you?
    Edward: I'm not finished.

    Tim Burton's most personal film. A mix of satirical suburban comedy and gothic fantasy, which brings together Burton's directorial style, a memorable performance from Johnny Depp, and a fantastic score from D...( read more)anny Elfman. The film's story isn't perfect, but its certainly full of imagination.

    The story is a modern day fairy tale which tells the story of Edward, played by Depp, the man created by an inventor, played by Vincent Price in his last role, who died before finishing him and left Edward with scissors where he should have hands. One day when the local "Avon" representative, Pegg played by Dianne Wiest, calls at the isolated mansion where Edward has been living alone, she takes him home to stay with her family. He has to adapt to the new life and environment that he isn't used to. Soon Edward shows a talent in cutting hair and hedges, and wins every body's heart. But life isn't always so sweet. Despite the family he is staying with, including the daughter, played by Winona Ryder, caring for him, the balance between Edward's novelty and how misplaced in society he may seem soon creates problems for the rest of the suburban people.

    Edward: Kevin, you wanna play scissors, paper, stone again?
    Kevin: No!
    Edward: Why not?
    Kevin: 'Cause it's boring. I always win!

    The direction by Burton and the way his vision clearly shows throughout this film is well done. The look of the suburban life, complete with pastel colors filling the streets, contrasted by the black and white that is Edward sets a wonderful tone for the film. Depp playing Edward as a quiet and shy boy, with intentions for good, despite being misunderstood at different turns is very effective. And then the score by Elfman is a fantastic contribution that pulls the whole film together.

    Despite all of these elements, the things I find the most intriguing are are the family couple Pegg and Bill, played by Wiest and Alan Arkin, who take Edward in. Wiest's character has such a good heart with the best intentions and the way Arkin treat Edward, seeing past his obvious limitations, wanting to just be friendly and welcoming (in a very Alan Arkin way) is to me the most interesting relationship dynamic in this film. Winona Ryder is good here as well, despite being a bit underdeveloped.

    As the film moves into its last act, the story begins to turn into the standard mold for where these types of tales would end up, without being handled in a continuing way of interest creatively. Although Anthony Michael Hall cast against type as a bully is interesting, the way he manipulates Edward, as well as the ways in which misunderstandings lead to him being turned into an outcast are sad, but sadly not as compelling as the first two acts.

    Still, seeing Burton be able to create a passion project, working with whom would become his favorite actor as well as working with his idol, Vincent Price, in an original story he had come up with, leads to an offbeat film full of imagination and interesting qualities.

    Officer Allen: Will he be OK, Doc?
    Psychologist: The years spent in isolation have not equipped him with the tools necessary to judge right from wrong. He's had no context. He's been completely without guidance. Furthermore, his work - the garden sculptures, hairstyles and so forth - indicate that he's a highly imaginative... uh... character. It seems clear that his awareness of what we call reality is radically underdeveloped.
    Officer Allen: But will he be all right out there?
    Psychologist: Oh yeah, he'll be fine.
  • September 13, 2009
    I'd never seen this movie until a couple of days ago. Growing up, I saw it several times but never complete or in one sitting and almost 70% of the movie got lost in a sea of memories over the years. Now, about 15 years later, I saw it with mature eyes.

    Let's just say it was abs...( read more)olutely better than I ever thought it was. You simply can't realize how extraordinary Burton and Depp are (in their respective fields) until you see this one again after seeing every other movie they've done so far. It's an eye-opener.
  • September 9, 2009
    A great film, definitely one of Burton's best. It has the perfect balance of colourful urban exuberance and darkly gothic ambiance that's become typical of Burton's work and has since become his signature. Vincent Price's cameo was a fitting tribute as his last film role.
  • August 22, 2009
    So cute. LOVE IT!!!
  • May 9, 2009
    An amazing Burton piece of fantasy, fairytale and imagination, twisted and beautiful as always. Price in his gnarled mansion is gorgeous in casting and design and Depp is great with his mime work and ragdoll looks. It just loses it's grip in the middle alittle but the ending is v...( read more)ery emotional and sweet. Plus Winona is looking gorgeous as ever :)
  • November 20, 2009
    A wonderful fairly tale masterpiece.
  • November 20, 2009
    Yes, I realize that I'm probably the only person on earth that has not seen this movie
  • November 20, 2009
    that movie made me love johnny depp
  • November 20, 2009
    Best Makeup 1990 - Best Costume Design 1990 - Best Art Direction 1990
  • November 19, 2009
    Tim Burton delivered a masterpiece that is both touching and hilarious. The story is very unique and creates a skewed version of the world. Johnny Depp was priceless and created a timeless character. It is a great modern fairy tale that is both mature and critical of suburban Ame...( read more)rica.

Critic Reviews


May 12, 2001
Peter Travers, Rolling Stone

Burton's richly entertaining update of the Frankenstein story is the year's most comic, romantic and haunting film fantasy. full review

January 1, 2000
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

Burton has not yet found the storytelling and character-building strength to go along with his pictorial flair. full review

View more Edward Scissorhands reviews at RottenTomatoes.com

Comments


  • karthu1993
    September 18, 2009
    I finally saw this film. yeah it was great. no wonder i heard so many good reviews. johnny is versatile.
    winona is cute.
  • kaylalynn96
    July 23, 2009
    You know it must have been a real honor for Johnny Depp to work with the AMAZING Vincent Price! Tim Burton is probably the most amazing director of all time but there are alot of good ones out there. This movie was great. To bad Vincent Price's role was cut very short though....
  • Marilynstates
    March 6, 2009
    It's a great story, I love Tim Burton films.
  • Sarakoolio
    July 20, 2008
    AI LOVE this movie :D Johnny is hella talented!
  • Punkrockchic1234
    July 19, 2008
    One of johnny depp's most wonderful and greatest movies of all time.
  • lollyrhu
    June 24, 2008
    wow hu duznt luv dis film???
  • karthu1993
    May 6, 2008
    I haven't seen this movie completely, no hardly.
    I saw first two minutes. I found it a bit strange. Everyone says that it is a good movie. I opted for a poll and is surprised to see the result.
  • edwinjasonramos
    May 1, 2008
    Johnny Depp is really awesome!He can carry Edward Scissorhand,Captain Jack Sparrow,Willy Wonka,and many many more!
  • SkandarKeynesLover108
    March 9, 2008
    the best ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    ________________________
  • NativeSkuxx18
    March 2, 2008
    this was my all time favourite movie wen i was a lil gurl i love it lol

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

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Facts


  • DVD Easter Egg:
    How to find it:
    From the Main Menu, enter the EXTRA FEATURES section. Arrow down a few times. You should now have "a pair of scissors" highlighted at the bottom of the screen. Press ...( read more)ENTER.
    What happens:
    You'll be taken to a screen of people credited in making the DVD.

Edward Scissorhan... : Watch Free on TV


Edward Scissorhands Trivia


  • In the movie Edward Scissorhands, what did Peg sell?  Answer »
  • In Edward Scissorhands, What shape of cookie was it that the inventor picked up off of the belt after it was done baking?  Answer »
  • What weather form is associated with Edward Scissorhands?  Answer »
  • In what Johnny Depp movie does he think alcohol is lemonade?  Answer »

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