The trailers for this movie reeled me in from the get-go. Not just that it stars Ewan McGregor, Albert Finney and Jessica Lange, but director Tim Burton�s vision � once again � looked magical. And it is. Beyond reality, but entirely in the realm of personal believability, you can fill in any blanks and write your own imagination a ticket for this great film.

Did I enjoy my moviegoing experience? Let me say this: For fifteen minutes at the end my chin was quivering and I fought back tears, unsuccessfully for the most part. I had to let the credits roll for a minute to compose myself before leaving the theater. But be assured they were happy tears.

What can I say? I'm a romantic. That doesn't mean I'm a 'metrosexual' or in touch with my sensitive side. I just believe in the fundamental good in life, that love really does conquer all, that happy beginnings, middles and endings are reasons to celebrate. I listen to love songs on the radio and sing along heartily. All this, and I've never been in love, and haven't had a girlfriend in years; I'm a true hopeless romantic.

Albert Finney is Edward Bloom, full of tall tales about life, or at least elaborate versions of the truth. For doubting son Billy Crudup, it's impossible to separate fact from fiction and he complains of being a footnote to these stories. To Finney, it doesn't matter so long as the story is based in truth and is captivating. Crudup, naturally, ends up on a path of self-examination while exploring his dying father's life.

(By the way, just off the track here for a second, Crudup has an amazing voice for narration. That is all.)

McGregor plays the young Finney, dopey yet strong and gallant, the biggest sports stud, science fair whiz and pride and joy of rural Ashton, Alabama. His daring manner transfers directly to the outside world as a war hero and successful traveling salesman.

In his real/stretched life, he encounters witches, giants, mermaids, giant fish, heaven on earth, imposing trees, circus folk, cuddly werewolves and most importantly, his wife, played older by Jessica Lange, younger by Alison Lohman (Matchstick Men, White Oleander), a dead ringer for Lange. Neither has much to do other than emote and be the faithful partner to McGregor & Finney's colorful reflections, but both are as precious as ever in a role that only demands an adoring sweetheart to the commanding persona of Edward Bloom.

Where it leads, I can't say, but it's predictable in the feelings of the finale, which Finney says of his own impending end, "It's a surprise ending. I wouldn't want to spoil it for you." As his way is, it won't be complicated telling stories straight, but it wouldn't be interesting, either.

One of the things I took away from Big Fish was guilt. Strange, I know, but hear me out.

I want to apologize to my parents, grandparents and just about any older friend and relative for thinking your worlds began with my birth. I rarely if ever asked about your stories. At my Mom's the last couple of months I heard a few great stories of Granddad Harville's youth, and thoroughly enjoyed them, wondering then why I never sought to hear such tales before. Last summer we (me and my father) recorded recollections of my Granddad Rushing over his military career, especially his World War II service. Compelling, for sure, and we barely touched the surface.

There's time yet, as I've been fortunate to have everyone still kicking and full of vigor and life.

Time flies when you're having fun. This move doesn't seem to take two hours. Also, it's full of cute humor, not dirty nor is there much use for foul language. It's a clean, fun film, save for a few bare rear ends, male and female (Note to Tim: Let's let Rhea Pearlman be the only one to see DeVito's in the future. Thanks.).

Needless to say from a review that has me waxing introspection, but Burton has created another gem. It's far less dark than past efforts, this one full of hope, taking care of familial angst without dwelling on any negatives. It's a theme that should resonate among old and young, male and female, hopeless and hopeful.

Don't let Big Fish be the one that got away.