Edward Scissorhands

Critics Consensus

The first collaboration between Johnny Depp and Tim Burton, Edward Scissorhands is a magical modern fairy tale with gothic overtones and a sweet center.

90%

TOMATOMETER

Total Count: 58

91%

Audience Score

User Ratings: 1,032,688
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Movie Info

Tim Burton's Edward Scissorhands opens as an eccentric inventor (Vincent Price) lovingly assembles a synthetic youth named Edward (Johnny Depp). Edward has all the essential ingredients for today's standard body, with the exception of a pair of hands. For what is initially thought to be a temporary period, he is fitted with long, scissor-like extremities that, while able to trim a mean hedge, are hardly conducive to day-to-day life. When the kindly inventor dies, however, Edward is left lonely and cursed with some very heavy metal for hands. He is eventually taken in by Peg Boggs (Dianne Weist), an Avon lady who takes pity on him after seeing his bleak existence. Edward, in spite of his inherent ability to slay anyone he comes across, is a gentle soul whose only wish is to be loved. His impromptu family has, at best, a limited understanding of Edward, but he finds himself drawn to Peg's weary but sympathetic daughter, Kim (Winona Ryder), who is dating Jim (Anthony Michael Hall), the neighborhood bully. Meanwhile, Edward finds himself a local celebrity after the town realizes that his talents include creative hedge trimming and an unrivaled ability to cut hair. His so-called friends are proven fair-weather when Edward is accused of a crime, after which his only supporters are Peg and Kim. ~ Tracie Cooper, Rovi

Cast

Johnny Depp
as Edward Scissorhands
Winona Ryder
as Kim Boggs
Dianne Wiest
as Peg Boggs
Anthony Michael Hall
as Jim
Kathy Baker
as Joyce Monroe
Robert Oliveri
as Kevin Boggs
Vincent Price
as Inventor
Alan Arkin
as Bill
Conchata Ferrell
as Helen
Caroline Aaron
as Marge
Bee Albano
as Rich Widow, TV
O-Lan Jones
as Esmeralda
Susan J. Blommaert
as Tinka
Linda Perri
as Cissy
John Davidson
as TV Host
Biff Yeager
as George
Marti Greenberg
as Suzanne
Bryan Larkin
as Max
John McMahon
as Denny
Stuart Lancaster
as Retired Man
Gina Gallagher
as Granddaughter
Aaron Lustig
as Psychologist
Alan Fudge
as Loan Officer
Steven Brill
as Dishwasher Man
Peter Palmer
as Editor
Diane L. Green
as Neighborhood Extra
Andrew Crofton
as Pink Girl
Linda Hess Hess
as Older Woman/TV
Rosalyn Thomson
as Young Woman/TV
Lee Ralls
as Red-Haired Woman/TV
Eileen Meurer
as Teenage Girl/TV
Bea Albano
as Rich Widow/TV
Donna Pieroni
as Blonde/TV
Tricia Lloyd
as Other Teen
Kathy Dombo
as Police Sergeant
Sherry Ferguson
as Max's Mother
Tabetha Thomas
as Little Girl on Bike
Victoria Price
as TV Newswoman
Marc Macaulay
as Reporter
Carmen J. Alexander
as Reporter
Brett Rice
as Reporter
Ken DeVaul
as Policeman
Michael Gaughan
as Policeman
Tammy Boalo
as Neighborhood Extra
Brian Larkin
as Max
Jackie Carson
as Neighborhood Extra
Carol Crumrine
as Neighborhood Extra
Suzanne Chrosniak
as Neighborhood Extra
Ellin Dennis
as Neighborhood Extra
Miriam Goodspeed
as Neighborhood Extra
Kathy Fleming
as Neighborhood Extra
Dianne L. Green
as Neighborhood Extra
Jalaine Gallion
as Neighborhood Extra
Mary Jane Heath
as Neighborhood Extra
Carol D. Klasek
as Neighborhood Extra
Andrew B. Clark
as Beefy Man
Laura Nader
as Neighborhood Extra
Doyle Anderson
as Neighborhood Extra
Harvey Bellman
as Neighborhood Extra
Michael Brown
as Neighborhood Extra
Gary Clark
as Neighborhood Extra
Roland Douville
as Neighborhood Extra
Ken de Vaul
as Policeman
Russell Green
as Neighborhood Extra
Cecil Hawkins
as Neighborhood Extra
Jack W. Kapfhamer
as Neighborhood Extra
Bill Klein
as Neighborhood Extra
Phil Olson
as Neighborhood Extra
Susan Blommaert
as Tinka
Joe Sheldon
as Neighborhood Extra
James Spicer
as Neighborhood Extra
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News & Interviews for Edward Scissorhands

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Critic Reviews for Edward Scissorhands

All Critics (58) | Top Critics (10) | Fresh (52) | Rotten (6)

  • An original movie, though not Tim Burton's best.

    Jun 17, 2008 | Full Review…

    Jonathan Rosenbaum

    Chicago Reader
    Top Critic

  • A delightful and delicate comic fable.

    May 8, 2008 | Full Review…

    Variety Staff

    Variety
    Top Critic

  • It remains curiously hollow.

    Jan 26, 2006 | Full Review…
    Time Out
    Top Critic

  • Mr. Burton invests awe-inspiring ingenuity into the process of reinventing something very small.

    May 20, 2003 | Rating: 3.5/5

    Janet Maslin

    New York Times
    Top Critic

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

    May 12, 2001

    Peter Travers

    Rolling Stone
    Top Critic

  • Depp is perfectly cast, Burton builds a surrealistically funny cul-de-sac world, and there are some very funny performances from grownups Dianne Wiest, Kathy Baker and Alan Arkin.

    Jan 1, 2000 | Full Review…

    Desson Thomson

    Washington Post
    Top Critic
View All Critic Reviews (58)

Audience Reviews for Edward Scissorhands

  • Mar 31, 2013
    Not being an especially big Tim Burton fan, I went in to Edward Scissorhands with some apprehension. I was surprised, however, to find quite a strong film, that has all of the strengths of Burton's subsequent works, but without any of the blatant weaknesses. He uses Scissorhands as a vehicle for his imaginative ability, having a brilliant visual sense, but does not lose sight of the story and its characters. By keeping the focus on the characters, the film maintains a strong heart, which keeps the film grounded and engaging. The visuals and magical elements complement the story rather than propel it. It's first and foremost about a central theme, that of the nature of love and the outsiders who need it, and never loses this fact. Burton's visuals and world building accentuates this story, having world building that creates a universe that is fantastical, to be sure, but one that also feels strangely real and grounded. The viewer is never detached from what is happening. Add to this the awesome performances from all around, especially from Depp and Alan Arkin, who bring charm, charisma, and humor to the film, with an especially deep and likable performance by Depp. Smart, amazingly well realized, funny, and relentlessly enjoyable, its surely Burton's greatest work. 4.5/5 Stars
    Jeffrey M Super Reviewer
  • Nov 19, 2012
    I knew what to expect from "Edward Scissorhands" before having even watched it as I've never been a fan of Tim Burton's quirky gothic style, but strangely enough, even though it does have that typical Burton visual flair, it's surprisingly sweet and not as dark as I expected it to be. Granted, it's not an impressive work and is severely weak in several aspects, there are things about that are worth mentioning, such as its unique look, bizarre central character and satirical messages that remain relevant to this day. Because of these notable aspects, "Edward Scissorhands" is worth watching, but sadly, there's not much more to it than that.
    Stephen E Super Reviewer
  • Aug 19, 2012
    Brings many laughs and also touches the soul. The start of many great collaborations. Tim Burton's films are bizarre, yes, but they are full of heart (most of them, at least). I love the setting, with all the different colored houses full of weird neighbors. It's interesting to see Edward interact with everyone. A classic in its own right.
    Eric S Super Reviewer
  • Aug 03, 2012
    Here is the purest and most eloquent expression of Tim Burton's reoccurring 'outsider' theme to date. I could do without the reflective framing device (mainly due to the frankly unsettling old version of Kim, both in terms of acting and make up), but the film succeeds hugely as a tender modern fairytale. Danny Elfman's heartbreaking score also deserves a special mention.
    Louis R Super Reviewer
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