Prepare to be transported to a magical land - just don't depend on the acting to take you there.
Terry Gilliam has a chequered directing history. His previous works have included the critically-acclaimed Twelve Monkeys and the brilliant Brazil but his recent effort The Brothers Grimm had a mixed reception with its lofty fairytale ambitions.
Yet in his latest movie Gilliam reaches for similar old-fashioned epic heights... and pretty much pulls it off.
The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus follows the travelling show of the titular doc, played with huge aplomb by Christopher Plummer, a man given immortality by the Devil who likes to tell a story or two and still enjoys a wager with Old Nick (Tom Waits).
When his daughter Valentina (Lily Cole) turns 16, he's supposed to hand her over to Beezlebub but is drawn in to one last bet which ends up giving his audiences much more than they bargained for.
Along for the ride is the wily Tony (Heath Ledger), a supposed amnesiac who the troupe finds swinging under a bridge and who Parnassus believes can play a part in his destiny.
It's a layered and occasionally rambling plot but this is partly Gilliam's gift - in a manner antithetical to much of Hollywood's fodder, he allows the viewer the chance to be absorbed by the story, only having time to process it all afterwards.
The ex-Python is clearly a hugely talented director and a visionary unlike any other alive today, but his focus on landscapes and excellently weird costume touches (the sight of Mini-me, aka Verne Troyer, in an organ-grinder's monkey outfit was almost too much for me) can leave his stars in second place.
The special effects are mind-bending but at times Gilliam seems too preoccupied with the imaginary realm he creates to worry about giving his actors too much direction. With pros like Christopher Plummer there's clearly no need but newbie Lily Cole and yes, I'm sorry to say it, Heath both give hit-and-miss performances.
It's hard to criticise as there obviously wasn't the luxury of re-shooting but my cinema buddy and I were both underwhelmed by the usually excellent Heath.
We gave him the benefit of the doubt - maybe his slippery 'Cockney' character was meant to fall into an Aussie accent to heighten the sense that he's a cheat who could even be lying about his origins? Maybe he's meant to be someone who tries to charm and wheedle but occasionally falls flat? Yet that might be being a bit too kind on Heath.
Late, and certainly great, just not so much in this.
Fear not though, dear audience, for Gilliam's work will indeed whisk you off into the farthest reaches of his crazy imagination.
Heath's death during filming was certainly a tragedy but the final result copes with his loss well; Gilliam uses replacements Johnny Depp, Colin Farrell and Jude Law to great effect, each bringing something different to the movie.
The minute Depp steps onto the screen you're swept off your feet - it's just a shame that this contrasts with Ledger's scattered performance - and both Law and Farrell bring a nice knowing vanity to the role.
On the whole, this is an amazing film which pitches you deep into a fantasy realm, packed with humorous touches and some Python-esque silliness.
Well worth a watch, it's heartwarming, crazy, weird and wonderful; a fitting tribute to its late star.
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