4 stars from me is a very high mark indeed. Despite the strained and implausible storyline, the dialog and the make up and the score--were all fine art-pieces unto themselves. Costumes also get high marks here. And the fact that these facets of the movie were done so well--helped to ease me into the plot, as much as I could. These actors and that director really know their craft in some respects too!. I almost sat thru the entire 2 plus hours. Yes that score was the icing on the cake that kept me there. waiting to see the next great make up effect. They made this film nearly really work well--and It was well worth it (when all was finally said and done).