Frankenweenie

Tim Burton always seizes to amaze me. I haven't been this entertained with a stop-motion feature film since the last one he did with "Corpse Bride" '05. This feature, "Frankenweenie", based on a live short by the same name by Burton in '84 was his extension of that story into this stop-motion animated film.

When young Victor's beloved pet dog, Sparky (who stars in Victor's home-made monster movies) is hit by a car, Victor (Charlie Tahan) decides to bring him back to life using electricity which he learned from his science teacher, Mr. Rzykruski (Martin Landau). But when the bolt-necked 'monster' inadvertently wreaks havoc and terror in the hearts of Victor's neighbors, he has to convince them and his parents, Mr. & Mrs. Frankenstein (Martin Short & Catherine O'Hara) that despite his appearance, and that he was once dead, Sparky's still the good loyal friend he's always been.

Others to round out the cast are Winona Ryder as Elsa Van Helsing, a neighbor, Atticus Shaffer as Edgar 'E' Gore, a classmate, Robert Capron as Bob, Short, also as Mr. Burgemeister, Conchata Ferrell as Bob's Mom, James Hiroyuki as Toshiaki, a classmate, Christopher Lee as Movie Dracula, Tom Kenny as New Holland Townsfolk, and Frank Welker as Sparky.

This was brilliantly directed by Burton ("Beetlejuice" '88, "Batman" '89, "Edward Scissorhands" '90, "Ed Wood" '94, "Mars Attacks!" '96, "Sleepy Hollow" '99, "Planet of the Apes" '01, "Big Fish" '03, "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" '05, "Corpse Bride" '05, "Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street" '07, "Alice in Wonderland" '10, "Dark Shadows" '12) in that the pacing, the fluidity and cohesiveness was just spot on. But considering the expansive resume of this guy, it's no wonder. This was written by John August based on a screenplay by Lenny Ripps which was based on an original idea by Burton.

This was executed with such detail-- the editing by Chris Lebenzon, ace. and Mark Solomon, photography by Peter Sorg, visuals by Nvizible VFX, the list is endless. It is truly a masterpiece! It's a great homage to the 1930's horror films, hence the black & white processing, and some recent horror films which makes it a hoot. Even Victor's classmate, Edgar is an Igor type character. The 3D version does enhance this film.
Whether you're a Burton fan or not, you will love this film. It really has it all: comedy, drama, heart, action and adventure all wrapped up as an hour and twenty-seven minute Jewel to revel in.

Out of 4 stars: 4                        Rated: PG                          87mins.