The Nightmare Before Christmas

 

As the pandemic surges on, we have been offered a plethora of films being re-released to fill the multiplexes since many of the film studios have opted to push some pf their films to next year so as to profit in order to continue to be solvent. So, out of the ones that are back in theaters, we have the delightful "The Nightmare Before Christmas".

This film follows the misadventures of Jack Skellington (Chris Sarandon and Danny Elman-singing), Halloweentown's beloved pumpkin king, who has become bored with the same annual routine of frightening people in the 'real world'. When Jack accidentally stumbles on Christmastown with all bright colors and warm spirits, he gets a new lease on life--he plots to bring Christmas under his control by kidnapping Santa Claus (Ed Ivory) and taking over the role. But Jack soon discovers even the best-laid plans of mice and skeleton men can go seriously awry. His friend Sally (Catherine O'Hara) has a premonition and subsequently attempts to warn Jack of impending doom, however to no avail. So between Halloweentown's mayor (Glenn Shadix) and others, can this escapade really happen?

Others to round out the cast are William Hickey as Dr. Finklestein, Paul Reubens as Lock, Ken Page as Oogie Boogie, Susan McBride as Big Witch and Glenn Walters as Wolfman.

This was wonderfully and whimsically directed by Henry Selick ("James and the Giant Peach" '96, "Monkeybone" '01, "Coraline" '09) plus TV and shorts. This film being presented in a claymation format, Selick has certainly proven himself considering this was his first claymation film. His "Coraline" was beautifully and whimsically directed. It would be interesting to see what he could do with more films other than claymation ones. In fact it's been a while since he's directed a film, so it will be interesting to see what he will do with "Wendell and Wild" which is being filmed at this time. It was brilliantly written by Caroline Thompson ("Edward Scissorhands" '90, "The Addams Family" '91, "Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey" '93, "The Secret Garden" '93, "Black Beauty" '94, "Buddy" '97, "Corpse Bride" '05, "City of Ember" '08, "Welcome to Marwen" '18) plus a video and video short, adapted by Michael McDowell, which is based on a story and characters created by Tim Burton. Certainly Thompson has got to be one of the most talented screenwriters in Hollywood. Her "Edward Scissorhands" and "The Addams Family" are incredibly well thought out and well structured scripts and this film is no exception. As with this film, her other films are cohesive, tight and paced amazingly well. Before this film, no one could've connected Christmas and Halloween like Thomas did. Any other script would've ended up convoluted and confusing. 

Why can't there be more films as well written and directed today as this was then back in 1993? Watching this film gave me a sense of awe that it was the age it was. It is as fresh today as it was back then--talk about a timeless film. If you've never seen this film on the large screen before, I'm sure it's playing in a multiplex somewhere near you-- please see it.  It is a 77 minute gem where one can escape and enjoy a well crafted film and the great music and lyrics by the incomparable Danny Elman. Grab the popcorn and enjoy this gem!

Out of 4 Stars: 4                                         Rated: PG                                                77mins.