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WALT DISNEY and TIM BURTON’S “FRANKENWEENIE” OFFERS DELIGHTFUL FUN FOR ALL AGES
From the creative mastermind Tim Burton, who brought you features like “Alice in Wonderland,” and “The Nightmare Before Christmas” comes “FRANKENWEENIE,” a heartwarming and uplifting tale about a boy and his dog that’s less than 90 minutes long but will surely leave you wanting more…
I was lucky enough to catch a pre-screening last Wednesday night and was so pleased that I made it! The theater was packed with both adults and kids longing to see the famous animation expert Burton’s take on a tale as old as time – a tale about a young boy and his loyal, beloved young dog.
The plot line goes something like this… After unexpectedly losing his cherished pet Sparky and after being inspired by his new Science teacher at school, young Victor Frankenstein harnesses the power of science, his favorite subject, to bring his best friend back to life. Unfortunately the genius experiment gives some “adjustments” to the new Sparky (i.e., in one scene his tail wags right off and young Victor says “oh- I can fix that boy, sorry!” (Don’t worry, it doesn’t hurt the dog!) Victor tries to hide his “home-sewn” creation, but when a curious and annoyingly nosy student sees the dog one day, Sparky’s return to life gets out, and Victor’s fellow students, teachers and the entire town all learn that getting a new “leash on life” can have ‘monstrous’ consequences!
I was impressed with not only Burton’s ability to take a classic tale and spin it into a themed fun-fest of a movie that will work at all times of the year (not just Halloween), but with the action and movement of the story line. And I also enjoyed how Victor’s parents are helplessly clueless (but lovable all the same) until about three-quarters of the way through. Of course, being a pet person, I ABSOLUTELY ADORED the true-to-life way in which the animals (dogs in particular) in the movie were played. They had such great characteristics; truly enchanting actions that made you love them like you love your own pets at home. Their tails wagged, they had real barks and whimpers and noises… Sparky’s body motions were just like that of a squiggling hound dog or wiener dog, endearing him all the more to me and to all those in the audience around me.
I even cried TWICE during this movie, once when Sparky first passed away, then at the end! (Shhh, don’t tell my boyfriend I cried at a cartoon!)
A stop-motion animated film, “FRANKENWEENIE” is shown in black and white and in 3D, which makes the super-cool effects even more fun. The voice cast includes: Catherine O’Hara, Martin Short, Martin Landau, Charlie Tahan, Atticus Shaffer and Winona Ryder.
Presented by Disney, “FRANKENWEENIE” is directed by Tim Burton, was produced by Tim Burton and Allison Abbate, and was adapted from a screenplay by John August.
It was based on an original idea by Tim Burton, who drew inspiration from the loss of his own childhood pet according to a story in USA Today. “Frankenweenie” released in theaters just two days ago, Friday, October 5, 2012.
See the FRANKENWEENIE Featurette on YouTube here!
Check out the FRANKENWEENIE website and mobile site here: disney.com/frankenweenie
Like FRANKENWEENIE on Facebook: facebook.com/FrankenweenieMovie
Follow Disney on Twitter for more information and other fun stuff: twitter.com/DisneyPictures
I was supposed to do a review for tomorrow but had to cancel going to the premier at the last second! should have had YOU guest post! This was great!
Nice review. Have a great Monday.
Best wishes Molly
BIG FAN of Tim Burton, Nightmare Before Christmas, etc. Saw the movie last night – HUGE disappointment. It was depressing, very morbid, NOT for kids, sent the wrong message if kids did see it, not funny, and so many scenes were taken from Burton’s other films. No wonder the movie is a BOMB! A movie this over the edge morbid and depressing should NEVER have been associated with Disney – what were they thinking when the read the storyline? P.S. The first 5 to 10 minutes were clever but it went down-hill from there. I hated this film! UPLIFTING? REALLY? I felt I needed an anti-depressant after I saw it. Digging up dead pets! A creature-cat/once a pet horribly impaled is something for animal lovers to see?
Different Strokes for Different Folks I guess John.
I also thought the concept was morbid but the “happy ending” always associated with Disney was present, as was the character-building, cutesy talk, and other effects
I must agree with you that certain parts were depressing, like when the dog first died, but I did feel it was uplifting because, like Liam said, it had the classic Disney happy ending. Everyone has an opinion – thanks for commenting John!
JL Smith
Administrator
By the way John, I never said “animal lovers should see this movie” as you imply below…