Scare Up a Little Halloween Movie Review with Walt Disney Pictures’ Frankenweenie

Disney and Tim Burton’s Frankenweenie  blends the story of a boy and his dog with ‘old school’ monster movies to bring us the perfect movie for this time of year.  Being released a few weeks before Halloween seems fitting for this new full-length, stop-motion animated film from the same people who brought us The Nightmare Before Christmas, The Corpse Bride, and James and the Giant Peach.

What’s It All About?

When young Victor’s pet dog Sparky dies, Victor decides to bring him back to life the only way he knows how. But when the bolt-necked “monster” wreaks havoc and terror in the hearts of Victor’s neighbors, he has to convince them, and his parents, that despite his appearance, Sparky is still the good loyal friend he’s always been.  And as with all classic films from the 1950’s, using science this way brings about unforeseen consequences once Victor’s friends try to “re-animate” all of their long lost pets.

If you have ever gone through the pain of losing a pet, then the central theme of Disney’s Frankenweenie will resonate with you.  Burton does a great job of telling this simple story and keeping it simple helps us to connect with the characters better.  But there are times when certain characters seem a little stereotypical.

First Impressions

Overall, the movie is fun and easy to watch.  We saw it in 3D, and I am not sure I would spend the extra money for this particular movie; I don’t think the 3D does enough to enhance the experience to warrant it.  There is however, a great mix of lighthearted fun, action, and heart touching faire, and the last 20 minutes are truly a roller coaster ride.

What I love about Frankenweenie is how Burton and his amazing animators wove classic Universal monsters into this film.  You see references to Dracula, the Wolf Man, the Mummy, the Creature from the Black Lagoon, and obviously, Frankenstein.  But none of these references are overt, they are subtle and fun when they pop up.

How is the Music?

Danny Elfman once again returns with a great score, but there is not a single, distinct song that is very memorable.   But it’s Elfman at his whimsical, “Tim Burton-y” best.   There is an “official” motion picture soundtrack from Disney as well as a disc of songs “inspired” by the movie, I would give them both a listen.

Are the Characters Believable?

The voice work is solid with several cast members from other Burton movies including Wynona Ryder, Catherine O’Hara, Martin Landau and Martin Short.  Charlie Tahan, the voice of Victor, does a great job and you travel with him on his emotional journey as he loses his friend, brings him back from the dead, and is then faced with the consequences of his actions. 

Is There Anything You Didn’t Like?

The only really wonky part of the movie, for me, was Mr. Rzykruski, voiced by Martin Landau and bearing a very striking resemblance to Vincent Price, once of Tim Burton’s favorite actors.   I loved his character design, his motivation, and I truly loved every scene he was in…you couldn’t help but watch him…it was just his mouth.  It looked like an episode of South Park or Robot Chicken.  It just seemed to be the least fluidly animated part of this movie.  It took me out of the flow of the film and I mentioned it to some others who had seen it afterwards, and we all agreed that it was just a bit odd.  But it’s not distracting enough to NOT watch the movie again. 

Is It For Children?

I think that it might be too much for very young children (under 7), but for the most part, there are no REALLY scary moments.  It may be a little intense (lots of bats, the werewolf rat, and the cat/bat) but they threw in enough slapstick comedy for the younger kids to focus on and laugh so as not to be too scary.

But, there is a lot of death in this movie.  Stop and think about the main storyline…a boy loses his beloved pet dog.  But there is nothing graphic or morbid…it’s very tame, even by 1950’s horror standards!

Would I Go See It Again?

Absolutely!  I would love to get some friends together on Halloween and watch it.  I can all but guarantee that NEXT Halloween, there will be a Nightmare Before Christmas/Frankenweenie Double Feature in the Parkhopper House.

It’s fun, it’s Disney, it’s Tim Burton…This is Halloween and it’s a GREAT time to go see Frankenweenie!