FRANKENWEENIE

Pictures courtesy of Walt Disney Pictures

A boy resurrects his canine companion in Tim Burton’s FRANKENWEENIE.  

The animated feature is centered around Victor and his dog Sparky, the inseparable duo who could one be pulled apart by death itself.  Unfortunately that’s exactly what happens.  Sparky’s passing leaves Victor, an aspiring scientist, with a lot of free time and an interesting idea from his scientist teacher.  

After science class, and grieving the loss of his best friend, Victor decides he’ll try to revive Sparky with a jolt from mother nature.  One stormy night, some jumper cables and a bolt of lightening does just that for Victor and Sparky.

                                                                

Tim Burton’s touch with live-action material has been sketchy at best recently, but when the creative and imaginative director puts his talents to work in the world of animation, he’s as solid as they come.

FRANKENWEENIE, the full-length version of the director’s first short film, is a heartfelt, humorous and clever tale about the bond that exists between a boy and his dog, albeit through the slightly twisted mind of Burton.  

Clocking in exactly three times as long as the short, FRANKENWEENIE never wears out its welcome.  Burton and screenwriter John August milk the film for both standard and odd situations, riffing on classic horror films and the 1950’s, but also find a nice groove with the kids-oriented story line.  

Burton, filming the stop-motion animated tale in black and white, utilizes both techniques to maximum effect.  The choice to go black and white gives the film a unique feel, while also creating an odder and more detailed atmosphere.  The stop motion animation also gives the period piece a more authentic feel, and the movements and actions of the characters a more humanistic draw.  

FRANKENWEENIE hits home on a couple of occasions, but more or less plays it safe with the story, settling for laughs and amusement, when something greater lies beneath the surface of this kiddy spooker//  FRANKWEENIE still delivers a solid slice of Halloween entertainment.

Grade: B