Frankenweenie Movie Review

Opening in theaters everywhere today is the latest from the dark mind of Tim Burton, Frankenweenie. For any Tim Burton fan, the use of stop-time animation and Black and White is not new, however, with Frankenweenie, the 3D addition is groundbreaking.

From creative genius Tim Burton (“Alice in Wonderland,” The Nightmare Before Christmas”) comes “Frankenweenie,” a heartwarming tale about a boy and his dog. After unexpectedly losing his beloved dog Sparky, young Victor harnesses the power of science to bring his best friend back to life—with just a few minor adjustments. He tries to hide his home-sewn creation, but when Sparky gets out, Victor’s fellow students, teachers and the entire town all learn that getting a new “leash on life” can be monstrous.

I know what you’re thinking. A movie about a Frankenstein’d dog…in black and white? WHAT? I kinda said the same thing when I saw it being announced. But here is the thing…it’s Tim Burton actually doing Tim Burton. It has the darkness, the oddities and yet the simple sweetness and purity of heart that only Tim Burton can master blending.

The story itself is heartwarming and sweet, and even a bit nostalgic. Fans of old Hitchcock movies and the classic monster movies will catch many references and homages to the favorite films of days past. Even some of us who adored the 80′s can catch a few references here and there (watch for the Gremlins shot)…but yet, for the 10 yr old kid seeing this who hasn’t seen any of those old movies, it’s just as riveting and enchanting.

Frankenweenie is a bit autobiographical for Burton, however, for any of us who ever felt just a tiny bit different, odd…unique, we “get it.” In classic Tim Burton signature…it not only exposes the loneliness that can come from being one of a kind, but, celebrates it.

Frankenweenie is Tim Burton at his best. It’s funny, sad, a tad scary but overall- heartwarming and tender. I highly recommend it for anyone over the age of 8. Be ready to be sucked into Tim Burton’s imagination…and maybe, remember what it’s like to be a little “weird.”

Frankenweenie is out in theaters today and is rated PG with a running time of 87 mins. For more info check out Frankenweenie on Facebook.

Disclosure: No compensation was received for this post. I attended a media screening for the purposes of this review. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own.

Comments

Karen Glatt says:

10/06/2012 at 9:48 AM

This is such a cute movie! I am going to see it because it has a great story line, and I like Tim Burton movies! This is a good movie to watch before Halloween. I am going to buy it when it comes out on DVD.

Dan O. says:

10/09/2012 at 9:50 AM

Good review Yolanda. Being a dog lover definitely helps this flick’s story a lot more, but also does the love and knowledge for the old-school horror movies that Burton so obviously loves. Great return-to-form for him, let’s just hope he can keep it going.

Joanna says:

10/11/2012 at 7:59 AM

This would be a great movie to watch with my sons during Halloween. I have been looking to plan some activities to do with them since I don’t really have anything plan this year. Thanks for the review

Harmony B says:

10/12/2012 at 8:14 AM

Would love to see the movie, just not sure if the kids will get scared

Jo-Ann Brightman says:

12/01/2012 at 1:27 PM

I love Tim Burton movies and I hope to buy this On DVD or BluRay soon

Debby says:

12/30/2012 at 2:26 PM

What a cute movie – and our family hasn’t seen it yet! Thanks for the great review….will look for the movie!