Tim Burton has remade his 1984 29 min. short film into a feature length, animated homage to classic horror movies. Entirely in black and white, the film mainly recalls 1931’s “Frankenstein” with others as well. The homage is so persevering that the family it focuses on shares the name Frankenstein, the son being named Victor. When Victor’s beloved dog Sparky is killed by a car, Victor applies his vast interest in science to bring him back to life by way of lightning. Brought back from the dead and put back together, Sparky must then be kept a secret – beginning the tale of “Frankenweenie.”
The film focuses on the themes of family, terror, and loss. In this way it is seen to be a bit much for younger children, being emotional enough to get grown adults to the verge of tears. On the contrary, the film over all is imaginative and clever. Seeing Burton’s world again through the eyes of a young child is always an interesting experience. Especially with the score done by veteran composer Danny Elfman, who has been creating the sound of Burton’s films for years.
This is the first film Tim Burton has made without Johnny Depp since “Big Fish” in 2003 and same goes with Helena Bonham Carter – since “Sleepy Hollow” in 1999. The film has an all star cast providing the voice talent, some have as many as three different characters they play. The cast includes Winona Ryder, Martin Short, Catherine O’Hara, and Martin Landau.
“Frankenweenie” is now playing in theaters everywhere in Disney Digital 3-D and 2-D.
