Frankenweenie

Mickeroo

New animated movie from Tim Burton based on his original short film of the same name. Here's a trailer:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MquUxWXEOLU

I think it looks like heaps of fun, and its good to see Burton going back to his roots. His last few films have been pretty poor (though i enjoyed Dark Shadows a bit) but hopefully this will be a return to form.

livinsane

The original short film was one of the best things that Burton has produced. It's the kind of film that makes you want to make an amateur movie.

johnny_ultimate

Saw this today and rather enjoyed it. This is 'good' Tim Burton, and the most appropriate comparison is probably Ed Wood, although also reminded me of Monster House. It's a fun, affectionate homage to all things B-Movie. The aesthetics, character names, art design - everything is a celebration of cheesy, classic monster movies. Hell,

there's even an actual Christopher Lee film playing on the TV in one scene!

Also great to see a mainstream children's film in black & white, although it's so-so opening weekend box office reception in the States suggests it may not have the widest appeal. Indeed, while the film's main story is light enough for kids to enjoy, despite all the reanimated animal corpses on display, I'd say this might find its most loyal audience in nostalgic adults.

The film does lose its way a bit during a more madcap yet underwhelming third act, despite the ideas still being relatively consistent with the tone of the film (

the giant turtle monster is a fun addition: no wonder the Japanese kid get so much screentime

). There's also way too many characters for the short running time, and a few feel straight-up wasteful or redundant (much like using the words wasteful and redundant in the same sentence). Still, it's mostly charming and endearingly old-fashioned. Won't set the world alight, but it's Tim Burton's most likeable film in a long time.

Edit: forget to mention that this also has the good sense to have a playful anti-creationism subtext going on. Go science!

Jimdagym

johnny_ultimate wrote: »

Saw this today and rather enjoyed it. This is 'good' Tim Burton, and the most appropriate comparison is probably Ed Wood, although also reminded me of Monster House. It's a fun, affectionate homage to all things B-Movie. The aesthetics, character names, art design - everything is a celebration of cheesy, classic monster movies. Hell,

there's even an actual Christopher Lee film playing on the TV in one scene!

Also great to see a mainstream children's film in black & white, although it's so-so opening weekend box office reception in the States suggests it may not have the widest appeal. Indeed, while the film's main story is light enough for kids to enjoy, despite all the reanimated animal corpses on display, I'd say this might find its most loyal audience in nostalgic adults.

The film does lose its way a bit during a more madcap yet underwhelming third act, despite the ideas still being relatively consistent with the tone of the film (

the giant turtle monster is a fun addition: no wonder the Japanese kid get so much screentime

). There's also way too many characters for the short running time, and a few feel straight-up wasteful or redundant (much like using the words wasteful and redundant in the same sentence). Still, it's mostly charming and endearingly old-fashioned. Won't set the world alight, but it's Tim Burton's most likeable film in a long time.

How child friendly is it JU? I was thinking of bringing my 4 year old. (He lapped up paranorman).

johnny_ultimate

Relatively child friendly - I know a few people at the screening suggested it might be quite scary for younger audiences, but TBH can't imagine many kids being too scared by it. There's a few intense 'mad scientist' and graveyard sequences, plus some cartoonishly grotesque bits, but it's all very PG. I haven't seen Paranorman, but I'd be surprised if this was any worse.

SmokeyEyes

Three of us saw this today and all loved it.

There's a beautiful quality and love to the movie visually and as people having lost our four legged friends over the years it really brings a tear to your eye. Well worth seeing and a movie that will be enjoyed just as much if not more by adults than children

Mickeroo

Is this on general release now?! Not playing at any of my locals yet....

johnny_ultimate

Mickeroo wrote: »

Is this on general release now?! Not playing at any of my locals yet....

Press screening today Out on Friday I think.

senordingdong

Burton still flogging the horse.

Well atleast it doesn't have Johnny Depp in it.

johnny_ultimate

There's not even any Helena Bonham Carter!

Honestly, this is the only Tim Burton film I've really liked since Big Fish (although admittedly I just sorta ignored Dark Shadows and Corpse Bride). It draws many favourable comparisons with Ed Wood - which to my mind is undoubtedly the best film he's made - and as a light, eccentric family movie and genre parody / homage it does a fine job.

Mickeroo

johnny_ultimate wrote: »

There's not even any Helena Bonham Carter!

Honestly, this is the only Tim Burton film I've really liked since Big Fish (although admittedly I just sorta ignored Dark Shadows and Corpse Bride). It draws many favourable comparisons with Ed Wood - which to my mind is undoubtedly the best film he's made - and as a light, eccentric family movie and genre parody / homage it does a fine job.

You should watch The Corpse Bride if you get a chance, despite it being around the start of the whole casting Depp in everything phase its actually really very good.