Frankenweenie (October 5, 2012)

This is the fourth Tim Burton produced stop motion-animated film (a medium which I am particularly fond of). It is a co-production between Tim Burton Productions and Walt Disney Animation. It is a remake of Burton's 1984 short film, Frankenweenie, and is also both a parody of and homage to the 1931 film Frankenstein, based on Mary Shelley's 1818 novel. This film came out at an opportune time in my life, when I was still grieving over the death of my own dog, so it hit me particularly hard when watching it (and still dregs up memories to this day). Having said that, I really enjoy this film and think it is underrated. It tells the story of a boy named Victor who loses his dog, a Bull Terrier named Sparky, and uses the power of electricity to resurrect him. He is then blackmailed by his peers into revealing how they too can reanimate their deceased past pets and other creatures, resulting in mayhem and mischief when dark creatures are created. This film is memorable for being shot entirely in black and white- one of many homages to 1931’s Frankenstein- a decision that works very well and adds to its macabre and creepy atmosphere (perfect for Halloween viewings). I can relate to the desire to bring your pet back to life, but I would be hesitant because of the unholy nature of messing with life and death. Victor (last name, Frankenstein) is a loner with his dog, Sparky, his closest companion. He would rather stay inside and conduct science experiments- or play with his loyal canine companion, then interact with other children from his class. This love he had for his dog is the reason why he came back like his old self (albeit with a few minor physical changes) and that lack of love contributes to the unholy results of the other resurrections. There is a particularly poignant scene, however, when Sparky looks at himself in the mirror and realizes what he is- and it frightens him. He can feel that he is unnatural and, after viewing his tombstone, he wishes to be reburied; it is heartbreaking. I will briefly talk about the ending of the film so warning for spoilers. Sparky ends up saving the day causing the rest of the adult townsfolk, sans Victor’s parents, to change their mind about the undead dog. They then band together to save him through the electricity running through their cars and are successful. A part of me, while I am partial to this happy ending, wishes Victor had put his faithful pup to rest. I feel that, because his experiment was successful, he did not really learn a lesson. But it is just a harmless fantasy and wish fulfillment, so I am not too critical of this happily ever after. Victors classmates are interesting enough, with Edgar “E” Gore and Toshiaki being particular instigators in the dead pet revival, while Elsa van Helsing, is the only kind friend to poor Victor (she also owns a god named Persephone with whom Sparky I infatuated with). Overall Frankenweenie is a charming Halloween film that is, unfortunately and unfairly, overshadowed by another Disney offering, The Nightmare Before Christmas. It is well worth watching and adding to your October movie rotation for its charming story, Frankenstein references, great visual style, and interesting characters.

Final Rating: 8/10