Tim Burton is back in full force with his newest animated Disney film Frankenweenie which was released last Fri., Oct. 5.
Frankenweenie was directed and co-written by the infamous Tim Burton, who also directed films such as Alice and Wonderland (2010), Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Corpse Bride (2005) and Beetlejuice (1988).
Burton also directed a short film of the same title in 1984 that was live action as opposed to animation.
The animated feature follows the story of young Victor Frankenstein, a quiet, simple, and intelligent boy who loves two things: science and his dog Sparky.
After Sparky the dog dies, the young boy is devastated and lonely without his pet. When Victor’s science teacher inadvertently gives him the idea to bring his little dog back to life Victor rushes to figure out the perfect scientific equation.
After much planning, Victor performs a scientific experiment that results in the little dog returning to life. When research falls into the wrong hands it is up to Victor and Sparky to save the town of New Holland from the reanimated pets of other children.
In the end the little dog proves two things, himself and the value in the relationship between man and his best friend.
Victor Frankenstein was voiced by Charlie Tahan who has played in films such as I am Legend and Charlie St. Cloud.
Catherine O’Hara, who appeared in several films including The Nightmare Before Christmas, voiced Mrs. Frankenstein, the weird girl, and the gym teacher.
Martin Short, who has been involved in several television programs such as Weeds, How I Met Your Mother, and Saturday Night Live, voiced Mr, Frankenstein, Mr. Burgemeister, and Nassor.
Martin Landau, known for many roles include his part in the television show Without A Trace, and Winona Ryder, who is also know from many films including The Dilemma, appeared in the film as well and voiced Mr. Rzykruski and Elsa Van Helsing.
The film was designed using a combination of classically drawn animation and computer graphics (CG) designed to look similar to Claymation. The film used advance technology yet maintained the standard of excellence expected of Tim Burton and his animated works.
Additionally, the film was animated using a black and white color pallet that helps set the tone of the film while bringing a certain level of sophistication to the piece as a whole.
The overall use of extreme blacks, striking whites, and dim greys also played an important role in the film and truly added to the general experience.
The voiceover work, general story arch, and the use of the animation truly made the film a great work of art and continue to display the value of the animated film.
Frankenweenie received an 85 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes and was liked by 83 percent of its audience according to the website. Additionally, the film made approximately $11.5 million its opening weekend.
Burton brings a new twist to an old classic in this film and uses all the latest technology to improve upon the aspects of his films that his audiences has grown to love. Frankenweenie is a great family film that is worth the watch anytime of the year.
For more information on Frankenweenieor the actors who were voiced in the film, please visit IMDb.com.
