Frankenweenie (2012)

3/4

             Tim Burton finally succeeds with a passion project that is all heart and soul. I've grown tired of the recent Tim Burton films that elevate style over substance. Most of his recent outings have grown stale and they all seem to accomplish the same goal. But Frankenweenie is so full of heart that it's hard not to enjoy it. It clearly comes from deep inside Burton's mind (coming from his nearly 30-year old short film) and is clearly something held very close to the filmmaker.

            The story has a young Victor Frankenstein being urged by his father to step outside of his solitary life (making short films with his dog Sparky) and get out with other people. While playing a game of baseball, Victor and his family watch as Sparky is killed by a car. A heartbroken Victor tries to continue on with his life, but once he watches as his science teacher reanimates a dead from with electricity, Victor can't help but give Sparky the same treatment.

            It's not a light film to take, and younger audiences might actually find it to be a bit too much, not that it even seems to be catering to a younger audience. Sure it's animated and contains visuals and gags that might appeal to a younger audience, but there is much more behind the project and will likely appeal to an older audience much more than younger. It lovingly pays tribute to horror classics that have influenced hundreds of filmmakers. The most obvious one if the story of Frankenstein, but it also uses The Mummy, The Wolfman, Godzilla, Dracula, The Creature From the Black Lagoon, and even Gremlins seem to be thrown into the mix. It also echoes earlier Burton classics by bringing in old-school-Burton actors like Catherine O'Hara and Winona Ryder, and thankfully Burton has taken a break from Johnny Depp, which has served him well. Not to hate on Johnny Depp, but his Burton collaborations have become a blend of over-familiarity. "Weirdness" is what we expect and he has become more-or-less the same in each collaboration.

            For a horror film fan, this is a delightful project that will speak directly to you. If you are a Burton fan needing a refreshing change of pace, this is also for you. With such a personal voice and filled with loving care (the stop-motion animation is absolutely beautiful) and such a warm tribute to films that have influenced future generations, Frankenweenie is a delight to behold.