FRANKENWEENIE
RYAN: Tim Burton is a true original, a visionary, and after seeing his exhibit at MOMA a couple years ago, a genius! I love practically all of his movies and am happy to report this is another hit.
CAROLINE: I’m thrilled to hear it. After the disappointment earlier this year with Dark Shadows, that must be a relief.
RYAN: I still appreciated Dark Shadows but it’s nothin’ compared to this. This is purely what we love about Tim. It’s dark and twisty, dramatic, comedic and packed with so much heart. In tone it reminds me a lot of Edward Scissorhands.
CAROLINE: Oh that’s cool. And that’s a really nice endorsement.
RYAN: I know you’re not really a dog person or a fan of animation, but you’d still like this one. The script is witty and humorous. And the visuals are so unique. They walk that fine line of creepy and funny just as in The Nightmare Before Christmas.
CAROLINE: I actually liked that one.
RYAN: Right and this one is similar and even better than Corpse Bride.
CAROLINE: Who are the voices here?
RYAN: Martin Short and Catherine O’Hara both provide several voices and are so good. As is Martin Landau and I just love, love Winona Ryder. I’ll take her any way I can get her, including just her voice.
CAROLINE: Yeah you love her. Who voices the main boy?
RYAN: His name is Charlie Tahan and he’s great. He has quite a few credits but I think this is his first starring role.
CAROLINE: That’s a big deal for him.
RYAN: This movie really struck a chord with me in a very sentimental way. The dog I grew up with, Muffy, meant the world to me and I was beyond devastated when she died. And I’m not even kidding when I say if I could have brought her back to life, I would have.
CAROLINE: Honey, I’m not doubting you!
RYAN: So the whole Frankenstein twist on the story about a boy and his dog… just excellent. And there are plenty of winks and nods to the classic Frankenstein story to delight classic monster fans too.
CAROLINE: Wasn’t this once a short film Tim did early on?
RYAN: Yeah he did a short film version of Frankenweenie in 1984 and this is the feature-length. He reportedly was super close with his puppy, Pepe, as a child and this movie is really a love letter from a boy to his dog.
CAROLINE: How was the black and white and 3D?
RYAN: Really great. The 3D is noticeable and the black and white is completely apprppriate since it’s tipping hat toward Frankenstein. Plus, Danny Elfman did the music and he’s always awesome.
CAROLINE: Yeah they always work together.
RYAN: It’s not really for the preschooler set but I’d say for about ages 7 and up this is a good bet. And it’s got the scope and heart of Burton’s best, so see it on the big screen!
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