A movie with Tim Burton’s name written all over it, although he didn’t do very much of the actual production work. In some places it is even called Tim Burton’s – The Nightmare Before Christmas’ but for me it is plain and simple - ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’. Which is because it was his idea, which I believe was a poem. This is what formed the idea of the story for which this movie was based on. From that idea the screenplay was created by Caroline Thompson which was adapted by Michael McDowell. The music was by Danny Elfman who also starred as one of the voices. Produced by Denise Di Novi and Tim Burton but the movie was directed by Henry Selick who also directed James and the Giant Peach and Coraline. Which clearly has a similar type vibe about them, if you’ve seen them I’d give them a go if you like this or Roald Dhal. This film starred the voices Danny Elfman (singing), Chris Sarandon (speaking), Catherine O’Hara, William Hickey, Glenn Shadix, Paul Reubens, Ken Page, and Frank Welker. This is a stop-motion movie made on a budget of $26m it went on to make $91.5m at the box office but more so created an almost cult like following and was critically acclaimed as well. IMDb gave it a creditable 8 out of 10 whilst Rotten Tomatoes loved it more than I did with a score of 95%. The plot, you say? Well..
Set in Halloween Town celebrating another successful Halloween, meanwhile the King of Halloween and character that the whole town looks up to for Halloween, namely Jack Skellington the Pumpkin King is feeling a bit bored of the whole thing. Not really knowing how he was feeling Jack walks through the night and find himself on the other side of the forest. There he finds doors in tree’s each one shaped strangely to him. A Christmas tree, an easter egg, a turkey etc opening the door to Christmas Town he enters. Finding a world completely alien to him and his ways, no one is scaring each other there is nice and pleasant things. People are giving presents to each other there’s no monsters under the beds nothing bad is going on. Mesmerised by this he decides that he wants to bring a bit of this back to his home town. When trying to explain to the town in a meeting they clearly do not get it and despite his best effort it is not sinking in. So, he changes tack and says they should take over and run Christmas instead. Being Halloween Town they do this by kidnapping Father Christmas and taking control by force. Leaving the unknowing world waiting for a pleasant Christmas and getting a horrific one instead.
This is a fantastic musical comedy movie. The songs are catchy and fun to the point where I took my daughter to the live show version of the movie last year. Where they screen the movie and sing live to appropriate points in the movie. This is a well loved movie in this household and is watched throughout the year and not just at Christmas. This bridges the two dates perfectly and all is done in a playful way. I found it great the first time I watched it and is still good to this day. This is fun and after watching it a few times you will start singing along with the songs and cheering and booing along with the rest of us. This film is absorbing and a perfect fantasy romp that anyone can enjoy. You might find some scary bits for the really young ones for you to be aware of, but most will find this funny and entertaining. I don’t see this as a kids movie myself as this is for the whole family and it works on so many levels if you haven’t seen it – What is wrong with you? Seriously! You have missed out. If you watch it and don’t enjoy it please write to Esther Rantzen could I don’t care I am just trying to point out that this is a great movie and you are refusing to watch it because its for kids. Well that’s on you. Go enjoy it.
Next up is the beginning of a trilogy which I have already reviews in a way…
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