Review of Frankenweenie (2012) by Floyd R — 26 Apr 2013

Easily Burton's best work in years, and with only 2007's Sweeney Todd as any real competition, and perhaps his best in over a decade. Just as the film's young protagonist Victor, when asked how much love and care he put into his experiment (one that brought his recently deceased dog back to life), it's clear that Burton has a deep fondness for the project.

There's quite a bit of love there, which drives one of Frankenweenie's strongest elements, its heart. Perhaps I'm biased because of my own experience with dog ownership but the relationship between Victor and his dog, Sparky, is continuously touching.

The movie's use of classic horror references is also charmingly incorporated, its visual design is full of personality (a Burton signature) and accentuated by its composition, and overall the movie is just a whole lot of fun.

Definitely not a picture to be missed, especially with Halloween right around the corner. So far it's one of this year's best pictures.