Review of The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) by V G — 25 Dec 2014

Remember the 90´s, the time when Tim Burton was still considered a visionary and creative filmmaker? Regardless of your opinion of his recent films, its undeniable that before the new millennium Burton gave us his best works and "one of them" is the beloved "The Nightmare Before Christmas".

Set in a fantasy town named "Halloween Town", home of various monsters, the story follows "The Pumpkin King" Jack Skellington who is tired of the town's routine Halloween celebration, in his lament; Jack finds a portal to another fantasy town named "Christmas Town", fascinated with this new holiday Jack decides to celebrate Christmas in his town but with their own style, without knowing the consequences of his actions.

When it comes to great and memorable Christmas films, "The Nightmare before Christmas" is always brought up as one of them, and it's not difficult task to see why. It has a terrific art direction, catchy and clever songs, an intriguing and fun premise, great writing, the direction is extremely focused on the little details, a straightforward pacing, an amazing soundtrack, impeccably done dark and fun atmosphere, jaw dropping stop motion animation, a somewhat funny humor, great voice acting and, most important, the characters are memorable, likeable, creative and well defined. But the one aspect that I always want to mention in more detail is Henry Selick´s direction, people often credit Burton for all the work and greatness that "Nightmare" has but I dare say that Selick deserves as much credit as Burton. Many will argue with me by saying that Burton was the creative mind behind the film's original premise and is responsible for the films "gothic" atmosphere and art direction, and I agree with that, but Selick is the one that made Burton´s ideas work on screen and he also give Jack and all the Halloween Town residents that over the top funny personality and without that I dare say that "Nightmare" wouldn't be the beloved Christmas classic it is nowadays (If you don't believe me, go watch "Corpse Bride" and see how Burton tried to create memorable funny characters).

"The Nightmare before Christmas" is film filled with originality, love for both Halloween and Christmas and it delivers a beautiful message after 76 minutes of pure entertainment.