Rent The Nightmare Before Christmas on Amazon Video (paid link)
Written by: Tim Burton (based on a story and characters by), Michael McDowell (adaptation), Caroline Thompson (screenplay by)
Directed by: Henry Selick
Starring: Danny Elfman, Chris Sarandon, Catherine O'Hara, William Hickey, Glenn Shadix, Paul Reubens, Greg Proops
Rated: PG
Watch the trailer
Plot
Jack Skellington, king of Halloween Town, discovers Christmas Town, but his attempts to bring Christmas to his home causes confusion.
Verdict
With creative and twisted character designs, it's a unique idea and dark setting that you won't forget. If this were live action it would be an outright horror movie. The story feels incomplete as it's so simple as the movie is focused on style and visuals, but this has become a pop culture touchstone and rightfully so. A large part of that is because it is so unique. Every detail in every scene is meticulously crafted. The artistry is apparent. It's a kids movie that strains the definition which made it a lot of fun to watch as a kid.
It depends.
Review
Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town has grown discontent. It's the same festivities every year and he longs to do something new. Then he stumbles upon Christmas Town. It's new and intriguing, and Jack is enamored. He wants to bring the ideas of Christmas Town to Halloween Town.
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| Danny Elfman & Chris Sarandon voice Jack Skellington |
That's the bulk of the story. It's not much, and it's rightfully overshadowed by the visually unique presentation. It's stop motion, the designs are dark and twisted, and this doesn't look anything like a kids' movie. The juxtaposition of Christmas and Halloween are completely counter to the typical movies in the genre.
The designs are so creative and intriguing. Being stop motion, there is an art and craft to every frame. Even the backgrounds have details and craft. It's difficult to forget this because there isn't much like it. With how gross some of the characters are, it strains the bounds of a kids' movie. This can be haunting and if it wasn't animated it would be downright scary. As a kid too young to watch horror movies, this fills that gap.
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| Catherine O'Hara, Danny Elfman & Chris Sarandon voice Sally, Jack |
Jack brings the Christmas spirit back to his town, but Jack's toys are more than monstrous. This is unique from the idea to the characters. It's something you have to watch, not just because it's now firmly rooted in pop culture, but because of the catchy music and how there's nothing quite like this. I do wish there was more to the story, but the presentation more than makes up for that.
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