INTERVIEW WITH TIM BURTON, WINONA RYDER, MARTIN LANDAU GUEST HOST PAUL SALFEN, MANAGING EDITOR OF FLAVORPILL
REVIEW: CHRISTINE THOMPSON OF AMFM MAGAZINE
Frankenweenie is one of Tim Burton’s finest efforts, a light-hearted romp through the valley of death and a very serious subject matter – the loss of a beloved pet. Comedic elements combined with a clever story serve to soften the seriousness of this common but traumatic event, but the beauty of this film is that it’s really a celebration of love and life.
The story is about a little boy who brings his dog back from the dead after being inspired by a science teacher who reanimates a dead frog’s legs. After his friends find out about it, they try to do a little experimenting of their own, and the resulting chaos that ensues is some of the best part of the film. Martin Landau’s performance as the science teacher is hilarious – I would watch the movie again just to see his character address the parents at the school assembly. The 3D animation of stop motion photography brings the story to life in a charming way, and Burton’s characters are reminiscent of his earlier works. Elements of Edward Scissorhands as well as homages to other movies like Goonies, Jurassic Park, Gremlins and quite a few others mix together in a well-timed series of events that take you away to Tim Burton’s world. It’s not a bad place to be.
Opens: Friday, Oct. 5 (Disney)
Production: Walt Disney Motion Pictures
Voice cast: Catherine O’Hara, Martin Short, Martin Landau, Charlie Tahan, Atticus Shaffer, Robert Capron, Conchata Ferrell, Winona Ryder
Director: Tim Burton
Screenwriter: John August, based on a screenplay by Lenny Ripps, based on an original idea by Tim Burton
Producers: Tim Burton, Allison Abbate
Executive producer: Don Hahn
Director of photography: Peter Sorg
Production designer: Rick Heinrichs
Editors: Chris Lebenzon, Mark Solomon
Music: Danny Elfman
Rated PG, 87 minutes
Related Story: http://amfmstudios.com/magazine/2012/06/fantastic-fest-presents-the-world-premiere-of-frankenweenie/
