On October 5, 2012 the Tim Burton film, Frankenweenie, opens in theaters across the country. I was very fortunate to attend the white carpet (instead of red) premiere of the film in Hollywood last week. In addition I was able to attend the after party and meet with some of the stars of the film. The whole night was A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!
Months ago, when I first heard about the film, I was a bit intrigued by it. It’s not uncommon for films to be in 3D. Frankenweenie takes it to a whole other level because it’s the first animated 3D film to be done in black and white.
I’m a fan of old black and white movies. I’ve enjoyed them since I was a young girl. I was born in the late 60′s where movies and TV shows were done in color. There is just something about black and white shows and movies that really appeals to me.
Frankenweenie is the story of a young boy name Victor Frankenstein (voiced by Charlie Tahan). Victor is a quiet boy who prefers to be with his best friend, his dog Sparky, then with other children. His parents are a bit concerned that he doesn’t engage with other children and try to encourage him to get more involved.
One day at school the new science teacher informs the kids of a science fair that school will be having. Victor is excited about the prospect of competing in the science fair and asks his parents to sign the form necessary for him to participate. His parents agree, but they have one condition – he must join a sports team. Begrudgedly Victor joins the baseball team.
Victor’s first game ends in tragedy when his beloved dog Sparky is struck by a car and killed. Lost without his friend Victor hatches a plan to resurrect his best friend.
Victor is successful in bringing Sparky back to life but his happiness is short lived when things go terribly wrong…
I don’t want to tell you anymore of the story. You’ll just have to go see Frankenweenie to find out what happens. Let’s just say that Sparky is not the only creature to come back to life.
I think anyone who has ever loved a pet, and lost a pet, will relate to Victor. I know I was getting a bit misty eyed when Sparky was killed. I have lost pets to both old age and illness. It breaks your heart.
I love how Victor’s parents express to him how Sparky is not truly gone… he will live in Victor’s heart forever. That is very true and I think it’s something important to teach children. It’s hard to lose a loved one but as long as you love them they will always be in your heart.
As a parent I wish the movie ended a bit differently. As a pet lover I can appreciate the ending. I’m sort of on the fence about which ending would have been better.
I was concerned that the movie being in black and white wouldn’t work out well with the 3D. I was wrong. The movie is just as great in 3D as movies done in color. It’s not the type of 3D where things pop out at your but rather it’s the type of 3D that draws you into the film. You feel like you are standing in the attic with Victor when he does his experiments.
There is a part of the film that brought up my favorite sci-fi and creature films that I used to enjoy as a kid (and still do). Godzilla comes to mind. When you see the film you’ll know why.
The actors they used to voice the characters were perfect. Atticus Shaffer (“Brick” from the ABC series The Middle) was the perfect choice for Edgar E. Gore. Rob Capron (“Rowley” from the Diary of a Wimpy Kid movies) voiced the character of Bob. Rob’s sweet nature came out in Bob’s voice. Bob might look like a bully because of his size but the reality is that Bob is just a sweet kid who makes some bad decisions.
Winona Rider, Martin Landau, Tom Kenny, Mar
It’s hard not to fall in love with the character of Sparky. I used to have a dog name Sparky. He died from bone cancer when he was only a few years old. 
I think that is why his character especially touched my heart.
I think one of the scene stealer’s is Mr. Whiskers, a cat who can predict when things are going to happen (or so his creepy owner thinks he can). Mr. Whiskers is hysterical, especially the constant shocked look he has on his face.
Check out this FUNNY video about Mr. Whiskers. Seriously… you should watch it. You won’t be disappointed.
If you are reading this via e-mail you can find the video here, http://bit.ly/VCArCQ.
Check out the Frankenweenie Facebook page to Ask Mr. Whiskers what the future holds for you. 
Frankenweenie is rated PG. I honestly don’t see anything wrong with it except maybe it might be too intense for very young children (under 5) who cannot really understand death. Aside from that I think the film is great for children of all ages. Adults will enjoy the film as much as kids. My husband is anxious to see the film, as is my teenagers.
Frankenweenie was directed by Tim Burton. Tim Burton’s films are known to be a bit “odd”, but that is Tim’s “hallmark”, so to speak. Other films Tim has directed include Dark Shadows (Johnny Depp), Alice in Wonderland (Johnny Depp), Mars Attacks!, Edward Scissorhands, Beatlejuice and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Johnny Depp), to name a few. If you have ever seen a Tim Burton film you know that his films are not the “norm”. They are always very quirky and incredibly entertaining. Frankenweenie is certainly very entertaining, and it is quirky, but for some reason it doesn’t strike me as a typical Tim Burton film. If I didn’t know he directed the film and someone told me after I saw it that it was a Tim Burton film I would have been shocked. For me this movie is a little different then his other films.
I hope you’ll go see Frankenweenie with your family. If you do go I would love to know what you think about the film. Please feel free to stop by and leave a comment and let me know. I always love to hear from my readers.
For more information about Frankenweenie visit the official site, www.Disney.Go.com/Frankenweenie. You can also check out the film on Facebook, www.Facebook.com/Frankenweenie.
You can follow the conversation on Twitter with the hashtag #Frankenweenie.
If you would like to read up on my other Frankenweenie posts I have included them below.
Frankenweenie White Carpet Premiere and After Party
Fun Halloween Recipes from Frankenweenie
FREE Frankenweenie Activity Sheets
Interview with the Young Stars of Frankenweenie
Kimberly
*I was not compensated for this post. I posted this review for the benefit and enjoyment of my site readers. The opinions expressed are my own and are not influenced in any way.
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