As this is my first post, allow me to explain myself... my name is unknown to you (as it will probably remain). I am a film major. I work/volunteer at the campus TV station. I am a geek. I also enjoy critiquing the everyday absurdities that I encounter. Now, I put them on the internet.
Let me first state this: I love Tim Burton, and what I am about to say, does not to apply to each of his individual films.
Now to my main point. Frankenweenie sucked balls.
...perhaps that was harsh, but allow me to quickly explain the plot for those who have not seen it..
A lonely and geeky boy loses his best friend/dog. Very sad, yes. However, he then thinks, "hey, I have a brilliant idea! Lets bring it back to life!" Really? Okay. Fine. But then three other characters come into play, and where take a sudden turn... right off a cliff.
all because of this little creeper right here. While I usually admire the visual, disturbing appeal that typically is attached to a Tim Burton film (and, on this point, my opinion does not change... no matter how perverted Creepy McCreepster is over there)... my main complaint is the character development. Or lack there of. NO ONE EVER REALLY CHANGES.
No one recognizes their mistakes. Not really. I guess that you could make an arguement for the adults... but really? After the dramatic conclusion, after the (SPOILERS) dog dies a second time, and the main character makes a grand old speech about how it is important to let things you love go, and all sweet (albeit bitter-sweet) feelings are being spread around as the main character grows, and a well of emotion is spreading though your chest, and a tear rolls down your cheek, KA-BLAMY! "Don't worry son, we will revive him again with our car batteries!!"
Oh, hello there moral of the story, let me just throw you out the window. No one is punished. Nothing changes. That dog is still dead. and now that little boy is still in denial.
Now, to be fair, I suppose Burton was going for a family, happy movie in which the story was meant to revolve around the love between a boy and his dead dog, which I can respect. I have a dog. He was hit by a car (thank god, didn't have a scratch on him). My dog is extremely important to me. There is very little I wouldn't do for him.
But this movie completely denies the reality of death. Our entire western society has issues with death. We dress our corpses up so they appear still alive. We place the sick in hosptials so it is easier for us to cope, so we have the choice not to see it everyday. We use medication to keep them alive. Of course, I would never hate on the medical profession, but now our society lives in a state of denial. (However, another blog, another time) I suppose, from Burton, I expected something more to his style. It felt as if he was putting a nice little bow, patting us on the head, and telling us that everything will be okay in the end.
Perhaps this is the pessimist in me, but... bull shit. Nice try, Timmy. I just found that ending a major flaw. I understand that the movie was made for children/ families. But he has made much darker films with far more bitter endings that I've suggested. Look at Big Fish! Look at 9! Big Fish is the bomb! I love Big Fish.
We need more Big Fish...
The End.
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