Frankenweenie - B

Rated PG, 87 minutes

Uneven yet oddly clever, heartwarming "Frankenweenie" is a fun tale

Sparky

The new stop-motion animated "Frankenweenie" is a clever, heartwarming homage to "Frankenstein" and other horror films from director Tim Burton, and his odd, dark sense of humor serves him well here.  After unexpectedly losing his beloved dog Sparky, young New Holland resident Victor Frankenstein (Charlie Tahan) harnesses the power of science to bring his best friend back to life-with just a few minor adjustments. He tries to hide his home-sewn creation, but when Sparky gets out, Victor's fellow students, teachers and the entire town all learn that getting a new "leash on life" can be monstrous. Burton and company are back again with the oddly charming, playful "Frankenweenie."  A remake of his 1984 live action short film of the same name, the black-and-white 3D film visually enriching and enjoyable, though its uneveness is felt in a very dark last act that might leave some younger ones a little frightened. The dark tone is reminiscent of his "James and the Giant Peach" and "The Nightmare Before Christmas" and while this film isn't as original, it's one of Burton's more accessible films, except for the edgier last act, which may be too frightening for younger kids (not to mention the death of animals, which can be traumatic) and features some truly scary (but fun) creatures. Well-voiced by newcomer Trahan, there's some veterans who are memorable too, including Martin Landau, Martin Short, Winona Ryder and especially Catherine O'Hara, who nearly steals the film with several colorful voices. Even with some of the edgier elements, "Frankenweenie" is a nice homage to "Frankenstein" and other horror films, including Dracula, Godzilla and even Gremlins and has an endearing (if not wildly unconventional) charm to it. "Frankenweenie" is essentially a sentimental tale about a boy and his dog, with a few odd, dark extras that Burton likes to throw at his audience. Amusing and entertaining, it's a tad intense for younger kids but everyone else should leave with a big smile.

Wes's Grade: B