Winona Ryder, Catherine O’Hara and Martin Short in the Tim Burton movie ‘Frankenweenie’

One shall not trifle with the relationship between a boy and his dog. Tim Burton appreciated the story of Mary Shelley‘s 1881 book Frankenstein; or the Modern Prometheus, which was made into the James Whale movie Frankenstein (1931). Mix these three things together, and we are offered Burton‘s sensibility for story combined with an inclination for stop-motion animation to offer us the comedy drama Frankenweenie (2012).

(From left, Winona Ryder as Elsa Van Helsing, Charlie Tahan as Victor Frankenstein and Atticus Shaffer as Edgar ‘E’ Gore in the Tim Burton movie Frankenweenie).

With a handful of important relationships at the center of Frankenweenie, perhaps the one at the emotional center of the movie is the one of Victor Frankenstein and his bull terrier dog, Sparky. Charlie Tahan voices the boy scientist and filmmaker Victor Frankenstein. Frank Welker voices Sparky, his dog. Frankenstein is a bit quiet and awkward among his classmates, so his parents push him into playing baseball.

(From left, Martin Short as Edward Frankenstein, Charlie Tahan as Victor Frankenstein, Frank Welker as Sparky and Catherine O’Hara as Susan Frankenstein in the Tim Burton movie Frankenweenie).

It was at the baseball game that Victor’s parents, Edward and Susan as voiced by Martin Short and Catherine O’Hara, respectively, see rejoice turn to sorrow when Victor hits a home run. The sorrow comes in, along with the homage and parody of the Frankenstein movie comes into play as Sparky meets his demise. In true Tim Burton style, what comes next is meant to celebrate the love for a dog in as comedically inappropriate a way as possible.

(Martin Landau as Mr. Rzykruski in the Tim Burton movie Frankenweenie).

In the aftermath of Sparky’s death, Victor’s school happens to bring in a new science teacher named Mr. Rzykruski, as voiced by Martin Landau. Mr. Rzykruski demonstrates the effect of electricity on dead frogs to his classroom in New Holland. Victor is inspired to apply this concept on a deceased Sparky, succeeding in bringing his beloved pooch back to life. The occasion of a school science fair, Sparky’s escape from the Frankenstein’s attic, and the ignorance of Victor’s parents releases a drama that more fully brings in Victor’s schoolmates.

(From left, Charlie Tahan as Victor Frankenstein and Frank Welker as Sparky in the Tim Burton movie Frankenweenie).

Classmates central to the larger story of Victor, his classmates, Sparky, a cat named Mr. Whiskers and, finally, a pair of goldfish include Edgar ‘E’ Gore as voiced by Atticus Shaffer, Elsa Van Helsing as voiced by Winona Ryder, Weird Girl as voiced by Catherine O’Hara, Toshiaki as voiced by James Hiroyuki Liao, Bob as voiced by Robert Capron and Nassor, as voiced by Martin Short. Without heading too specifically into the way the story works out, the notions of competition, friendship, parenting and the blurry lines that can emerge in a PG rated comedy drama are appropriate for this animated cartoon.

(Director Tim Burton as captured during the production of the Tim Burton movie Frankenweenie).

Writing credit for the screenplay that became Frankenweenie belongs to Leonard Ripps for the 1984 screenplay, Tim Burton for the idea and John August for this screenplay. The story is charming with its own quirky formula for who the heroes and villains are, without there being a refreshingly clear sense of the villain not being motivated by villainy. I give Frankenweenie as directed by Tim Burton 4.25-stars on a scale of 1-to-5.

Matt – Wednesday, October 12, 2022

Tim Allen, Judge Reinhold and Wendy Crewson in the John Pasquin movie ‘The Santa Clause’

The interesting and gentle play of language introduces itself with today’s look into another movie for the Christmas season. The jolly and benevolent secular belief in good cheer and companionship in the United States, offers the image of Santa Claus. In offering a unique means to explore the patron of Christmas sometimes called Saint Nicholas, Kris Kringle, Father Christmas, Sinterklaas, Père Noël and others, The Santa Clause (1994) introduces a clever contractual twist for a divorced father again believing in the spirit of Christmas by becoming Santa Claus.

(From left, Eric Lloyd as Charlie Calvin and Tim Allen as Scott Calvin / Santa Claus in the John Pasquin movie The Santa Clause).

John Pasquin directed The Santa Clause, which stars Tim Allen as divorced father and businessman Scott Calvin. We meet Calvin as having led a toy company in what presumably had been another successful year, yet trouble is afoot in his relationship with his son, Charlie Calvin, and Charlie’s other parents. Eric Lloyd portrayed Charlie Calvin. Wendy Crewson portrayed Laura Miller, Charlie’s biological mother. Laura is married to Dr. Neal Miller, portrayed by Judge Reinhold.

(From left, Judge Reinhold as Dr. Neal Miller and Wendy Crewson as Laura Miller in the John Pasquin movie The Santa Clause).

A large degree of cuteness ensues from these fundamental relationships, including an accident that has provides the path that introduces the Santa clause. As this wrinkle is not enough, the clause coincides with Charlie’s enhanced belief in the spirit of Christmas as well as the magnanimous nature of his father, Scott Calvin. The belief in the spirit of the holiday, as well as each other, asks many questions geared at affirming beliefs in the people and other aspects of healthy belief.

(From left, David Krumholtz as Bernard the Head Elf and Paige Tamada as Judy the Elf in the John Pasquin movie The Santa Clause).

The sense of adventure through The Santa Clause strikes a pleasant feeling of cuteness. The path to believing in the notion of Scott Calvin having been and continuing to be Santa Claus is supported by Bernard the Head Elf, Judy the Elf and Comet the reindeer. David Krumholtz and Paige Tamada portrayed Bernard the Head Elf and Judy the Elf, respectively. Frank Welker and Kerrigan Mahan voiced the reindeer.

(From left, Peter Boyle as Mr. Whittle and Larry Brandenburg as Detective Nunzio in the John Pasquin movie The Santa Clause).

The storyline includes several redeeming messages intermingled among challenges. The Santa Clause feels family friendly and cute, in addition to including an original premise that sustains the storyline cutely. I grant The Santa Clause as directed by John Pasquin 3.75-stars on a scale of 1-to-5.

Matt – Saturday, December 18, 2021

Robin Williams, Bonnie Hunt, Kirsten Dunst and the Joe Johnston movie ‘Jumanji’

The movie Jumanji (1995), and the franchise that followed, began as the 1981 picture book Jumanji by Chris Van Allsburg. We choose to look at the fantasy adventure movie from 1995, starring well known actors and a charming mix of twists and turns that many a family audience can enjoy.

(From left, Laura Bell Bundy as young Sarah Whittle and Adam Hann-Byrd as young Alan Parrish in the Joe Johnston movie Jumanji).

The story of Jumanji begins perhaps 10 or 15 years before the current day in 1995, with the game at the center of the movie beginning play with young Alan Parrish and young Sarah Whittle playing the board game Jumanji. Adam Hann-Byrd and Laura Bell Bundy portray Alan and Sarah as kids, with appearances by David Alan Grier as Carl Bentley and Jonathan Hyde as Samuel Parrish in the youth of Alan and Sarah.

(From left, Bonnie Hunt as Sarah Whittle, Bradley Pierce as Peter Shepherd, Kirsten Dunst as Judy Shepherd and Robin Williams as Alan Parrish in the Joe Johnston movie Jumanji).

The notion of Jumanji as a board game permits that story begun in the past to span many years into the modern day of 1995, wherein we are introduced to Judy Shepherd, Peter Shepherd and aunt Nora Shepherd as they begin moving into the Parrish house once occupied by Alan and his parents, Samuel and Carol Parrish. Kirsten Dunst, Bradley Pierce and Bebe Neuwirth portray Judy, Peter and Nora, respectively. Patricia Clarkson portrays Carol Parrish. It is the move into the home by the Shepherds, along with the initial uncertainty of a move into any neighborhood, that gets Judy and Peter playing the board game in the present day.

(From left, David Alan Grier as Carl Bentley and Bebe Neuwirth as Nora Shepherd in the Joe Johnston movie Jumanji).

The playing of the game introduces the fantasy of what Jumanji has to offer the audience and the characters of the movie. It takes the playing to introduce Bonnie Hunt as Sarah Whittle and Robin Williams as Alan Parrish, both as adults who have experienced much since the initial introduction of characters from the past. We get to be reintroduced to Carl Bentley in a new career as police officer, while Jonathan Hyde is reintroduced as Van Pelt.

(Jonathan Hyde as Samuel Parrish, left, and Van Pelt in the Joe Johnston movie Jumanji).

The shenanigans that ensue humorously entertain while offering engaging revelations about the interpersonal struggles experienced by the several characters. The struggles are shared in relatable ways that make for enjoyable entertainment that I recommend for many. A similar vein is used in the later franchise of movies that came along with a different cast, with an updated spin that makes the appeal here for a more recent audience.

(From left, actor Robin Williams and director Joe Johnston on the set of the Joe Johnston movie Jumanji).

The movie Jumanji as directed by Joe Johnston tells a story of adventure and fantasy. The mixture of family friendly humor and relatable experience makes the film work for most audiences. That I enjoyed the experience through multiple full and partial viewings, leads me to give Jumanji 4.0-stars on a scale of one-to-five.

Matt – Saturday, May 29, 2021

Jim Carrey in the Ron Howard film ‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas’

The movie How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000) is celebrating its final year as a teenager as this review hits you. Ron Howard directed the story of Jim Carrey‘s irrepressible portrayal of an aggrieved Grinch who does not care for the holiday of Christmas.

(Left to right: Christine Baranski as Martha May Whovier, Jim Carrey as Grinch and Jeffrey Tambor as Mayor Augustus Maywho in How the Grinch Stole Christmas).

Christine Baranski as Martha May Whovier and Jeffrey Tambor as Mayor Augustus Maywho are story embellishments for How the Grinch Stole Christmas who join Jim Carrey as Grinch in depicting both the backstory for the Grinch in addition to some of the morality underpinning the story that is shared later in the film.

(Josh Ryan Evans as 8-year-old Grinch in How The Grinch Stole Christmas).

Glimpses into the collective childhoods of the Grinch, including Josh Ryan Evans in the role of 8-year-old Grinch, also gets into some difficult times in Grinch’s younger years that carry forward to the current day. Whovier and Maywho join the young Grinch in showing some uncomfortable qualities related to Grinch’s unique appearance.

(Bill Irwin as Lou Lou Who, left, and Taylor Momsen as Cindy Lou Who in How the Grinch Stole Christmas).

Cindy Lou Who, as protrayed by Taylor Momsen, serves as a key friend to Grinch with the ever loyal Max, as played by Kelley the dog. Bill Irwin plays Lou Lou Who, a mail delivery professional and father to Cindy, and alas a bit perplexed on the togetherness and spiritual qualities of Christmas that the film, as inspired by the Dr. Seuss book, ultimately strive to deliver.

(Kelley the dog as Max in How The Grinch Stole Christmas).

As mentioned earlier, Ron Howard serves as director for How the Grinch Stole Christmas. The story and presentation are ultimately family-friendly, lacking some of the more overtly sophomoric qualities of films such as Elf (2003) or National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989). My sense is that the Ron Howard adaptation with Jim Carrey starring as Grinch reflects well upon the original Seussian telling.

(Left to right: Producer Brian Grazer, Jim Carrey as Grinch and director Ron Howard from How The Grinch Stole Christmas).

Our view of How the Grinch Stole Christmas is largely positive. I grant the experience 4.25-stars on a scale of one-to-five.

Matt – Saturday, December 21, 2019

Bob Hoskins, Kathleen Turner and the Robert Zemeckis film ‘Who Framed Roger Rabbit’

It was the middle of a three-film collaboration between Robert Zemeckis and Christopher Lloyd that started with Back To The Future (1985) that a combination live-action and animated adventure comedy hit the movie theaters. That film, largely marrying cartoons from the Warner Brothers and Disney Company houses, asked one simple question that became the movie name. The question? Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988)?

(Bob Hoskins as Eddie Valiant with the animated Roger Rabbit in the film Who Framed Roger Rabbit).

The leading man in the film Who Framed Roger Rabbit is Eddie Valiant, the alcoholic detective with a story as played by Bob Hoskins. The film itself is set in 1947 in an era before the advent of the Interstate Highway System, a fact that becomes central to the plot of the film. Before learning how, we come to learn that Eddie has an unfavorable attitude towards the cartoons who inhabit the world of this film. In Who Framed Roger Rabbit, the cartoons have lives outside their films, shows, or shorts.

(Joanna Cassidy as Dolores in the film Who Framed Roger Rabbit).

We learn through Eddie’s love interest, Dolores, that Eddie’s brother died at the hands of a cartoon when a cartoon, acting of his own accord, killed Eddie’s brother by dropping a piano upon the two Valiant brothers. Eddie was fortunate in that he escaped the piano incident with a broken arm; conversely, he became the alcoholic who couldn’t keep his life together owing to the grief over losing his brother.

(Alan Tilvern as R.K. Maroon in the film Who Framed Roger Rabbit).

We learn some of an animosity that exists for Eddie and cartoons slightly after Eddie arranges with R.K. Maroon of the Maroon Cartoons to take compromising pictures of the wife of animated bunny Roger Rabbit, one wife of animated yet voluptuously drawn human Jessica Rabbit. To get things right monetarily with Dolores, Eddie has agreed to take compromising pictures of Jessica Rabbit. Eddie Valiant gets pictures of Jessica playing a literal game patty-cake with Marvin Acme of the Acme Corporation, Acme cartoons and Toontown.

(Stubby Kaye as Marvin Acme with the animated Jessica Rabbit in the film Who Framed Roger Rabbit).

A right complete adventure follows one day after Roger Rabbit learns of the patty-cake pictures and responds in a betrayed manner to the notion that Jessica possibly would have been unfaithful. A complication that ensues the pictures makes Roger look guilty, which brings about the question of Roger’s guilt and if he had been framed. Roger enlists Eddie Valiant’s support in exonerating him. In the process, Judge Doom becomes established as a counterpoint to Roger, Eddie, Dolores and those interested in Roger getting a fair chance to acquit himself of the charges in addition to reclaiming his love.

(Christopher Lloyd as Judge Doom in the film Who Framed Roger Rabbit).

Judge Doom has introduced a brew of toxic chemicals capable of killing any cartoon. Doom’s “Dip” universally scares all cartoons, whereas mundane things like falling refrigerators simply bring about confusion, circling birds, circling bells or circling stars. Dip in action is shown to have a deadly outcome for cartoons. Eventually, Eddie Valiant braves Marvin Acme’s Toontown while taking a charming step that either saves or fails to save the day. Being the smart guy without spoilers that I am, how things work out is one thing I will leave for you as encouragement to watch the film.

(Robert Zemeckis, pictured here with an animated version of Roger Rabbit, directed the film Who Framed Roger Rabbit).

I appreciated the combined efforts of director Robert Zemeckis and live action actor Christopher Lloyd in the film Who Framed Roger Rabbit. That the plot playfully offers an adult sensibility in a PG-13 makes this film not appropriate for all children, including those who might appreciate cartoons or films like Toy Story (1995), Frozen (2013), or cartoons from Hanna-Barbera. These three are partly examples of cartoons that came to exist after the film, or whom were not included in the cartoons represented in the film.

Overall, my grade for Who Framed Roger Rabbit belies the appreciation of a film well-crafted and a story well-executed. Kathleen Turner as the voice of Jessica Rabbit with Charles Fleischer as the voice of Roger Rabbit also worked for me. I rate Who Framed Roger Rabbit at 4.00-stars on a scale of one-to-five.

Matt – Wednesday, September 18, 2019