Corpse Bride is a delightful diversion……
October 25, 2005
Tim Burton’s latest stop-action animated film, The Corpse Bride, is a delightful diversion – that is, if you like your diversions a bit macabre.
Obviously not satisfied with the ghoulish antics of his last animated film, the equally dark Nightmare Before Christmas,
Burton takes us a on journey to a timelessly Victorian town, where two sinister pairs of parents attempt to marry off their respective children, for all the wrong reasons.
Johnny Depp plays Victor Van Dort, the groom half of this ill-fated duo, with Emily Watson playing the part of Victoria, the innocent and sheltered (human) bride. Custom in this strange, dark town leads this engaged couple to meet face to face only the day before their nuptials – and then to have tragedy strike when the nervous groom cannot manage to memorize his wedding vows. Sent out of the church to practice said vows by himself, he inadvertently repeats the vows in a graveyard and instantly finds himself shackled to a bride who is a corpse (played with real panache by Helen Bonham Carter).
The animated characters in this farce are lovely to look at and the musical score by Danny Elfman adds immediate charm to some very chilly surroundings. Odes to other movies abound, and while the dialogue and song tunes are snappy, parents should be cautioned that this movie is not for small children, unless of course, you are part of the Adams Family. Then you will fit right in.
And while the plot may seem at times as thin as its main characters, this movie is a lot like Halloween candy corn, my favorite autumn candy: there is no obvious nutritional value, but there is still guilty delight, sweet satisfaction and yes, seasonal poignancy. This movie, like the candy corn, will not last long. Catch it while you can.
Two out of four stars. Rated PG for some scary images and action, and brief mild language. Safe for all family members over 8 years old.
