Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

Title: The Nightmare Before Christmas

Director: Henry Selick

Year: 1993

Official Synopsis: Bored with the same old scare-and-scream routine, Pumpkin King Jack Skellington longs to spread the joy of Christmas. But his merry mission puts Santa in jeopardy and creates a nightmare for good little boys and girls everywhere.

Official Page

STEPH SAID

Rating:

Review:

This movie is perfect; I find nothing wrong with it. First of all, the world it takes place in is rather original, having every holiday be a land within a world. Halloween Town is everything you'd expect from Halloween. You have werewolves, vampires, witches, ghosts, skelletons, pumpkins etc. It is dark and mysterious and yet so full of life and happiness. Christmas Town is bright and chirpy and can do no wrong. In the end the lands are intertwined for good in beautiful acceptance.

Second, the plot is magnificent. It is complete and consistent and full of surprises. 

Also, I am in love with the soundtrack. Since this movie is a musical, the songs constitute a very important part of storytelling. And this musical nailes them. They are catchy, witty, and dramatic, with a nice pace, and most importantly, they literally tell the story.

But, what I love the most are the characters, especially the lead Jack Skellington. He is a perfectly round character and the force that drives the plot forwards. It is his story. He is funny, endearing, relatable, and a dreamer. I pitty his empty existence and understand his desire for something more. It is a very human struggle, the desire to be important, to leave a mark, to do more, to feel alive. The supporting characters, though not as developed as Jack, create a very entertaining compliment for the Jack.

This movie is a joy to watch. I wouldn't change a thing. It is perfect the way it is. There is a reason why it is still famous after all these years.