A marriage made in the afterlife

Rating: Null/10 (27 December 2005)

By Keki Tognetti and Manny Castro
Tim Burton fans watch out! His new film 'The Corpse Bride' came out in theaters on Sept. 23rd, and it is fantastic. Burton comes through again for all of his fans, delivering a comical, heart wrenching, and an emotional roller coaster that you will want to ride again and again.
For those new to Burton's whimsical style, the film is very appealing and enjoyable for everyone in the family, though not highly recommended for those whose preference in movies doesn't involve characters singing rimes. The story takes place in a small town during what might seem to be late-19th century Eastern Europe, where everything and everyone is as boring and life-less as a stone grave.
The main character Victor, voiced by the talented Johnny Depp, is troubled, extremely nervous and uncertain about his upcoming marriage to Victoria played by Emily Watson.
Romance seemed to spark between the soon to be married couple, but just when all seemed well poor Victor takes a turn for the worse and forgets his vows, bringing shame, and dishonor to his family.
In panic Victor flees the wedding rehearsal and accidentally marries The Corpse Bride. He then finds himself being taken to the world of the dead by Emily, played by Helena Bonham Carter who is now his new lovely wife.
There she shows him a world he's never seen. While the life of the living is dull, monochromatic, and vivid less the world of the dead is boiling with song, color, and excitement.
Tim Burton's crusade to rescue the dying art form of stop-motion animation is seen in other Burton stop-motion projects (Vincent (1982), The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993), and the 1996 release of James and the Giant Peach) Corpse Bride is a celebration of its art form. Anyone familiar with Burton's career knows that he is a true artist and each film is a reflection of his life. The film is very beautiful.
You can either take your children, spouse or a date. The film is very romantic yet very energetic and full of comedy and eye-popping scenes. It has something for everyone. I know the question on everyone's mind, is it better than Nightmare? The answer is no, but so what? It is a great film accompanied by amazing visuals and cool music by Danny Elfman.
This film is one of his best works yet, though its a tearjerker at the end, it leaves you wanting more once you reach it. The movie runs for 77 minutes, no fans will be disappointed on the film itself; it is gorgeous. The only real disappointment is how short the film runs, but what more can you expect from stop-motion? It's simply a must see.