The Best Parts Weren't There...

Rating: 7/10 (24 October 2005)

I enjoyed this movie for the entertainment it was and therefore gave it a relatively high rating. Beyond mere entertainment, however, this movie just can't stack up to the expectations that go along with a Burton film, let alone a film from anyone who spent so long laboring on such a project. Little issues I have with the film are its errors in consistency, so to speak. When in the land of the dead Victor and his Bride are unable to get back to the surface and have to seek out the elder for a solution. Now, aside from the magic of love, this leaves unexplained how she managed to chase victor through the town after he put the ring on her finger. Now, my biggest complaint is that I feel the best part of the story was virtually left out. When telling the story of the Corpse Bride in song, and how she came to be, I was taken back by the beautiful possibilities this could have presented. As soon as the song was done I found myself asking why we didn't get to WATCH that part of the story instead of just hearing about it. I couldn't help but thing that her story was far more intriguing--as fairy tails go--then Victor's and I was left wishing that HIS story was left as the side plot. Most anything else I have to say, praises included, have already been said. Though I will leave with one last comment which I admit is entirely subjective on my part. I liked the songs, but didn't love the songs. I feel the movie, even as it was, would have been more fun for me had it been a non-musical.
OH Lord Burton, please forgive my blasphemy.
PHIL