CORPSE BRIDE : Visually Stunning, Outlandishly Funny, & Emotionally Honest...

Rating: 9/10 (3 March 2006)

CORPSE BRIDE
Though I was very excited to see it, I was unsure of what to expect when I watched CORPSE BRIDE because I've been somewhat underwhelmed by most of Tim Burton's current films. BIG FISH was merely okay for me, and CHARLIE & THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY was visually stunning and had some great elements, but was marred by some terrible creative decisions.
However, CORPSE BRIDE proves to be Tim Burton's best film in years as it combines an outlandish visual style, a crazed storyline, blatant caricatures, and a very genuine emotional storyline to make a highly entertaining film. In my honest opinion, CORPSE BRIDE would be the most worthy winner of the Best Animated Feature Oscar this year.
CORPSE BRIDE has a lot in common with it's biggest rival, WALLACE & GROMIT. Both films embrace outlandish stylizations and wring every last bit of humor out of the possible visual imagery. However, where W&G had a lackadaisical wit about it that pretty much left an emotional story on the sidelines in exchange for endlessly entertaining stupid humor... CORPSE BRIDE manages to also involve an emotionally involving story and characters with a good deal of depth.
In CORPSE BRIDE, the physical characteristics embody the voice over work beautifully and the film is always incredible to behold visually. But the best quality of the film is that it does not simply rely on the visuals and humor. The film takes time to explore the longings and desires of these unrealistic characters in a very realistic way... and as a result of Burton's direction, we are able to both care very much for the characters, but also laugh at how ridiculous they are.
The voice-work in this film is spot on all around. Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, and Emily Watson all add fully realized portrayals to the 3 leading characters... while Tracy Ullman, Albert Finney, and Johanna Lumley provide brilliantly overcharacterized comedic voice work for their supporting characters. In my opinion, CORPSE BRIDE has taken the energetic visual spunk of the common recent animated films... but it has also added a more creatively and fully developed screenplay than most others. And the adding together of so many wonderful parts leaves the audience with an overall delight of a film.
... A- ...