An inspired classic

Rating: 9/10 (27 March 2003)

One really has to marvel at the inspiration that went into the art design in this fantastic movie. Everything in halloween town is deliciously crafted and it gets better with every viewing. From Jack's tower, to the Pumpkin Patch to that "holiday hub" area, and of course, Christmas Town.
The humour comes from many sources, both from dialogue and many visual gags. Most results from the clash between cheery Christmas Town and creepy gothic Hallowe'en Town. They aren't evil, they just like creepy, frightening things! Repeated viewings allows you to pick up hundreds of other things, since each scene is packed with details. (I love when the Mayor uses Jack's doorbell: a wailing scream is heard instead of a bell) It always cracks me up seeing how the other Halloween residents just don't "get" the idea of Christmas and end up botching everything!
I've heard people complain about the plot being simple and trite, but I think it's so packed with originality and musical numbers that it would be difficult to stuff anymore complexity into it. The ending is simply magnificent with the defeated Jack in the graveyard. I always thought the moral was great too, delivered in perfection by a musical number: "Well, what the heck, and if I tried my best, and by God, I really tasted something great! And for a moment, why, I even kissed the sky and well, at least I left them some stories they could tell, I did!"
Truly, a one-of-a-kind movie!