Certified 100% Pure Burton

Rating: 10/10 (1 March 2002)

The Nightmare Before Christmas is the most "Tim Burton"-y film ever made, which is slightly unfair, as it was directed by veteran animator Henry Selick. Yet it represents nothing less than the fullest, most successful expression of his style and themes, not to mention one of the finest animated feature films ever made.
The citizens of Halloween Town are in a bit of a funk: they need something new. Our hero, Jack, the Pumpkin King, stumbles across a portal to Christmas Town and returns entrances, having misinterpreted everything about that other holiday, and decides to import it back home. A hilarious degree of failure ensues.
Beyond it's original story and wonderful characters, It's hard to understate how important this film is: Tim Burton's style has always been distinctive but never before or since has the world of animation allowed an artist to explore his style to its limits on such a budget and scale. The animation and visuals are top-notch, a jewel in Selick's already distinguished career. The design is what really makes this endure, and the inventiveness on display sets a new standard. Also pulling more than his usual weight is Danny Elfman, who composes and performs songs more memorable than anything in Disney's recent catalog, as well as his finest score.
Even if you manage to overlook the virtuoso craftsmanship on display, you are left with a great tale, and characters you will fight hard not to fall in love with, particularly as they insist on not learning from any of their mistakes.
Just do yourself a favor, and see it now!