Tim Burton at his best!

Rating: 9/10 (4 November 2015)

The Nightmare Before Christmas is an animated film that tells the story of the Night Before Christmas with a twist. The film follows Jack Skellington, voiced by Chris Sarandon, while he tries to recreate Christmas Town in his home town, Halloween Town. Already bored with being the scariest person in Halloween Town, he tries to turn the horribly scary Halloween Town into the cheerful, happy Christmas Town after discovering Christmas Town through a portal deep in the forest. Unfortunately, the townsfolk see this is not such a good idea way before Jack realizes it. After Jack's Christmas early and in disaster, he learns to embrace what he does best and helps Santa save Christmas.
This film shows that people should always be true to themselves. Although Jack was looking for something new, Sally, Jack's friend/love interest who is voiced by Catherine O'Hara, always appreciated him for who he was. Even though Jack's obsession with recreating the spirit of Christmas caused him to change for the worst, Sally stood by him. Sally hoped that Jack would realize he is his best when he is the Pumpkin King. Despite her pleas, Jack continued to create Christmas in Halloween Town and set himself up as the new Santa Claus with the enthusiastic townsfolk's help. Initially excited and hopeful, the townsfolk began to realize they aren't cut out for bringing cheer and happiness. Jack's realization came after his hand-made sleigh fell to the ground in a fiery blaze. He understands that he is the Pumpkin King, decides to turn things around, and help give the world the Christmas they deserve.
From the very beginning of the movie, lighting was used to set the mood for Halloween Town. The town's buildings and the townsfolk were created and shown in tones of grey. The shadowy lighting helped emphasize the dark and dreary atmosphere that the townsfolk called home. Even in the light of day, the town was still only lit in a tone of grey. When Jack made the trip to Christmas town, the town was bathed in colors and shiny lights. This made Christmas Town feel brighter, warmer, and more inviting. It also helped the viewers experience what Jack felt upon first experiencing the town. The wonderment he felt was also translated into one of the best songs in the film, "What's This".
Despite how Jack took the time to painstaking create his version of the things he experienced in Christmas Town, he could never quite get them right. His true self always shone through. Once he realized what made him his best, he was able to enjoy preparing the next Halloween again. The saying goes "the grass is always greener on the other side". This is what Jack able to realize.