It would be fair to say that Tim Burton‘s recent work hasn’t been his best. Frankenweenie, however, is certainly shaping up to be the return to form fans have been hoping for. This new trailer shows us more of the story and we get to meet some of the film’s more, er, colourful characters.
The story of Victor, a young boy who brings his beloved dog Sparky back to life, was essentially what got Burton fired from Disney back in 1984 – when Tim created Frankenweenie as a short film. No doubt he had a wry smile on his face when, 18 years later, Disney agreed to release the feature–length version of his macabre tale.
Here we get to witness some of the chaos that ensues when townsfolk find out about the reanimated Sparky. We also meet the film’s antagonists: Toshiaki (voiced by James Hiroyuki Liao), Nassor (voiced by Martin Short) and the strangely charming little hunchback boy Edgar (voiced by Atticus Shaffer from TV’s The Middle).
Elements of Burton’s classics Corpse Bride, Edward Scissorhands and The Nightmare Before Christmas (which he produced) are all on show here. The characters are distinctive and, as you’d expect, larger than life. There’s a nice balance of morbid and humourous moments too – Victor’s school mates look like they’ll provide many of the film‘s more entertaining moments. Edgar is brilliantly animated – I can’t wait to see more of him.
It’ll be interesting to see how some of the film’s darker moments go down with a younger audience. How creepy is that tomb scene? But from everything we’ve seen so far, this is Burton back at his best. Let’s hope the final film delivers on the promo’s promise.
You like? Will this reanimate people’s love for all things Burton?
Directed by Tim Burton, the film stars the voice talent of Winona Ryder, Martin Short, Catherine O’Hara, Martin Landau, Charlie Tahan, Atticus Shaffer, Robert Capron, James Hiroyuki Liao and Conchata Ferrell.
Frankenweenie livens up our theatres on October 4, 2012.
