Nice effects though.

It is a performances centric movie

Simple and well acted, it has tension enough to knot the stomach.

One of the worst ways to make a cult movie is to set out to make a cult movie.

I like Tim Burton in general, he has been hit and miss recently, but as I've said many times when he's good he is good. Frankenweenie is an example of when Tim Burton was good. It is a delightful homage to Frankenstein and Bride of Frankenstein, yet in a child's perspective. It benefits hugely from crisp black and white photography, a beautiful score from David Newman, fine direction and a witty script. The story is also well structured and well paced, and the dog is wonderfully trained. While funny and atmospheric, Frankenweenie also has a somewhat poignant ending. The acting is great, Barrett Oliver is very engaging(as he always was), Shelley Duvall is very good and Daniel Stern is both entertaining and warm-hearted. I even liked Sophia Coppola in this. All in all, brilliant and one of the best in Burton's career. 10/10 Bethany Cox

Victor Frankenstein's beloved dog Sparky gets hit by a car. Victor (a fine and engaging performance by Barret Oliver) brings Sparky back to life by using electricity. Alas, the neighbors mistake Sparky for a monster. Director Tim Burton, working from a witty script by Leonard Rips, deftly crafts a funny and affectionate tongue-in-cheek homage to vintage 30's Universal fright fare like "Frankenstein" and "Bride of Frankenstein." Shelley Duvall and Daniel Stern are excellent as Victor's warm and loving parents Susan and Ben. Moreover, there are neat supporting turns by Joseph Maher as snoopy neighbor Mr. Chambers, Paul Bartel as stuffy science teacher Mr. Walsh, and Sofia Coppola as Mr. Chambers' excitable daughter Anne. Kudos are also in order for Tomas E. Ackerman's crisp black and white cinematography and the robust orchestral score by David Newman and Michael Conventino. Best of all, there's a sweet charm evident throughout that's impossible to either dislike or resist (Sparky in particular is absolutely adorable while the conclusion is both touching and uplifting). A real treat.

"Frankenweenie" is a brilliant short. I don't even particularly enjoy Tim Burton's movies, but this one is really good. This is his greatest achievement. It's a bit difficult to describe this mini-film. It is genial, plain, simple, macabre, dark, dramatic, touching, disturbing, cute, comical and fun at times... It's a tribute to the Gothic horror genre, yet there's practically nothing scary about it. It isn't one of those commercial terror/horror films from recent years or nowadays. This is a classic.One of the most distinguish things about this movie is that it is entirely in black and white, despite being a production from the 1980's. Perhaps they did it to make the story feel more heavy and darker. Or maybe they did it to accent the spirit of Frankenstein. It also accents the nostalgic feeling/spirit. You know something? It actually works! Considering I don't say the same thing about "Schindler's List", some folks might wonder how can I possibly feel the opposite about "Frankenweenie". All I can say is that some things just can't be explained - one simply feels them.This is a very well done short film and its plot is equally interesting. The story's about Victor Frankenstein and his friendship with his beloved dog, Sparky (a Bull Terrier). Although it's sad to see the dog dying twice, it is happy to see that the dog is brought back to life. For example, Victor makes use of electrical impulses in muscles learned at school and even creates genial machines which resuscitate his pet by bringing a bolt of lightning.At one point, Victor correctly says that «People are weird» because his neighbors fear his dog with no reason. In the meantime, a mess caused by their anger makes Sparky run away and Victor goes after him. They end up finding themselves in a miniature golf course and use its flagship windmill as their hiding place. However, they are soon found and an accident lits the windmill on fire. Victor nearly dies, but Sparky saves him just in time. Sparky dies again, but this time people recognize him as a hero and bring him back to life. Our story has a happy ending.The friendship between Victor and Sparky together with the fact that Sparky rescues Victor makes me understand why Bull Terriers are considered such good dogs for children and also that they have a natural instinct of protection towards children. These «canine gladiators» are lovable dogs with a jolly character and their peculiar appearance is unique, being their egg-shaped head their most distinctive feature.Generally speaking, the actors are good in their roles. Shelley Duvall is good as Susan Frankenstein. Daniel Stern, best known for playing Marv in the first two "Home Alone" films, portrays here Ben Frankenstein and he's good too. Barret Oliver, a familiar actor from "The Neverending Story" and "D.A.R.Y.L" (both awesome movies), as well as one of the best and cutest child actors of all time, is excellent in the role of Victor Frankenstein. And last, but not least, there is Sparky (his name was really Sparky), as formidable and as intelligent as a dog can be in the acting business.I am surprised that this motion picture is from Disney studios. This is perfect to watch anytime of the year, not just on Halloween.Some elements in this small film remind me of "Back to the Future", particularly when Victor uses the elaborate machines to revive the dog, as well as the clocks seen in that room and the use of a bolt of lightning. Some of the sceneries, sequences and dark elements create this resemblance too. There is a bit of a "Back to the Future" atmosphere in this live-action short.I've read that Tim Burton will make a "remake" of this, but as a full-length movie. It is more than good the way it is, why bothering to remake it? They can't use the same cast. Plus, Barret Oliver is an adult now and I think no one but him could do Victor Frankenstein. I also wonder: will they use a Bull Terrier to be Sparky this time? Or will they use a different dog breed?This should definitely be on Top 250.

This film was shown in the Cinema's to kids in the UK, before the main film started. I never knew what is was called but always remembered it, as it freaked me out. If it was 84 when it was shown, I would have been 5. That feels about right. So now i'm remembering this film, tipsy and thought... oh with the power of the internet I may actually discover this film's name. Now I have and by Tim Burton of all people! My job is done, after years of wondering about the scary dog, that should have been dead. Concentrating on typing is difficult right now. Any other 29 year old seen it in the cinema and felt scarred? Not sure what the main film was after. I can't wait to watch it again now I have found it :-)