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.
Review of Frankenweenie
