Tim Burton ’s recent output* has been so dispiriting that this delightful piece of macabre musical comedy is a double pleasure, though you have to wonder how much credit is due Burton & how much is Hollywood ‘credititis.’ It’s a companion piece to THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS in technique & tone and with much the same pros & cons. The basic story here (nervous groom awakes jilted corpse) doesn’t have the propulsion of TNBC, but tuner Danny Elfman shows a lot more variety (a big concerted number is like a Gilbert & Sullivan first act finale). Alas, catchy melodies still elude him. But the voice casting is superb, the look is both gross & elegant, and it’s all wrapped up in 87 delicious minutes.
*Ah, but this was written before SWEENY TODD came out, so perhaps I shall sing a sweeter tune shortly.
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