Set in a 19th century European village, this stop-motion, animated feature follows the story of Victor (Johnny Depp), a young man who is whisked away to the underworld and wed to a mysterious Corpse Bride (Helena Bonham-Carter), while his real bride, Victoria (Emily Watson), waits bereft in the land of the living. Though life in the Land of the Dead proves to be a lot more colorful than his strict Victorian upbringing, Victor learns that there is nothing in this world, or the next, that can keep him away from his one true love. It's a tale of optimism, romance and a very lively afterlife, told in classic Tim Burton style.

The thing about Tim Burton movies is that they have somewhat of a very simple storyline that is filled out with fantastic visuals, wonderful story telling and an almost Goth like feel and atmosphere to the movies. Stylized would be an overly used word in describing a Burton film as that his is style, dark and slightly twisted in a visually stunning manner that is almost always breathtaking. The Corpse Bride is hauntingly beautiful, it is eerily breath taking, and it is sinisterly captivating. The story is simple a young confused man practicing his wedding vows accidentally finds himself married to a corpse and the hilarity ensues. Sometimes it’s an understated humor as the skeletons dance and the dead party but other times it’s a witty humor in tribute to some of Burton’s other great films. I am sure I saw a moment from the Nightmare Before Christmas as well as other moments where if your watching closely you will be sure to see many Easter eggs. The music was a little underplayed as it had more of a haunting feel to it that fit the movie perfectly. Its not the kind of children’s classic where you will find kids singing the songs over and over but all the same I enjoyed the musical numbers quite a lot.

I hate to do it but I fear it must be done the movie is undoubtedly going to be compared ruthlessly to a Nightmare Before Christmas which is slightly unfair and fair all at the same time. The movies are both animated wonders with a dark and sinister feel to them, full of dark music and witty humor. Both deal with death freely and both are brought to us by Tim Burton. So it’s very hard not to compare the movies in your mind but the movies are two completely different films and once you get to that point you will find comparing them silly. Tim Burton is a master of fantasy and seeing his movies are like taking a ride down the rabbit hole with Alice where you will be sure to find a world of wonder and amazement for children and adults of all ages.
4 stars out of 5