Absolutely brilliant

One of those movie experiences that is so good it makes you realize you've been grading everything else on a curve.

The storyline feels a little thin and moth-eaten in parts but this sequel is plenty of fun.

Close shines in drama with strong language, adult themes.

This is my old review:"After I saw Tim Burton's full feature 'Frankenweenie' (2012) I discovered that I'd not yet seen 'Frankenweenie' (1984). I didn't know it was 'real-life' as opposed to the animated 2012 version, but that doesn't have to be a problem. But even though this one has its charms, it wasn't all that great.The premise is a funny one, but the developments are rather lame, particularly when in the end those annoying neighbors have a sudden change of heart. Then there is the lead who plays Victor, he fails to earn my sympathy. Actually, there isn't any character that is sympathetic, which also has to do with the lame story and the fact that Burton doesn't seem to know what to do with this short story other than hauling in cliché after cliché - pretty much the only original thing here is the premise, but that is simply not enough.I can sense Burton's enthusiasm here and there though, like when the boy goes to work in the attic in order to spark Sparky back to life. But all in all, this makes for a world of difference with Burton's wonderful (animated) short that preceded this, 'Vincent' (1982), and of course with other, later feature length masterpieces.5 out of 10." -End of first review-I've seen it again recently, and I really enjoyed the atmosphere, settings and animations. Maybe the story and the characters are all a bit on the lame side, but I didn't find it to be that important this time around. Sheer Burton fun is my new conclusion.From 5 + 3 = 8 out of 10!

"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.

After 'Vincent' Tim Burton made the short 'Frankenweenie', a spoof of, as well as a homage to the movie Frankenstein. The short is about a boy and his pet dog, who's run over by a car. The boy then tries to bring his dog back to life.After this movie, Tim Burton was fired from Disney, for 'wasting studio efforts on a mg-6 movie'. Was it a waste? No. Was it good they fired him? Yes. Otherwise we'd be watching 'The Fox and the Hound' drawn by him, instead of the masterpieces like Sweeney Todd and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory he makes today.This short is not as good as 'Vincent', but is still very much fun to watch, the story lines and environment incline towards Edward Scissorhands, and Shelley DuVall is very good as mother Frankenstein.8/10

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 :-)