The Nightmare Before Christmas [G]

“Boys and girls of every age, wouldn’t you like to see something strange?” In the holiday world of Halloween Town, Jack Skellington is the “Pumpkin King”. Famous for being the scariest creature in existence, Jack is tired of receiving the praise and fame every Halloween. But when he discovers the holiday of Christmas, Jack decides that it’s time that he brought the boys and girls joy. But his well-meaning mission puts Santa in danger and turns the joyous holiday into a nightmare. Who will save Christmas?

From the immortal genius of Tim Burton comes, The Nightmare Before Christmas, a ground-breaking film that was actually the first full-length stop-motion animated feature. I was 3 when this movie came out, and even now at the age of 20, this film, for me, has no expiration date.

In Halloween Town, Jack Skellington is the “Pumpkin King.” Famous for being the scariest creature in existence, Jack has grown tired and bored of the constant fame and praise that comes every Halloween. Then, one day, he comes across a circle of doors that lead to other holiday worlds. Upon entering a door with a decorated tree on it, Jack soon discovers the world of Christmas and feels the joy and happiness that humans feel at that time of year. Quickly becoming addicted, Jack decides that this year, it’s his turn to be Santa Claus and bring joy to all the boys and girls. But Jack’s well-meaning mission soon puts the real Santa in severe danger and turns a joyous holiday into a frightening nightmare. With Jack on the loose and Santa missing, who can save Christmas?

I was brought up on this film. It’s actually one of my earliest memories. It’s a classic tale of misunderstandings and misinterpretations. Stop-motion animation is a rare art form. Seriously, you don’t see many stop-motion animated features around, even today. That alone, makes this film an instant classic. The movie is filled with wonderful characters such as Jack Skellington, Sally Stitches, and Halloween Town’s finest trick-or-treaters Lock, Shock and Barrel. The film is filled with clever little puns and jokes like that. I have to say it has a wonderfully clever little script. There’s this one scene that gets me every time. The characters of Halloween Town are discussing the disappearance of Jack: “This has never happened before.” “It’s suspicious.” “It’s unusual.” “It’s scary.” I don’t know, it’s all these Halloween creatures like witches and clowns and vampires saying that something is scary, it makes me giggle to no end.

With a great story, a clever script, adorable characters, and a wonderful musical score by Danny Elfman, The Nightmare Before Christmas is a timeless classic that is perfect for the entire family.