Movie review of The Nightmare Before Christmas

This is Halloween! This is Halloween!

Are you looking for the perfect mix of cheers and chills to get you in a spooky mood this Halloween?

Then, The Nightmare Before Christmas might be for you.   

Tim Burton recounts the frightful tale of Jack Skellington (Danny Elfman and Chris Saradon), the pumpkin king, who has ruled Halloween town for years. However, as another year goes on, Jack grows weary of the old routine. Soon, he accidentally falls into Christmas town and is absolutely taken by all the joy and cheer. Upon returning to his world, however, he realizes that he can’t achieve Christmas as he is, so he decides to do what any other skeleton would do—kidnap Santa Claus and take Christmas by force.

The plot is accompanied by an incredible score. The singing of Danny Elfman, Catherine O’ Hara (Sally) and Ken Page (Oogie Boogie) will send chills up your spine. Not to mention the lyrics are creepily brilliant, to the credit of Danny Elfman, who also wrote the score.

As if the plot and the score weren’t enough to “fill your dreams to the brim with fright,” Tim Burton also went above and beyond with his stellar imagery. The spooky, beautiful animations are dream-like, making the stop motion film even more shocking.

If you are still skeptical, don’t take my word for it. The work of Burton and Elfman speaks for itself.

The movie has won several awards including Best Fantasy Film, Kid’s Choice Favorite Movie, Outstanding Family Motion Picture,  Best Animated film and Best Music in 1994, as well as Best Original Score in 2014.

So, by now you’re probably convinced you need to watch this amazing movie. Where can you get it from?

Good question.

Last year, the movie was on Netflix at this time. However, for unknown reasons, it is no longer available on that platform. It is probably safe to say that FreeForm, formerly known as ABC family, will be airing it multiple times during their annual Halloween marathon. It is also probably available at any Family Video store for less than $5.

There has never been a better time to view this classic. Especially since this October marks the 25th anniversary of the film’s original release.

So, if you want to strengthen your Halloween spirit this season, curl up with your blanket, family and the first hot chocolate of the season and enjoy the enchanting, spooky thrills of The Nightmare before Christmas. The classic movie that after 25 years still chills audiences with it’s creepy brilliance.