Corpse Bride

Rated PG; Starring the Voices of Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, Albert Finney

Directed by Tim Burton

The title character in Tim Burton’s wonderful new animated film has an unusual problem: her left eye keeps popping out, which is rather disturbing to her new husband, Victor Van Dort (voiced by Johnny Depp).

Fortunately, The Corpse Bride isn’t alone with this problem: audience members will also likely find their eyes popping out at the breathtaking production values that Burton brings to “Corpse Bride,” which opened last Friday at the Lakes 10 theatre in Hermantown.

“Corpse Bride” marks the second time that Burton has teamed up with Depp this year. Earlier in the year, the duo teamed up to bring us “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” which I found slightly disappointing and somewhat unoriginal. Fortunately, I can’t say the same for “Corpse Bride,” the first animated film I’ve seen that brings the departed to life.

The main character, however, is not deceased. Victor is a tall, slim man who is about to get married to Victoria (Emily Watson), an attractive beauty that he has only met once in his life.

The marriage was arranged by the couple’s parents, who both feel they can get something out of it. Victor’s parents, Nell and William, are pleased that their awkward son is getting married at all. Victoria’s parents, on the other hand, are fond of the fact that Nell and William

are quite wealthy.

But is that any reason to get married? Although he likes her, Victor isn’t comfortable around Victoria yet, which leads to a rather embarrassing wedding rehearsal. When Victor stumbles over every word, Pastor Galswells demands that the marriage be postponed.

Ashamed and lonely, Victor wanders into the forest where he practices his wedding vows by placing the ring on a twig. Much to Victor’s surprise, the twig is actually the finger of Emily (better known as the Corpse Bride), who quickly accepts his proposal.

What follows is an exciting, witty and original adventure, filled with great one-liners and engaging musical numbers. Yet the real treat of “Corpse Bride” lies in its striking animation, which gives each character a unique beauty and personality.

Even the Corpse Bride has a strange attractiveness, with her baby blue skin and a small hole in her left cheek, which reveals her choppers.

But the real beauty of the Corpse Bride lies within her soul. Often, deceased characters are portrayed as blood-thirsty zombies in cheap horror flicks. Here, the Corpse Bride reveals a heart, even though it is not beating.

This is just one of the many examples that separate “Corpse Bride” from most modern movies. In a country where hundreds of films are released each year, it’s disappointing that so many lack originality. Fortunately, with its dead-on humor and unique story, “Corpse Bride” brings movies back to life by taking them six-feet under.

Grade: A

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