DVD Reviews

Corpse Bride

• Rating:
• Director: Tim Burton
• Starring: Albert Finney
• Details: US, UK, 77 mins, PG.

Not quite to die for, the Corpse Bride is a vibrant stop-animation tale in which two families, the Van Dorts and the Everglots, orchestrate the marriage of their respective son and daughter. Although it is an arranged wedding, Victor Van Dort (Depp) and Victoria Everglot (Watson) are naturally drawn to each other. The only significant problem comes from Victor's inability to get his vows correct during the rehearsal. He wanders in the wooded graveyard practicing, only to inadvertently say his lines perfectly to a murdered bride (Bonham Carter) who takes him to the Underworld to be with her.
Visually this film is a stunner, however, it is let down by a lacklustre script, unforgettable song sequences and dreary pacing. Surprisingly, given that this is a Burton enterprise, there is very little here for an adult viewer as the Corpse Bride is squarely aimed at a less demanding, younger audience. Which is a shame, really.

Review by Elaine Reilly