The Nightmare Before Christmas - A Movie Review

Can Halloween and Christmas mix?

After Halloween, The Nightmare Before Christmas was released to theaters in 1993. Now that the yearly Halloween festivities have concluded, Jack Skellington, king of Halloweentown, longs for something different. Upon the discovery of Christmas, Skellington enforces a new holiday tradition.

I have never had the chance to fully sit down and enjoy the magic of The Nightmare Before Christmas. As a kid, I wasn’t fond of this movie. You always need to give movies a second chance. The Nightmare Before Christmas is a dark story about making efforts to try something new but don’t take things overboard.

Jack Skellington is an iconic character. His passionate nature is a trait to admire. Jack’s attempts at finding a new direction are a great example of expanding your passions - but he still has a lot to learn in doing so. Chris Sarandon voiced the skeleton while Danny Elfman sang Skellington’s rich tunes.

The lovely Catherine O’Hara voices Sally. As a rag doll creation by Dr. Finkelstein, Sally deserves her own spin-off. I want to know more about her. She is intelligent, has a timid demeanor but stands her ground, and encourages Jack with his passions. We also need to see Jack and Sally’s relationship evolve if there is ever a sequel.

A variety of characters and well-known voice actors are in The Nightmare Before Christmas. The characters are compelling. Several actors have passed on since the making of this film. Voice credits include William Hickey, Glenn Shadix, Paul Reubens, and Joe Ranft.

Stop-motion animation is a unique aesthetic. The animation makes the film appear all the more off-putting and intricate. Movie theaters exist for a reason. The shot of Jack walking up the hill with the moon in the background is an exploratory work of animation.

Henry Selick went all out in this dark tale. Selick's The Nightmare Before Christmas is a delightful masterpiece that seamlessly blends the dark allure of Halloween with the heartwarming spirit of Christmas.

As the writer for the film, not only is it based on a poem, but Tim Burton was inspired to write the story when the Halloween decorations were taken down and Christmas decorations were replaced. You never know where inspiration comes from.

Animators worked incredulous hours on every movement, facial expression, and background design. One of the hardest shots to film was a little detail like the reflection of Skellington reaching for the door.

The film has creepy imagery and themes. That’s what I wasn’t fond of as a kid. Jack Skellington's (or Santa Jack Skellington’s) visit to the town on Christmas Eve is the film’s signature scene. Kids open some rather scary and disturbing presents, like a severed head.

The only aspect of the film that I wasn’t a fan of is Oogie Boogie. As iconic as he is, this film doesn’t need a villain. The character doesn’t make sense to the story when it’s about Jack’s discovery of Christmas and the accidental nightmares he leaves in the town. The story promotes the idea of embracing diversity among communities or holidays.

Now, I have a better understanding of what The Nightmare Before Christmas is about. Trying new things is okay. If you feel that you need a change, try something new. While Jack goes overboard in his eccentricities, this movie demonstrates a positive idea of experimenting with new interests.

So, what do you think? Is The Nightmare Before Christmas a Halloween film or a Christmas film? Or both? This film is a classic among audiences so take a look at it this Christmas season.