Director Henry Selick is very interesting man, or at least I assume so, from his film repertoire.  Whether it be his good films, like the one I’m about to talk about or his newest film Coraline, or his bad films, like James and the Giant Peach and Monkeybone, they all have an interesting draw to them, spawning from their artistic style.  Through his constant use of stop-motion animation, Selick has created an interesting feeling that come from these films, but his Christmas based movie brings out that style the best.  The Nightmare Before Christmas takes a interesting concept, and makes it into an extremely interesting movie, running with the stop-motion style.

The film follows the endeavors of Jack Skellington, who is the king of Halloweentown, where it is Halloween all day, every day.  On one certain day, he stumbles upon a “world-hub”, and accidentally enters the world of Christmastown, and becomes infatuated with the holiday spirit.  He attempts to bring the spirit back to his people, but it is met by resistance in his home world.  What makes the plot so interesting is the world it resides in, a world in which each land is oblivious of the other, and in a never-ending loop of their own holiday.  Jack seems to be the first individual to stubble into another world, and his attempts to bring their traditions to his world are interesting.  This mirrors any kind of social change in real life, which may be met at first by resistance, though it is for the better of the community.

Jack Skellington, who is somewhat innocent in the new world he faces, is a relatable protagonist, simply trying to bring new ideas to his world, which has become too routine.  The songs, most famously “This is Halloween” are great, written and sung by Danny Elfman, who is a recurring composer for the films of Tim Burton.  Burton, who wrote the film, must of also had plenty of input when it came to design, because this film oozes with the gothic style of his previous films.  The angles, lighting, and shapes found in Halloweentown are chilling, while the Christmas based world is warm and pleasant.  It is a brilliant looking film.

At a short 76 minutes, it is truly worth a watch at either Christmas or Halloween.  It’s got the spirit of the season, and the chills you’d expect from Burton.  A great film.