Disney has released the first full-length trailer for Frankenweenie.
The first trailer was more like a long teaser, or a short preview, it gave us only the merest hint of the core plot and a bit of the flavor of the humor of the film. This trailer makes it clear that this is more than just a ‘boy and his dog’ style story, there is quite a bit going on in this film.
Of course the original Frankenweenie film was not feature-length, so I suppose it shouldn’t be a surprise that there is a lot more going on. I guess, in my head I pictured the same story just very drawn out. I should know better than to expect so little from Tim Burton, even when remaking one of his own films.
Still, it seems more like a children’s film than the cross-demographic work I believe it was intended to be. Perhaps Burton is counting on the film’s sheer cuteness to overwhelm parents and their kids, but unlike Nightmare Before Christmas or Corpse Bride – other dark, family, stop-motions from Burton – I can’t see many childless adults showing up for this one in theaters.
The synopsis of the film is thus:
From creative genius Tim Burton (“Alice in Wonderland,” “The Nightmare Before Christmas”) comes “Frankenweenie,” a heartwarming tale about a boy and his dog. After unexpectedly losing his beloved dog Sparky, young Victor harnesses the power of science to bring his best friend back to life—with just a few minor adjustments. He tries to hide his home-sewn creation, but when Sparky gets out, Victor’s fellow students, teachers and the entire town all learn that getting a new “leash on life” can be monstrous.
Frankenweenie is slated to hit theaters on October 5, 2012.
