The distinctive director, after two films of mediocre quality, ‘Dark Shadows’ and ‘Alice in Wonderland’, has returned to the genre in which he has always felt much more at home.
The animated film built on the story of Frankenstein is actually turned upside down from its usual terrifying atmosphere into a charming family story about a boy and his dog, but with that typical Burton touch. It is not yet his best work, but ‘My Favorite Monster’ is a technically brilliantly executed cartoon, smoothly directed and structured to maintain rhythm and viewer interest from start to finish. The uniqueness of Burton’s world has been reduced compared to the last few films to better serve the film and its concept, rather than itself, and the more challenging task of achieving a fine balance between entertainment for children and adults has been successfully accomplished. It is simultaneously simple and accessible to kids, yet clever enough in its play with horror clichés to appeal to adult audiences. A promising return of a great and underrated master.
