The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

Directed by: Henry Selick

Starring: Danny Elfman, Chris Sarandon, Catherine O’Hara, William Hickey, Glenn Shadix, and Ken Page

Jack Skellington (Chris Sarandon & Danny Elfman) is the pumpkin king of Halloween Town, and he is tired of the annual traditions of monsters and other terrors on Halloween.  As he’s walking with his dog Zero one day, he gets lost and discovers Christmas Town, which embodies the North Pole and the traditions of Christmas.  Enamored with the concept of this holiday, Jack tries to bring Christmas to Halloween Town.  He does so by kidnapping Santa Claus (Edward Ivory) and taking over his role by delivering some rather unique gifts to children everywhere on Christmas Eve.  That doesn’t bode so well for Jack when the world fails to appreciate his misunderstanding of Christmas.

The Nightmare Before Christmas is undoubtedly the most original and creative holiday film to date.  The groundbreaking and unique visuals brought to life in this stop-motion animation is enough all by itself to wow viewers.  When you combine this with great music, big laughs, and a little oddball holiday cheer, you get magic on the big screen.  Tim Burton’s holiday classic is an undeniably lovable film that gets a sober rating.  For those of you that aren’t accustomed to Tim Burton’s unique filmmaking style, you may need to imbibe just a little alcohol.  Just a sip of a little something will do.