James and the Giant Peach (1996)

Imaginative, fun, musical and heart-warming, Tim Burton's second foray into stop-motion animation is everything the first is not. Once again helmed by Henry Selick (while Burton acts as producer), "James and the Giant Peach" outshines "The Nightmare Before Christmas" tenfold.

First off, there's the interesting live action segments which bookend the film. Selick creates an alternate fantasy world where the bright lights of imagination cannot be doused by even the most beastly of humans. The make-up, set decoration and cinematography takes us into a wonderful and different world. Joanna Lumley (of Brit TV's "Absolutely Fabulous"), Mariam Margolyes (a dark Kathy Najiminy), and Pete Postlethwaite ("In the Name of the Father") appear with newcomer Terry Paul. The adults in the film, particularly the females who play aunts, are so hideously made-up that one might think they would frighten small children. But their nasty attitudes and snide comments only lead us to think them the most delicious Disney villains since Cruella DeVille. Conversely, the small boy James, played by Paul, is the most sweet and fresh-faced kid to grace the screen since Freddie Bartholomew. His wide-eyed innocence is quite infectious and he immediately wins us over with a wonderful Randy Newman tune called "My Name is James." This kid has what it takes. He never once seems to be play-acting or mouthing the words. Plus, like Bartholomew, he has that cheery British accent. He's a natural.

Eventually, of course, the film moves into stop- animation mode and introduces a delightful mix of insect type creatures. While these characters are voiced by the talent of many famous thespians, we never once notice it. Susan Sarandon puts on a darling accent to voice the European Block Miss Spider and Richard Dreyfuss does the same to be a Brooklyn centipede. Jane Leeves (of TV's "Fraiser") is the voice of the ladybug and she is so charming and delightful, we don't even recognize her quite recognizable voice. The magic and allure of this wondrous world overwhelms us and captivates us; We don't have the mental capacity to notice things like this, the film is too good.

If there is any small complaint I must voice it's this: Even though Paul remains in the film (with puppetry and voice-over), we miss the real thing. His physical presence is so delightful that we want the real thing. Why the live- action James could not inhabit this animated world on screen is a mystery. The technology to make this work is obviously available. Selick and Burton make a sorry mistake in going for the full-blown animation through the body of the film.

As for the technique, it pretty much the same as it's prototype. But here a nice story with fine voice characterizations and, most importantly, engaging songs, help to make the piece succeed far beyond the level of it's predecessor. The technique doesn't get boring because the story, music and the cast isn't boring. We never once become disinterested here.

Yes, "James and the Giant Peach" is a wonderful film. Amusing, charming and engaging, the film drips with sweetness. But it's a sugar-coated place that we want to visit. This world is fun for old and young alike. Plus, "James" has the benefit of a delightful and important moral. In fact, this film is such a fine work of art that if it isn't offered some Oscar recognition come next spring (like the fantastical "Babe" before it), it will be a travesty. The fantasy world inhabited by James in the live-action sequences are much better than anything the "talking pig" film has to offer. Plus, this film has a greater ability to delight and surprise us. Also, unlike "Babe," this film is dark but not frightening. I would think this film fine for a child of any age unlike that pig film which is dark, eerie and not for young persons or "Nightmare," which was also too spooky for kids.

Note:

Conceptual Designer is Lane smith. Directors of Photography are Pete Kozachik and Hiro Narita.

Script by Karey Kirkpatrick, Johnathan Roberts and Steve Bloom. Based on the children's book by Roald Dahl. (His other works include "The Witches," "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" and "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang."

Jack Skelington, from "Nightmare Before Christmas" has a cameo in the film.

Review written in 1996

Report Card

Script: A+

Acting: A+

Cinematography\Lighting: A+

Special Effects\Make Up: A+

Music: A-

Voice Characterizations: A+

Animation: A+

Originality: B+

Final Grade: A