Dove Review

“Frankenweenie” is a unique movie which is about a boy’s love for his dog and the director’s love for classic monster movies. What’s not to like? In this film you will recognize moments from “Frankenstein”, “Bride of Frankenstein”, “Gremlins” and other movies including “Godzilla”. One character is even named “Elsa” as in Elsa Lanchester (“Bride of Frankenstein”) and Victor’s family (the young boy science genius in the movie) carries the last name Frankenstein.

Victor loves his dog Sparky but when Sparky chases a baseball Victor hits in a ball game, tragedy strikes and Sparky is killed. Victor is determined to bring his pet back to life after his science teacher lectures on the power of lightning. The teacher demonstrates how an electrical charge causes a dead frog to move its muscles. Victor is successful with a few funny moments as a result, including the sewn-up Sparky leaking when he laps up some water. However, a few other kids get an idea to copy Victor and mayhem ensues.

The stunning visuals start in the beginning when the color Disney logo turns into a black and white film. This is a fun movie to watch but it is not for the very young as its theme, in part, is about death and it features some intense scenes. We are happy to recommend it for ages twelve plus and we are pleased to present our Dove “Family-Approved” Seal to the movie. This one is a nice blend of fun and a bit of Halloween spirit for those who enjoy creepy things in a wholesome environment.

Dove Rating Details

0

Faith

None

0

Integrity

It is obvious a car hits a dog and kills it but it is not seen; boy cries after dog dies; dog chases cat but cat is okay; various animals are turned large and chase people and each other; a kid screams as he falls off roof and he breaks his arm and is taken away by ambulance with his arm in a sling; large animal steps on police car and crushes it; big rat is electrocuted; a big fire at a windmill and a bat/cat dies; character falls from windmill.

1

Sex

Kissing between a husband and wife.

1

Language

Stupid-1

2

Violence

It is obvious a car hits a dog and kills it but it is not seen; boy cries after dog dies; dog chases cat but cat is okay; various animals are turned large and chase people and each other; a kid screams as he falls off roof and he breaks his arm and is taken away by ambulance with his arm in a sling; large animal steps on police car and crushes it; big rat is electrocuted; a big fire at a windmill and a bat/cat dies; character falls from windmill.

1

Drugs

Beer is seen and a sign advertises beer and donuts.

0

Nudity

None

2

Other

A boy deals with sadness over his dog's death; cat poop seen in shapes of letters; some intense scenes including a cat that is turned into a bat; a dog dies twice but the movie does have a happy ending; an experiment on a dissected frog in science class; resurrected dog loses his tail and leaks but his master works on it; animal pees on neighbor's flamingo statues; a dog sucks on a baby's pacifier and then the unknowing mother gives it to her baby; a poodle is shocked and looks like the Bride of Frankenstein; a character makes the comment that science is witchcraft.