Nobody's Mentioned The Nightmare Before Christmas

Besides Christmas Vacation and A Christmas Story, both of which have already been discussed, I would say that The Nightmare Before Christmas is my third favorite Christmas film. And yes, I consider this a Christmas film. It is, after all, focussing on celebrating Christmas, not Halloween.

I am often timid in mentioning that I really do love this movie. It seems like in recent years, A Nightmare Before Christmas has become this weird punk/scene/emo/gothic/hipster cult classic obsession much like Invader Zim. Hot Topic has picked up on selling it's merchandise, and I see the above stereotypes wearing this movie's many absurd clothing items all the time. I feel like it's lost its cred as a truly good film because of how it's been exploited in pop culture today. And I hate that, because even though Hot Topic is trying to market this film as "scene" or whatever, it's not. It's a children's movie, and I love it.

Anyway, I like this film for two major reasons: 1) Danny Elfman and 2) Danny Elfman. Seriously, the soundtrack is amazing. I know every song by heart because the music in this film is beautiful and meaningful. Danny Elfman wrote the songs himself without much help Tim Burton, who focussed mostly on the spoken dialogue, not the musical stuff. And honestly, as much as I love the concept of this film and the works of Burton, it's Danny Elfman who made this film memorable. Imagine watching this without the musical being a part of it. It wouldn't be nearly as awesome. It was Elfman who added the splash of tasteful humor and emotional spice.

Every Christmas I wait for it to be the night that ABC Family shows it as a part of their 25 Days of Christmas thing. And then I record it on my DVR, and watch it again. I've been doing this since I was very young, in fact this is one of the first movies I remember watching. So, it's been a major part of my life. And, it's enjoyable for all audiences. In my eyes, it's a great Christmas film, and an ever greater piece of art (because stop-motion always has me impressed). I hope everyone takes the time to enjoy it at least once this Holiday season!

- R.

Bonus! Theres was an album released in 2008 called Nightmare Revisited, featuring popular artists from the last few years covering the songs of The Nightmare Before Christmas (Like, Marilyn Manson, All American Rejects, Flyleaf, Korn, Plain White T's, etc.) However, my favorite cover of a Nightmare song isn't on that album, and is actually a cover of the song "What's This" by Fall Out Boy. Take a gander!