It's inevitable that Corpse Bride will be compared to Tim Burton's last stop motion animated film, The Nightmare Before Christmas. Many of these comparisons are valid, but when it comes right down to it, this is a different movie. Yes, the animation is the same style, and yes they are both musicals, but the feel is different. Where Nightmare was full of gothic whimsy, Bride is more of a surreal romance.

This time around Tim Burton steps behind the camera, teaming with Mike Johnson, and takes a more proactive position on his collection of stick figures. Previously he filled the role of producer, besides creator. Whether or not this is a good thing, only time can decide.

We are told a tale of love lost, and love never to be. All told with a flair for the twisted, and musical numbers. Victor is about to marry Victoria even though they have never met. Their respective families have arranged the marriage to further their own needs, her family, the Everglots, has status but no money, his family, the Van Dorts, has the money but not the status. All of the players are a little apprehensive, not the least of which is Victor. During rehearsal, Victor is so nervous that he flees. Then while practicing his vows in the forest, he places the wedding ring on a branch. Needless to say, that was no branch, and the real drama begins as the Corpse Bride emerges from the ground to claim her wedded love.

This steps up the story as Emily, the corpse of the title, is determined to attain wedded bliss, Victor wishes to return to the land of the living, and Victoria is searching for Victor. Meanwhile, Victor's parents are searching for him, and Victoria's folks are contemplating a smarmy newcomer. To reveal more would be saying too much, as I fear I may have already done so.

The plot is simple and straight forward, but along the way we are introduced to a number of colorful characters. Most of them are among the dead. There is the Bonejangles, the band leader, and the Peter Lorre inspired Maggot who always is there to offer advice on any situation, not to mention Victor's old pet, Scraps. There are the other denizens of the land of the dead, always ready to party and have a good time, as opposed to the prim and proper colorless people among the living.