The Corpse Bride (2005)

Set in 19th-century European village, Victor (Johnny Depp), is on his way to get married to Victoria (Emily Watson) in a pre-arranged marriage. Upon meeting his fiancee, he falls in love. But his nervousness and his inability to get the rehearsal perfect sends him running into the woods. While practicing his vows, he places the ring on a bony finger in the ground thinking it's a stick. And with those vows he weds a corpse. The rest of the story involves his attempt to either get out of this predicament, or make it work.

I give The Corpse Bride a solid 85%.

It was with great anticipation that I looked forward to this movie. It had the right combination of weird and dark and ridiculous. All the things I have come to like about Tim Burton films. While the whole concept of what happens is admirably weird, what is more weird is that the male protaganist ends up resigning himself to the possibility of being married to a corpse. But that is just it, it was not really expected of anyone to like this idea. That is the genius behind this film, the unexpected is portrayed as normal and reasonable.

I think the most notable scenes, or set of scenes in the movie were the times when Victor is alone with either Victoria or the corpse bride. The intensity of the romantic element was also not expected and I found myself really drawn into the underlying romance thread of Victor. You genuinely really want this guy to just find love. Even with a corpse if necessary. Like I said, weird.

My favorite quotes from the movie:

Victoria Everglot: What if Victor and I don't like each other?
Maudeline Everglot: Hmpf! As if that has anything to do with marriage. Do you suppose your father and I like each other?
Victoria Everglot: Surely you must, a little.
Maudeline Everglot, Finnis Everglot: Of course not!

Victor Van Dort: I've got a... dwarf, and I'm not afraid to use him!
Victor Van Dort: With this hand I will lift your sorrows. Your cup will never be empty, for I will be your wine. With this candle, I will light your way into darkness. With this ring, I ask you to be mine.