Friendship between a boy and his dog is the basis of Tim Burton’s stop-action horror comedy, “Frankenweenie”.

Set in the 1940s in the town of New Holland, “Frankenweenie” is about Victor Frankenstein (Charlie Tahan). Somewhat of a loner, Victor spends his time creating films and hanging out with his canine best friend, Sparky.

After an ominous admission by Victor’s classmate Weird Girl (Catherine O’Hara) involving her cat’s fortune-telling poop, Sparky dies in an accident.

Inspired by his science teacher Mr. Rzykruski (Martin Landau), Victor sets forth to the task of reanimating Sparky. This is not to prove a point or make a statement, but merely to be reunited with his companion.

Combining humor, social commentary, and a touch of creepiness, Burton hit the spot with “Frankenweenie”. The film parodies Frankenstein to an extent, but draws from other horror flicks as well. Victor struggles against his father’s wishes for him to be more “normal” like the other kids; this is amusing since “the other kids” all resemble horror movie characters in their own right.

The eerie Mr. Rzykruski turns out to be the only sensible adult in the film. As a man of science, he inspires his students to be curious and ask questions.

One of my favorite scenes from the movie was when the adults of New Holland assembled to sack Rzykruski. They questioned his science Durantence; he responded by called them ignorant and stupid.

It’s a gentle prod at how some people regard scientific thinking as a mystical, negative practice due to their lack of understanding.

“They like what science gives them, but not the questions that science asks,” says Rzykruski during a heart-to-heart with Victor.

Burton made sure to add little details that I appreciated. For instance, there was a shot of New Holland’s cinema where “Bambi”, which came out in 1942, was playing as a newly released feature. This helped me establish the approximate time period.

Overall, “Frankenweenie” made for a unique movie; it’s refreshing to see a well-made stop-action feature amidst the sea of gimmicky Pixar movies.

Frankenweenie is in theaters now.