“The Corpse Bride” is a stop-motion masterpeice from Tim Burton and is set in the nineteenth century, in an apparently English town. Although what we see on-screen are the models, there is an all-star cast providing the voices. Johnny Depp plays Victor, the hero, while Helena Bonham-Carter provides the voice for Emily, the Corpse Bride. Others who lend their voices include Paul Whitehouse, Joanna Lumley, Christopher Lee and Tracey Ullman.

Victor’s wedding for Victoria Everglot has been arranged, with the film opening on the day of their wedding practice – an event that will see the bride and groom meeting for the first time. Victor’s father, William, is a very successful and – as a result – very rich Fishmonger. Victoria’s parents, on the other hand, are Lord and Lady Everglot. Although they aren’t exactly happy about their daughter marrying ‘new money’, they no longer have their own ‘old money’ to match their status – hence the wedding. They would’ve preferred a more suitable son-in-law, but presumably nobody with a title was available.

Victor and Victoria have quite a bit in common though – they’re both romantic, artistic souls – and they fall for each other the moment they meet. However, Victor is also quite newvous about the whole event and the practice is a disaster. Pastor Gaswels refuses to allow the wedding – set for the following day – to proceed until Victor learns what to do and say. Victor stumbles off into the woods to practice his lines : reciting his vows perfectly, he slips the ring onto what looks like a fallen branch. Unfortunately, it turns out to be the wedding finger of the Corpse Bride – and with the vows now made, she doesn’t want to give her new husband up.

Victor’s Corpse Bride was called Emily when she was alive. Although Victoria is very pretty, it’s clear that Emily was also on the other side of the grave. (In fact, at the risk of being considered somwehat odd, I would say she still is). However, while Victoria still has a beating heart, Emily has a maggot living in her head – who also appears to be her best friend. Her right eye also has the unfortunate habit of falling out and rolling around the floor. Victor, naturally, is initially desperate to return to Victoria. However, the Land of the Dead is much brighter and (would you believe) much livelier than the dull and drab Land of the Living. He also finds that his old dog, Scraps, is still living there. There’s also plenty of singing and dancing, much of it led by the very jazzy skeleton, Bonejangles. Upstairs, however, the situation is being complicated further by the devious Barksi Bittern. With Victor missing (presumed married), the smarmy, vain, money-grabber steps into Victor’s shoes for the wedding.

I can only describe the film as flawless. It looks fantastic, it’s very entertaining, the music is excellent, there’s plenty of puns that will raise a chuckle, while Victor and both of his brides are genuinely likeable characters.