Believe it or not, last year was the first time I ever watched Nightmare from start to finish, and I was completely smitten.
A couple more flaws stuck out to me this time around, mainly how slight the actual story and most characters are. On the other hand, Jack’s arc as a plight of existential angst felt even more potent this time, only emphasized by the operatic quality of some of his songs.
But this movie is, like, entirely about its astonishing production and design, creepy and Gothic and unforgettable even before all the ghoulish stuff is intermingled with Christmas cheer. The one shot from the poster, of Jack walking up the curled hill with the moon in the background, has entered my pantheon of iconic, chills moments in cinema.
I watched it for Halloween, yet I can’t shake that it might be a better Christmas watch, though the things it really does best are Halloween-creepy, which I’m in the mood for in October, not December. Maybe next year I’ll hedge and watch it for Thanksgiving.
Is It Good?
Exceptionally Good (7/8)
Note: This review was originally published elsewhere. Please excuse brevity or inconsistencies in style. If you have questions or feedback, please leave a comment or contact me.
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