This is Halloween
This is a good number for setting the mood of the film and the atmosphere of Halloween Town. It’s a strong number that can get people invested.
Jack’s Lament
This ties into the idea of Jack not being fulfilled and to me, it seems like he is going through a bit of a midlife crisis. Again, I like this number and it does tap into what Jack wants as it is a big I Want song.
What’s This?
This is easily the most iconic song from this movie and with good reason, it’s great. Hey, I may not like this movie but I can acknowledge when a song is good. This is a really good song that speaks to the wonders of Christmas and how joyous it can be.
Town Metting Song
This is an important character song as this the one where Jack’s delusions end up getting everyone else involved in his mayhem. This is a key song in advancing the plot and showing how far off the deep end he’s willing to go.
Jack’s Obsession
This in many regards is a good follow-up song to the last as it shows how far off the deep end, Jack has gone and there is no turning back for Jack now. No one can talk Jack out of his delusions of grandeur. In some ways, Jack is kind of like an addict in that regard. He needs an intervention but he’s drug the rest of Halloween Town down with him.
Kidnap The Sandy Claws
This is a fun and silly henchmen number about kidnapping Santa. It’s pretty good and the actors do a good job singing.
Making Christmas
This ties into the two previous songs before the last again showing how far off the deep end that Jack has gone. It’s clear that he thinks he’s well-intentioned but he doesn’t understand the mechanics of what he’s dealing with. Though, I gotta give him credit for going all-in.
Oogie Boogie’s Song
This is such a fun villain number that is clearly inspired by the likes of Cab Calloway with its Jazzy nature. It is so easy to see what this has become a villain staple and why Disney loves trotting Oogie Boogie out during Halloween. I may think he’s pointless to the story (he is) but he does have a great song.
Sally’s Song
This is such a somber number that I think is important in understanding why Sally doesn’t join in the festivities. While I didn’t bring up it originally, this is something that is key to her character.
She is also psychic and has premonitions when anything bad is about to happen.
That makes this song all the more poignant in my regard.
Poor Jack
I am really of two minds on this song, Elfman sings it beautifully and it is a good character piece bringing Jack full circle but like I said earlier in the review one of the major things that bugs me is Jack doesn’t have any consequences for his actions. Instead, he just remembers that he’s the Pumpkin King and that is it.
Finale
This is a good number to close out the movie. IT’s sweet and there is something fun in seeing these Halloween characters playing in the snow.
Villain
Oogie Boogie voiced by Ken Page
I really feel like this character wasn’t needed and that he was much of an afterthought. This is a story that doesn’t need a villain as the conflict of Jack messing up Christmas while becoming obsessed with it should be enough to carry the movie. He’s cool but he doesn’t add anything other than being the last obstacle that Jack has to stop and that happens after he has already stopped delivering his twisted presents.
My Final Thoughts
I really wish I liked this movie as much as the rest of my generation does. It’s not a bad movie and the songs are great but I honestly find the story rather lacking and a bit boring in places. I totally get why it’s a cult classic but I don’t know if I’ll ever return to it. Join me next time as I look at…
Phineas & Ferb: Christmas Vacation
Not sure I’m up to a detailed analysis of this thing, right now, but it did semi-recently influence a life decision, when I heard an analysis from one of the creators, on how it’s about people who become discontent with where they are but go to far and think they don’t like being themselves anymore. She pointed out that even when Jack dove full-force into Christmas, it came out looking like his original passion, because that really was what he knew best. That got me thinking for a bit.
Also, I sent you another message picking a date for the project. Really hope you can participate! (Because you’re a significant part of what’s being celebrated ^_^)
*too far
Hmm, interesting look at this movie
I tend to like this movie a lot. I suppose as far as Jack’s arc goes, it can be summarized this way. Jack is bored with the same old routine, and tries something new. He screws up and realizes he doesn’t understand the new thing as much as he thought he did, and realizes that he was very, very, good at being Pumpkin King of Halloween. He rediscovers what he’s good at, and feels renewed.
Santa basically lets him off light at the end, being a good judge of character, and advises him to listen to Sally from that point on. I’m not sure if he really needed a harsher punishment, as he seems to have re-discovered who he really is, and accepted that the Christmas gig wasn’t for him after all.
As for Oogie Boogie, the same voice actor also voiced King Gator, the infamous gator from All Dogs Go to Heaven that inspired the term Big Lipped Alligator Moment. Around that time, he seemed to be typecast as over-the-top characters that are barely relevant to the overall story.
I’m certainly glad people enjoy the film but I couldn’t gel with it
It’s a pretty flawed movie but I still understand how people (like myself) will get enjoyment from it.
I totally get why people like it but it’s not one for me