"a marvellous piece of cinematic history"

Opening the 56th BFI London Film Festival was Tim Burton's animated masterpiece Frankenweenie, the premise of the film is fairly simple, and that's what works; they don't complicate matters, they do however borrow largely from classic monster movies; which adds to its charm.

When you get right down to the heart of the film, it's about the bond between a boy and his dog, which in this case transcends death.

Shot completely in black & white and utilising traditional animation techniques, Frankenweenie has a very big heart to it, and even with the fantastical nature of the film, it remains grounded and keeps to its core values, it's fresh and bold.

Frankenweenie is not gory or grotesque, it, simply put, is a marvellous piece of cinematic history that has plenty of homages to classic monster movies like Gremlins, Dracula and Frankenstein, but does it in such a way where those that are too young to have seen those films won't get confused with the nuances and will just enjoy it.

A couple in particular would be laughing Sea Monkeys that are an obvious homage to the mischievous Gremlins or the whisp of white that Persephone van Helsing  (the neighbours dog and object of Sparky's affections) gets in her hair after an encounter with Sparky - is a direct homage to The Bride of Frankenstein.

Even character names are a subtle but obvious homage, it adds to its wit and charm, and ultimately makes for a completely engaging and entertaining film.

Speaking of the characters; the voice cast are simply brilliant, headed up by Martin Short, Catherine O'Hara, Winona Ryder and Martin Landau channelling the late and great Vincent Price, it's just brilliant and really brings the film to life.

Even if the film was silent I think it would've worked, set to the back drop of the amazing and atmospheric soundtrack from musical genius Danny Elfman.

I've got nothing against CGI but it is simply fantastic that this film was made in this manner, it captures the mannerisms of its incredible voice cast and its emotional core is never compromised.

Move aside CGI, Stop Frame animation is back and it's here to stay, CGI won't ever disappear; how can it right? It's the norm nowadays just like 3D but this film is a rare treat.