Jack and the Cuckoo-Clock Heart

Jack and the Cuckoo-Clock Heart was a French animated film that took its jolly sweet time to come to the UK, even though the English voice cast was British and the French version is unavailable in the UK. It was distracting to see the lip-syncing not matching the dialoguing.

Jack and the Cuckoo-Clock Heart was an interesting film that looked like it came from the mind of Tim Burton. It looked fantastic due to its strange look like the accordion train and strange circus. The film was based on a concept album and a novel by Dionysos. And this was a double edge sword because the film did have some strong music but the plot seemed like an excuse to tie together some music videos. An example of this was the Jack the Ripper song which seemed pointless.

Despite the story issues there were still some moments of tragic beauty like the puppet show and the ending. I did find the lyric 'rip your clothes off with my teeth' (sung by a 10-year-old character) and the advice that seduction works best when it looks like you're not trying. Yep, it's a French film.

Sadly Samantha Barks only has two songs in the film. Most of her character's songs kept the French singer, Olivia Ruiz. This is despite Barks being known for singing .

I love this movie. The music. The way the story is told. The characters.

A few nights ago my 5-year-old daughter and I sat down for movie night. We chose this. Of course she asked so many questions the whole way through, but she sat through the whole movie and talked about it for days. We sat down again and watched it the whole way through. She is a lover of music and of course wanted to hear the songs, sadly we could only find on YouTube in English. Anyway, the movie was simply beautiful. Tim Burton is one of my absolute favorite directors and this movie had a similar feel to it. I would definitely recommend this movie, and I have.

it is one of films who you expect. for long, long time. because, in a beautiful, touching, unique form , it is a film about yourself. and this is the most important thing. it is a trip in the heart of childhood, the old fashion childhood. and this transforms it in a gem. the source of its special spell/magic - the great work of Mathias Malzieu. . his novel. his adaptation. and, his Jack. it is difficult to define it. it is not perfect and this is one of basic good things. it is not Pixar or Disney and this is the second virtue. it is a meet with well known characters from old, oldies stories . and it is enough. because, in fact, it is a an admirable game of imagination.

As many other reviewers are noting...This feature is NOT for Kids. Not because of inappropriate trashy stuff: There's no cursing, no nudity, no anime-kiddie-porn, and none of the usual over the top violence we've become used to in general Kid animated features (Explosions, etc) Rather, it's the unpleasant emotional issues of acceptance & affection and Life & Death that are front and center. That said, the story of a baby born with a frozen heart that's replaced with a cuckoo clock is richly detailed, with some very well written songs and a story line that moves with a brisk pace. The animation of the fantasy Clockwork-Victorian world is visually exquisite.

But be warned: This is no Disney scripted place where everyone has a happy ending. There are dark moments that will lead to a poetic and poignant place.

Even if you don't have kids (Teen or otherwise) to consider...this movie is a beautifully crafted piece of light drama for Adults to enjoy on a nice rainy or snowy Sunday Afternoon.

I generally like animation movies, ever since Shrek I guess. This one is quite amazing. It's not your typical Disney, or Pixar production. It's French, Belgian production, and you can see cultural differences influencing it, especially music and songs. I just loved the first duet of the main characters. That tune is so catchy, melody will surely get stuck in your mind.

How great is it, that we live in the world with so many different cultures. Unfortunately world is becoming more and more bland, end everything you see seems to be the same.

...but occasionally, you find a gem like that.

It's different so it may not be to everyones liking. OK so that's the good, the bad is, story kind of drags on at few moments. Anyways it's worth checking out, even if just because of the style.

It's rather aimed at adults as a sort of animated art form musical, but kids should enjoy it too.