ParaNorman (2012)

Genre

Animation | Comedy | Horror

Directors

Chris Butler | Sam Fell

Country

USA

Voice Cast

Kodi Smit-McPhee, Jodelle Ferland, Tucker Albrizzi, Anna Kendrick, Casey Affleck, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Leslie Mann, Jeff Garlin, Elaine Stritch, Bernard Hill, John Goodman, Tempestt Bledsoe, Alex Borstein

Storyline

In the town of Blithe Hollow, Norman (Kodi Smit-McPhee), a young boy who can speak to the dead, takes on ghosts, zombies and adults to save his town from a curse.

Opinion

After watching the great "Coraline" and "The Boxtrolls" I wasn't expecting anything less from this, and, even though I have to admit the trailers didn't capture my interest, Laika Studio did not disappoint. Second feature of the studios, "ParaNorman" is in fact another witty, beautifully animated and enjoyable zombie flick for kids. And adults too.

Written by co-director Chris Butler, the story isn't really that original, but it is the way it is developed and the funny characters that make the difference and how the Butler decided to handle it. The idea of mixing together comedy and horror is brilliant and results into a fun, deep story that goes beyond zombies and ghosts, but that still is a great way for kids to enjoy a zombie flick.

Also making a difference is the core message of the film. Even though it's not very original, and it's pretty much the same Laika have delivered in their other two pictures, between a funny moment and a little, appropriate scare, the film says that there is nothing wrong in being different and that we should embrace those who are different from us, not fear them.

Just like the other two films, the stop-motion animation of this film is simply amazing and its weird-looking characters and set design only adds originality to the film. Worth of a mention is also the incredible job the voice cast does in here as each of the actors provided their personalities to the characters and really brought them to life.