Coraline

Using new 3-D magic and using the same style as Nightmare Before Christmas, Coraline (adapted from a graphic novel) seemed to finally give me what I've been waiting for. A creepy/dark kids flick.

I remember growing up in the late 80's early 90's with some disturbing pieces of work. Labyrinth with David Bowie, stands out in my mind. Not only because of Jim Henson's freakish visions with the help of Muppet's but also because it was marketed as a kids film and actually ended up scary most of them (unless they were older.) To this day I still talk to my friends about the brilliance and horror of the Labyrinth in all its glory.

Coraline, was not only amazing because it was featured in 3-D but dealt with our protagonist who has moved to a new town, and occupies a residence with her crazy neighbors and loveless parents. She is constantly fighting for attention, but her parents are too wrapped up in their own lives to care or love her. With the arrival of an awkward teen friend and a doll that looks too similar to Coraline, weird things begin to happen at night. Coraline, finds her way through a crawl space that leads to another life. Of course all is not what it seems as the characters from the other world have buttons for eyes. Eventually there is a conflict between Coraline and the other world as she becomes imprisoned and learns the dark truth of this other world.

For the most part, I loved the film. The beginning felt a little "off" only with the voices and animations. Maybe I wasn't used to the style but everything felt very vaudeville with the grand gestures. Eventually they toned down and I settled in with the style and 3-D elements. I thought the visuals in this film were phenomenal and dream like, even when things were dry, dark and depressing. It relied heavily on Coraline figuring out the rules of the other world and she barely got help in the adult situations that took place.

Verdict: It wasn't too horrific overall, so children can still enjoy the film, but it has a dark undertone and could scar the right child. Thankfully I saw an early showing and wasn't subjected to screaming kids everywhere, but I highly recommend this film. It's every dream and more I have for kids films and how they shouldn't shelter certain elements from a child's mind. It may rock your world or simply annoy you. Beware, Teri Hatcher voices both good and bad mom, but after seeing this film you'll sort of love her manic cackles and slightly grow annoyed with Dakota Fanning's Wisconsin accent. Ex: Mom is said "M-AH-M."