Runtime: 1 hour, 36 minutes
Rating: PG
Directors: Sam Fell, Chris Butler
Quick Impressions:
Since summer movie season started early back in May, we’ve been bombarded with previews for ParaNorman, Frankenweenie, and Hotel Transylvania. Seriously, those three previews seem to play back-to-back in front of every family-oriented movie out there. Basically, they all ran together for me, and ParaNorman didn’t look like anything special. Then just a few days ago, I realized that the movie was stop-motion and from the same studio that made Coraline. Stop-motion always gets my attention. If you’re going to go through all the time and effort necessary for successful stop-motion animation, then you’re not likely to waste your time on supbar material. Plus our other plans for the afternoon got rained out. So we took the kids to see ParaNorman which turned out to be fantastic, exceeding all my expectations.
The Good:
I love a good ghost story, and I’m always on the lookout for spooky (but not downright terrifying) Halloween fare. ParaNorman appealed to me immediately.
Not only does the film look great (even in 2D as we saw it), but it’s consistently engaging, incredibly entertaining, and genuinely thoughtful. Based on what came through on the screen, I’d guess that the script is fantastic. Besides being spooky, funny, and fast-paced, ParaNorman actually has something to say to audiences. You don’t get a silly, contrived, by-the-numbers moral for children (though the moral is pretty heavy-handed). ParaNorman comments thoughtfully on basically everything happening in our society today. (Yes, I’m aware that seems a bit broad, but, seriously, watch the movie. What isn’t it talking about? I stubbornly maintain that whatever ParaNorman isn’t talking about, nobody else is talking about, either.)
A huge strength of the film is its captivating characters, capably voiced by an outstanding cast. As Norman’s friend Neil, young Tucker Albrizzi is a particular standout. Neil brings a youthful, optimistic, innocent energy into Norman’s otherwise gloomy world. Casey Affleck is also pretty great as Neil’s ripped older brother, Mitch, the unwitting lust object of Norman’s older sister Courtney, voiced by Anna Kendrick. Courtney is not the kind of character you usually get in a children’s movie. She’s indefensibly shallow, not sugar coated. In fact, none of the motley crew that assembles to “help” Norman can boast outstanding virtues. At best, Neil is casually loyal and Mitch is vaguely helpful. The most recognizably voiced character, Alvin the bully (Christopher Mintz-Plasse), like all bullies only backs down when he feels fear. In terms of sidekicks, Norman has a lot to complain about. Yet somehow, this ragtag bunch ultimately comes around and gets the job done. This is definitely not a sanitized kids’ only outing. These characters should really not be anybody’s role models, but they’re very interesting to watch. They’re much more like us than the people we like to pretend are like us are.
John Goodman is lots of fun as Norman’s smelly and forbidden Uncle Prenderghast. (Who would guess that a man named Prenderghast would manifest such abilities? Astounding!) (That’s sarcasm.) His best scene comes in the bathroom at the school, providing some light laughs and terrific visual elements.
Jeff Garlin and Leslie Mann are also pretty good as Norman’s listening impaired parents. Alex Borstein and Tempestt Bledsoe add some flourish as a theatrical drama teacher and a police officer. And Bernard Hill provides the perfect voice for the zombie judge—a character I really found appealing. He had such a dramatic appearance and a rich voice to match. To me, what the zombies are doing seems pretty apparent right from the start. My daughter, however, did not feel the same way. The zombies terrified her, and when the townspeople started beating them up, she proclaimed in delight, “I’m beginning to like this movie.”
Young actors Kodi Smit-McPhee (as Norman) and Jodelle Ferland give strong performances that combine with the visual effects to make the final confrontation of the movie strong and memorable with a clear (and emphatic) message.
Best Scene:
Several scenes stand out, but I personally found the opening sequence quite effective. It’s a simple, yet brilliant introduction to the character that also sets the mood and hints at the ultimate complication of the story. Norman likes monster movies and has a close relationship with his grandma (voiced by Elaine Stritch). His reality is perfectly real to him, but his family refuses to listen to him or try to see things from his point of view. It’s a great set-up that got my attention immediately. Another great (though brief) scene: Norman’s parents interacting with the unusual trio in the back seat of their car.
Funniest Scene:
This movie has lots of great jokes. Much of its humor works because of its fearless approach. Instead of worrying about potentially squeamish audiences, the filmmakers made bold choices that were right for the movie.
My husband and I both loved the scene with the vending machine. It rang so true. Even though you’re staring death in the face, you’ve got to have those greasy potato chips!
My three-year-old laughed out loud at the delightful finish to the game of fetch.
Norman’s confusion when the ghost asks him to swear is pretty amusing, too. And Mitch’s last words to Courtney seem like a fitting ending to that relationship.
Best Scene Visually:
This is a pretty movie. The whole town looks spooky and kooky and cool. (This is one of those movies that rewards those who scan the background with hidden gems.) And when witch-like clouds start to swirl around in the night sky, it’s something to behold, but probably the best visuals come during Norman’s encounter with the witch near the end of the movie. The way they depict the interaction is gorgeous, scary, artistic, and powerful.
Runners-Up (Best Scene Visually):
Every time Norman’s world dissolves into a vision of Blythe Hollow’s past, it looks really crackly and cool on screen. The zombies look pretty great, too. I particularly like their uniform gaping jaws.
Best Action Sequence:
I liked the “chase” scene in the van. It’s really more of a flight/pursuit scene. The ensemble works well together, and there’s plenty of excitement.
The Negatives:
Some of the humor is very daring for a PG-rated movie targeted at kids. If you’re turned off by profanity, violence, or hints of sexuality, this movie is going to irritate you. There’s lots and lots of talk of damning people to Hell (meant literally), a reference to the “F” word, and a lot of disturbing leering (mainly from Norman’s teenaged sister). Plus, the movie is whimsical but never silly. The paranormal elements are real, and with them, they bring real menace. Some of the social commentary is very pointed, too, and some people might resent that. These are the kinds of things that would be sanitized out of a Disney animated feature—so it’s all a matter of what you like. Don’t get me wrong. I’m not complaining about any of this, but I’m aware that others may find it off-putting.
Another thing this movie is dark and can be scary for younger children. (It’s not as scary as Coraline, but it does have some legitimately frightening elements, particularly for those sensitive to disturbing images.) My three-year-old enjoyed it and commented throughout, but she also got up halfway through and announced, “This is too scary. I’m going to sit with my daddy,” which she then did. This isn’t truly a criticism of the movie. It’s more of a warning.
Overall:
ParaNorman should definitely get Oscar consideration (for animated feature, I mean). Based on early previews, I had it pegged as lazy, end-of-the-summer fare designed to rake in a few dollars. That’s not what it is. ParaNorman is funny, creative, engaging, and consistent. I can’t wait to own it on Blu-ray.