StyleSk8r
At first rather annoying in its heavy emphasis on reenactments, this movie ultimately proves fascinating, simply because the complicated, highly dramatic tale it tells still almost defies belief.
elicopperman
Three years after Coraline, Laika inc. released their second feature film, ParaNorman, an original idea as opposed to an adaptation. Alongside gaining critical acclaim and an Oscar nomination for best animated feature, what makes this movie beloved by many is how it touches the theme to not judge others no matter what you think of them. Even after seeing it six years after its original release, I think it still holds up.The main story is about an 11 year old social outcast named Norman Babcock who can communicate with ghosts. One day, his great uncle Mr. Prenderghast gives Norman the task of ending a witch's curse. However, Norman fails to stop the dead from rising on the anniversary of the witch's death, causing a zombie outbreak in his town. So it's up to him and others to stop both the zombies and the witch from causing mayhem, while also realizing more layers they have.Norman himself just might be one of the best outcasts written for a movie I've seen, as his reasonings for feeling forlorn make sense as only he can see the dead. He manages to shift from angsty to caring and serious rather smoothly, and it's hard not to root for him when he needs to fix his main problems. That being said, the rest of the characters are more of a mix. While some like Mr. Prenderghast, Norman's friend Neil, sister Courtney, mother, bully Alvin and Neil's brother Mitch give enough contribution to the plot while also being funny every now and then, others like Norman's dad, the townsfolk, Norman's teachers and others are just there and don't offer too much substance. However, the best characters in the entire movie by far are the zombies. At first they seem like your typical risen brain eating corpses, but as the film goes on, we learn more about their backstories which perfectly explain why the witch went insane. These backstories actually paint them as legitimately foolish people who made the worst mistakes of their lives, and it's hard not to feel sorry for them. Real talk, there are people in the world who will do stupid things that they may regret later on. Do not try to be like them and learn to become a better human being, because otherwise, you might end up causing as much harm to yourself as those around you.Laika never holds back in pushing the envelope of what stop-motion can do, and here they really recreate a mysterious town like Witch Hollow. Adding on to the relatively bleak tone the town sets, the characters themselves look rather freaky by design while still looking appealing, showing how the macabre, Sleepy Hollow and maybe even Coraline inspired the crew. The effects animation is another major highlight for how vibrant and creative it gets with its colors and elements. Even if the film does scare some people, it's hard for one not to drop their jaws when viewing such well crafted props, effects, scenery and characters. Admittedly, the humor can be rather hit or miss, as sometimes it hits really well (one joke at the end will really catch you by surprise), while other times it fails to contrast properly (the obnoxious bully Alvin being the worst offender). Nonetheless, despite some weak minor characters and hit or miss comedy, ParaNorman is still a deep, heartwarming and beautiful movie that is one of the perfect examples of handling a deep moral in the deepest way possible. Just because someone is different does not mean they're horrid, and just because some people are prejudice towards others does not mean all people are like that. When a movie like this comes around showing off lots of respect and care for its viewers, then there's no other way to sum up this film except...simply beautiful.
anh-94946
It's very basic and nowhere near as good as Coraline, but is still worth watching. The one thing that really stands out is having the witch be a little girl who was simply misunderstood and treated unfairly. She was an interesting "villain" with a satisfying resolution. This movie gets 73%.
Python Hyena
Paranorman (2012): Dir: Chris Butler, Sam Fell / Voices: Kodi Smit-McPhee, Tucker Albrizzi, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, John Goodman, Jodelle Ferland: While the theme of normality facing the extreme and dangerous may sound appealing, the whole idea of selling the living dead and the occult to a family audience just demonstrates how desensitized society has gone. Zombies and corpses have no place in a family film. This is the sort of material that George A. Romero made famous in hard core films for adults. The plot is a mess at best with a likable young hero named Norman who has the ability to see and communicate with the dead. This is suppose to be funny but in a family film it just comes off as disturbing. There are only two characters of interest. Viewers may relate somewhat to Norman who must prevent a witch's curse by reading a book. Maybe he should read the script of a better film to heighten the witch's interest. His chubby friend from school adds a bit of enthusiasm that is also welcome. Other characters are dull including an over the top bully whom we know will become best chums with Norman by film's end. The parents are the usual sort who do not understand their son. Norman's sister is the usual uptight cheerleader type. Then there is the crazy uncle who must pass a message on to Norman. Plus there is the spirit of the girl who lived in a time where viewing this film would be considered punishable by death. The ads stress the importance of being yourself despite being different but its subject matter isn't the normal animated thrill it is intended. Forget Norman and go for Monsters Inc. Score: 4 / 10
hayashimegumi
ParaNorman (2012) is possibly one of the best animated halloween movies for all ages that you can find and it sure is in my own list. With plenty of virtuous and classic horror elements from the beginning until the end, the movie as a whole is a little dramatic yet quite an amusing adventure. Everything in this movie is carefully and beautifully crafted. Each of the distinct characteristics of the characters are usually funny but they are also charming and endearing in their own ways. All these, cordially invite us to live a Norman life in the claymation world which is a reflection of our reality but the true fear in this film is fear itself, not the curse of the witch or the resurrection of the dead.It's true that people often make mistakes when they are afraid or lost as they have decided to do and said terrible things during those circumstances and although unpleasant things such as bullies, assumptions and accusations cannot be completely avoided, there will still always someone out there for every one of us; we just have to have faith. Biggest lesson from this movie? It's okay to be weird, abnormal, whatever the society thinks as long we are true to ourselves and we do not harm another soul. And, we must never take our loved ones for granted. Remember that trust, patience and communication are equally important. #Weirdwins!
