Coraline (B or 3/4 stars)
A blue-haired girl screeches, "My name is Coraline, NOT Caroline!". Yes, that's our dear little protaganist. Directed by Henry Selick (The Nightmare Before Christmas), This film tells the spooky story of young Coraline Jones (Voiced by Dakota Fanning); who's moved into a 150 yr. old Oregonian mansion. Though Coraline looks like a meek little girl, she's actually more spunky (even nasty) than your normal animated film heroine. But who could blame her? Especially when dealing with her aloof parents (Teri Hatcher, John Hodgman). They are writers; & have no time to pay attention to their daughter. Disgruntled, Coraline is left on her own to explore the mansion she now lives in & the woodsy grounds around it. She meets next-door neighbor, Wybie & his black cat (love him); as well as 2 strange sisters living on the lower level of the 3-apartment mansion; & a scary circus man (Ian McShane), who lives on the 3rd level.
The next day, Coraline discovers a hidden door which appears to lead nowhere. That night, however, a magical portal opens through that door, transporting Coraline to a strange, fragmented world that is actually a happier, alternate version of her real life. There, she has an 'Other Mother' & an 'Other Father'; the only things different about them are their button eyes & their cheery demeanor. Differing from her real parents, all they aim to do is please. Everything in this world is intensified; the colors, textures, furniture, clothes, animals, attitudes, etc. Things 'seem' great. However, looks can be deceiving. And it turns out that this alternate world has some sinister secrets it's not willing to divulge. If Coraline is to escape, she'll need to use some fierce determination, her brain, & some bravery to get back home - home, a place that never seemed as welcoming as it does now.
What a strange, strange tale this 'Coraline' is. Really, it took me quite a while to get into this not-for-young-children's movie. 'Coraline' is a macabre mystery; one that resembles, in tone, an 'Alice in Wonderland' or even 'Hansel & Gretel'. Coraline, herself, dons blue hair & a not-so-nice attitude. Furthermore, I wouldn't wish her real mom or dad on anyone I know personally. Her little boy neighbor isn't all that cute. The circus man who dangles from the 3rd floor is unbelievably creepy. And the 2 'sisters' who live below are anything but endearing. Even the black cat isn't your typical 'cute' animated film animal. But I grew to love him; so I can forgive that. There's no one to really pull for in this movie (Coraline, as a character, is fairly boring). All you're doing is sitting back (with your 3D glasses or not), relaxing, watching some very, very fine stop-motion animation, & trying to make heads or tails of the twisted plot.
Now, there is beauty to be found onscreen; a bizarre, gothic beauty. The characteristics given to the human beings in the film are distinct. The landscapes & interiors of the house are beautifully textured. Everything from the cat, to dishware, to the blades of grass are meticulously realized. On an emotional level, 'Coraline' taps into those brand of adolescent dreams where mommy & daddy are not who appear to be, or are in trouble, or monsters will get them, or you, & maybe you can save the day. In that respect, 'Coraline' resonates. The film is eccentric, inventive, weird, & ghoulish (most of the time). I don't know if I'd bring any young ones to see this; not only for it's scary images (i.e., spider lady), but because the humans in it are somewhat nasty. All that said, there are small pleasures to be found. The beginning & ending of the film are particularly nice. And on a technical level, as a cohesive film, it's pretty damn good.
The next day, Coraline discovers a hidden door which appears to lead nowhere. That night, however, a magical portal opens through that door, transporting Coraline to a strange, fragmented world that is actually a happier, alternate version of her real life. There, she has an 'Other Mother' & an 'Other Father'; the only things different about them are their button eyes & their cheery demeanor. Differing from her real parents, all they aim to do is please. Everything in this world is intensified; the colors, textures, furniture, clothes, animals, attitudes, etc. Things 'seem' great. However, looks can be deceiving. And it turns out that this alternate world has some sinister secrets it's not willing to divulge. If Coraline is to escape, she'll need to use some fierce determination, her brain, & some bravery to get back home - home, a place that never seemed as welcoming as it does now.
What a strange, strange tale this 'Coraline' is. Really, it took me quite a while to get into this not-for-young-children's movie. 'Coraline' is a macabre mystery; one that resembles, in tone, an 'Alice in Wonderland' or even 'Hansel & Gretel'. Coraline, herself, dons blue hair & a not-so-nice attitude. Furthermore, I wouldn't wish her real mom or dad on anyone I know personally. Her little boy neighbor isn't all that cute. The circus man who dangles from the 3rd floor is unbelievably creepy. And the 2 'sisters' who live below are anything but endearing. Even the black cat isn't your typical 'cute' animated film animal. But I grew to love him; so I can forgive that. There's no one to really pull for in this movie (Coraline, as a character, is fairly boring). All you're doing is sitting back (with your 3D glasses or not), relaxing, watching some very, very fine stop-motion animation, & trying to make heads or tails of the twisted plot.
Now, there is beauty to be found onscreen; a bizarre, gothic beauty. The characteristics given to the human beings in the film are distinct. The landscapes & interiors of the house are beautifully textured. Everything from the cat, to dishware, to the blades of grass are meticulously realized. On an emotional level, 'Coraline' taps into those brand of adolescent dreams where mommy & daddy are not who appear to be, or are in trouble, or monsters will get them, or you, & maybe you can save the day. In that respect, 'Coraline' resonates. The film is eccentric, inventive, weird, & ghoulish (most of the time). I don't know if I'd bring any young ones to see this; not only for it's scary images (i.e., spider lady), but because the humans in it are somewhat nasty. All that said, there are small pleasures to be found. The beginning & ending of the film are particularly nice. And on a technical level, as a cohesive film, it's pretty damn good.