ParaNorman (2012)

Touches You

That was an excellent one.

Yo, there's no way for me to review this film without saying, take your *insert ethnicity + "ass" here* to see this film,like now. You have to see it in order to know what you're really messing with.

The film creates a perfect balance between action and depth of basic needs, in the midst of an infertile atmosphere.

Much darker and more story-driven than most contemporary 'children's' animated films, ParaNorman is a well-written and well-crafted film. Norman can see dead people, of which there seem to be many, and thus ends up having to save the town from zombies, or (spoiler alert), as it turns out,…vice-versa. While not new to this film, the 'monsters as victims' is a refreshing spin and provides the filmmakers with a lot of comic potential, as does the transformation the frightened townies into a demented mob. The voice talent is very good and gives the animated characters, despite being imaged in extreme ways, real humanity. One of the directors (Chris Butler) worked on Coraline, which I found extremely creepy and remains one of my favourite animated films. I'm surprised that at the relatively low IMDb score as the movie, which was well received by the critics, is clever, fun and well executed.

"ParaNorman" may be too frightening for smaller children but for everyone else, it's a hilarious and scary animated feature that's sure to delight. It's wonderfully animated, with a lot of creative designs and great special effects, and it is filled with consistent laughs that will appeal particularly to fans of horror films. It also has a surprisingly touching and well done message towards the end that parents will be happy to see without being like the obvious P.S.A.s that are thrown together at the end of so many children's cartoons. I'm a big fan of zombie and "classic" 80-90's horror and I had a terrific time. An added bonus is that with this one and you can bring your kid brother/sister to have some fun too. I wouldn't recommend it for children under the age of 8, but I know at least one parent who lets their 10-year-old watch "The Walking Dead", so I guess that's up to you as a parent to decide if you think this will be too frightening for them. The stop motion animation is very well done and looks gorgeous, not at all like some of that jittery stuff you're used to seeing in those Rankin/Bass Christmas specials. The animation is quite smooth here, almost a bit too smooth for my taste, but I digress. Even in the realm of stop-motion, which is always pretty striking this one stands out. There is a particular effect towards the end of the film that looks like stop motion cloth was used to make clouds shaped like a face that stuck with me long after the film was over. It's so well done and unique... and I have no idea how they did it. I also very much appreciated the visual style of this film, which is very distinct. I suppose all stop-motion films look quite distinct, but once again, there's something about this one that makes it really stand out. This film in particular will look really great on Blu-ray and I would recommend you see it in 3D if possible (from what I saw, it would be a lot on fun in 3D). (2-D Theatrical version on the big screen, August 28th, 2012)

ParaNorman is a very good family animated comedy-horror film. I believe this one will become a Halloween classic. This movie is right up there with Corpse Bride, The Nightmare Before Christmas, Frankenweenie and Hotel Transylvania. This movie is well worth watching (even if you only see it once in your life).There are a few hints towards adult references so even if you are not a kid or teen anymore you should get a few laughs out of the film. The movie is not adult content (rated R) remember it is rated PG so even the kids can watch and enjoy this film.8.5/10

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!