Synopsis: ParaNorman, tells the tale of Norman (voiced by Kodi Smit-McPhee,) a misunderstood boy who can speak with the dead and his adventures as he takes on ghosts, zombies and, worst of all, grown-ups, in order to save his town from a centuries-old curse. The film is rated PG and is from the makers of Coraline. Leslie Mann, John Goodman, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Anna Kendrick, Casey Affleck and Kodi Smit-McPhee lend their voices to the film.
Review: If you liked Coraline, you will like ParaNorman as it has the same sensibility, sophistication and writing style. I really liked the movie from an adult’s perspective. It’s quirky, has an interesting story, funny, little scary and appreciated the old school stop motion look of the movie. While the movie seemed like it’s filled with unique characters, it really isn’t. There is Norman the misunderstood kid, Courtney, his annoying self-absorbed, cheerleader older sister, Neil, the funny sidekick who also gets bullied, thus their reason for being friends, the sensitive mom and the dad who just doesn’t get it. That said, I think that tweens and above will like the movie.
Finally, I am mentioning this in my review as a fyi for parents and was pointed out by my daughter, “This movie should be PG -13.” There are a few inappropriate words (e.g one character says “get off your ass” and one character responds to the question what are you watching with “sex and violence.”) in the movie. Also, one of the male characters has a boyfriend. Frankly I don’t care and know it’s reality but you may find it inappropriate for your child.
I do recommend this movie for kids 8+ and up. There are many scenes that are flat out creepy and scary that pre-schoolers and lower grade schoolers will be scared by all the ghosts, witches and zombies that are in the movie.
PARANORMAN – Opens in 2D and 3D theaters everywhere on Friday, August 17, 2012!
OFFICIAL WEBSITE: www.Paranorman.com
FACEBOOK PAGE: www.Facebook.com/Paranorman
TWITTER: www.Twitter.com/ParaNorman, #ParaNorman
Disclosure: NYC Single Mom and daughter screened the movie.
