Norman is a boy who can see and talk to the dead, but when his gifts make him an outcast, he can't even trust his own family to be there when he needs them. A curse from a witch and a zombie attack drive the story forward, but Norman's struggle to be accepted is what give this film heart. The oddball collection of other characters never get their own tales, but each gives a unique perspective on Norman, which helps "Paranorman" become something more than just a children's film.
Let's
get this out of the way: I could gush over this film’s animation for days.
Laika Inc. continues to show unparalleled talent for stop-motion animation, and
it is simply a wonder to behold. The only way this film could fail is with poor
voice acting, but the cast delivers strong performances on all fronts. With all
the actors bringing their A-game, it’s hard to even pick one that stands out
from the crowd.
The
music and visuals hearken back classic 70's horror films, giving longtime fans
of the genre something extra. The comedy is geared towards children, but there
is a smattering of adult focused jokes. The story has a level of depth not seen
in most animated movies, and it carries strong morals, which makes this film
wonderful for all ages.
This isn't to say "Paranorman" is perfect. At several points the movie struggles with its identity: the occasional joke during a serious moment or a scare during comedic scenes show a lack of focus, but it’s still a spectacular film.
"Paranorman"
is a gripping story with lots of laughs, and there's really nothing left to say
but go see it.
4
"Zombies" out of 5
Written
by Chris
Edited
by Aaron
