“ParaNorman” is not the love letter to horror films viewers might expect. The film inhabits — and builds upon — the genre rather than commenting on it.
For horror buffs, the charm of the film is in its details: Norman’s “Halloween” theme ringtone, the score’s occasionally Carpenter-esque keyboard notes, a nerdy character’s Jason-like hockey mask.
For newbies to horror — the richly animated film’s key demographic — “ParaNorman” is an enchanting introduction, one that uses horror in the best way, holding a funhouse mirror up to everyday fears and issues.
Norman (endearingly voiced by Kodi Smit-McPhee) is different, a boy whose estrangement from the real world is embodied by his connection with ghosts. He’s able to put his sixth sense to good use when his town is threatened by a witch it condemned in the Puritanical days.
Through this story of witch trials and the blind prejudice they perpetuated, the film serves as an imaginative if somewhat preachy allegory for kids who feel different as well as the bullies on their tail. Like any good horror film, it opens our eyes to a world that, despite its surreal nature, is not unlike our own.
“ParaNorman” also shows keen understanding that, as one of the characters says, “the geeks are now in charge” — a notion confirmed by the filmmakers in one of the DVD’s many enlightening featurettes. As they poignantly admit, the artists behind this film are not unlike Norman — outcasts who use their “strangeness” to inspire others like them.
In addition to its sharp yet sweet screenplay and dazzling visual marvels, the film boasts the voice talents of Casey Affleck, Jeff Garlin, John Goodman, Anna Kendrick and Leslie Mann.
The film may not be as memorable as Laika Studio's previous effort, "Coraline," but it's effective nonetheless. As cheesy as this may sound, “ParaNorman” really is fun for the whole family.
Film: 3.5 Yaps
Extras: 4 Yaps