After almost 16 years away from the spotlight, Henry Selick, the man behind the fun and imaginative Nightmare Before Christmas, is back doing what he does best - making movies. Getting help from the likes of Dakota Fanning and Teri Hatcher, Selick one-ups his previous work, creating a world unlike any other in Focus Features' Coraline.
Long ago the art of stop-motion was put on the back burner for the more, technologically savvy CGI animation. Thankfully, films like Coraline still seep through the cracks as they show delicate work and creative imagination in their transformation from actual clay figurines to fun and adventurous characters.
Coraline, frustrated with the current boundaries that comprise her life, is nothing more than your typical only-child. Having just moved into a new town, she has no friends and longing for attention, something that she does not get from her parents. So, in the act of innocence, Coraline does what any other young child would do, she searches the house for something 'different.'
On the other end of the spectrum you have Teri Hatcher who plays Coraline's mother. Infatuated with her career, 'Mother' hardly noticed her daughter, waving her to the wind with each passing request. But things change after that fateful crawl through the tunnel as Hatcher's role does a complete 180. With the change, she becomes a kind-hearted, endearing parental figure. Her words become pleasant as her undivided attention is focused on her daughter and their happiness. The switch is intense and sudden, creating an awkward tension with those sitting in the audience, one that lasts throughout the entire film.
But like most animated features, little emphasis lies within the characters or actors who portray them. Instead, the focus is on the story and final product. Luckily, much like NIghtmare Before Christmas back in 1993, Coraline hits the mark in both areas.
The story, complete and secure from start to finish, features a set of fascinating characters as imagination flies in and swoops you off your feet. The 'other' world is spellbounding as you experience some of the most incredible sights to ever be constructed through stop-motion animation. Just be warned, this film isn't meant for all kids. For many, the dark and somber tone, mixed with a small set of frightening images will be too much, leaving this film and its incredible adventure suited for those will a little more life under their belts.
***Coraline will be shown in 3-D at select theater locations.
