Dirs: Chris Butler & Sam Fell
Stars: Kodi Smitt-McPhee, Tucker Albrizzi, Christopher Mintz-Plasse
Paranorman tells the story of a young horror film fan who is surrounded by the ghosts of previous residents of his small American town. Ostracised at school for being “ab-Norman”, he befriends fellow outsider, Neil, and together they must prevent the supernatural catastrophe that will occur at his witch-hunting community’s fast approaching anniversary.
During Paranorman’s first act you find yourself ignoring that the major plot strand seems to be following in the footsteps of established popcorn favourites like The Sixth Sense or Troll 2. This is because the brilliance of the film’s opening lies in the little gags and horror movie references that cover Norman’s day-to-day life; and the enjoyable character development that wonderfully illustrates the rôle of movies in an outsider’s childhood, akin to last year’s Super 8. The plot then takes a rather mature and unexpected turn, and after an adventure full of genuine laughs and frights, the final scenes of Paranorman leave the audience with much food for thought.
The film is also a great technical achievement for Laika studios, the creators of Coraline. In an industry that has become overloaded by movies more concerned with merchandising profits than entertainment, cinematographer Tristian Oliver (Wallace & Gromit, Chicken Run, Fantastic Mr. Fox) has managed to create a visually extraordinary world for Norman to inhabit, as well as terrifically convincing special effects and characterisation through the strenuous and mind-bogglingly patient art of stop-motion animation. Moreover, a supporting cast including Anna Kendrick, Casey Affleck, Jeff Garlin and John Goodman help to bring the population of Norman’s town to life with great warmth and vigour.
Paranorman is definitely not a children’s film, it contains genuinely spooky scenes that go far beyond “mild peril” and its references, innuendo and thought-provoking themes make it almost more enjoyable for adults. This family stop-motion horror film deeply challenges the small town mentality of immediately confronting what is unknown with bigotry, hatred and fear – and instead advises children and adults alike to take the time to listen to those who are ignored and embrace their individuality.
8 / 10
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