The new animated movie "Coraline" from director Henry Selick, takes you into a magical world that takes hold in the opening sequence and doesn't release you until the very last credit. Based on the book by fantasy writer and internet rock star Neil Gaiman, Coraline is a visual treat with a strong storyline, compelling characters, and clever animation that propels it along. This is the first 3D movie I've seen in which the 3D actually enhanced the action and didn't seem like a throwaway gimmick.
The story revolves around a young girl, Coraline Jones, a recent transplant from Michigan to a decrepit pink Victorian apartment house in the Oregon woods. Her parents are work-at-home writers who are working on a gardening catalog, but hate dirt and seem to have little interest in either gardening or their child. In her exploring around the old house, Coraline comes upon a small door that gives her entrance into an alternate world, one where she is the center of attention. At first, it seems like a dream come true, but Coraline soon learns that she should be careful what she wishes for.
Coraline's main complaint against her parents is a familiar refrain. "You never listen to me," she whines to her mother. I'm not sure I know any child (or adult for that matter) who hasn't said or felt that sentiment at one time or another. What Coraline does for parents is to point out that the simple act of listening, and not necessarily indulgence, is what children really want.
Visually, the movie is a stunning, relying on a combination of stop-motion artistry and digital magic. Coraline's world is beautiful, creepy, and strange, and altogether wonderful.
As a caution, our 8 year old son thought the movie was too a little too intense at times, although he has seen all of the "Star Wars" and "Lord of the Rings" movies. When I asked why those movies didn't scare him and this one did, he was vague murmured something about the "weird button eyes". I think it was because a child he identified with was in peril, and that is more unsettling to him than fantasy monsters and battle scenes.
Some kids will love the spine-tingly creepiness, others will be disturbed by it. I'm not sure if it's entirely fair to assign a specific age group that this film is suitable for. You need to know your kids and their sensitivities. The best way to find out how they will react is by listening to them. I'm pretty sure that's what Coraline would advise you to do.
