CORALINE (2009)

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"This place is 'more' as it seems."

When I bought my ticket, I was given a set of 3-D glasses and thought, oh no. They're presenting this in 3-D ? I clean forgot. Never been a fan of 3-D. Is this film going to feature a lot of "in your face" 3-D gimmicks? As it turns out, as the cat so aptly stated, "You are wrong." Coraline, whether you experience it in traditional or 3-D format, is a breathtaking fresh approach to stop-motion animation that only the master of the art, Henry Selick, could accomplish. If anything, the 3-D format enhances the environment, providing a compliment to its characters and well-crafted miniature sets instead of attempting to trip out the audience. And at 101 minutes, it is the longest film to date in Selick's Repertoire.

Coraline, based on a novel by Neil Gaiman, is a modern fairytale that shares in the tradition of a witch trying to ensnare children, reminding me of Hansel and Gretel (to which our protagonist appropriately sings a little melody that recounts the classic tale, and no, this film does not have a sting of musical numbers, as seen in The Nightmare before Christmas or James and the Giant Peach). Coraline is an only child whose parents are so busy that they don't give her the attention she needs. Moving away from Michigan doesn't help, neither is moving into a 150 year old house. She finds a secret door that leads to a place of wonder, intrigue, and great danger.

Smooth animation, amazing visuals, meticulous attention to detail, and swift, catchy dialogue engages the audience straight away. A unique score was provided by Bruno Coulais that was both energetic and eerie. The accompaniment of French children vocals added to the eeriness. For a story that hardly leaves the house, there is laughter, suspense, and depth, a blend that is rare in Hollywood these days. The two old retired showgirls with their rows of dead stuffed dogs wearing angel sweaters and little halos on their heads, is just a prime example.

I have no complaints about this film, so I will not include a The Good/The Bad segment as I usually do. I was never tempted to look at my watch. That's always a good sign. It suffices me to say that I am glad that I broke my own rule and saw a movie, in the theater, in February! Gasp! And you know what? It was worth it. If your little ones don't mind watching a metal hand with sewing needles for fingers nearly choke a girl, than go ahead and take them to this.

I highly endorse Coraline as the first must see film of the year. Though Tim Burton was not involved in this, as he has with other Selick films, the flavor of Coraline is every bit as enticing as the witch's delicious cakes and roasted chicken. I'll gladly trade my eyes for buttons to see this film again.