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But
when this wondrously off-kilter, fantastical adventure turns dangerous
and her counterfeit parents (including her button eyed "Other Mother" played to Desperate Housewives perfection by Teri Hatcher) try
to keep her forever, Coraline must count on her resourcefulness,
determination, and bravery to get back home.
Having barely scraped a passing grade for 2001's Monkeybone
(an all-star shocker starring, a then popular, Brendan Fraser), it is
wonderful to see visionary director Henry Selick find his feet with Coraline.
Each
moment here is pitch perfect, with a wonderful blend of majestic
creepiness and bizarre imagination that manages to both intimidate and
excite.
Think Frosty The Snowman (you know, those classic stop motion epics they show at Christmas) but on a really bad "trip".
It's
nearly impossible to accurately capture the overwhelming sensations of
dreams on screen (sure, people have tried... but it always seems to end
up being a lame bunch of weird edits, bright lights and soft focus),
yet somehow Selick manages to maintain that unnerving sense of warmth
and utter isolation that always seems to engulf us when we dream.
The
use of the 3D technology is also spectacular, with minimal exploitation
of cheesy stunts (EG: Things poking out of the screen) and a strong
concentration and focus on the intricate depth and textures the
technology supplies the audience.
Each strand of wool,
centimetre of clay and splinter of wood feel so wondrously close and
real - it's a true testament to the ever-expanding 3D trend.
The
voice talent assembled here is also wonderful, not simply going for big
names - but the right actors. A real highlight comes in the form of
Coraline's "Other Father" (John Hodgman - aka. the "PC" guy from the
Mac ads) whose vocal talents are enticing and frightening at the same
time.
While younger kids may find this one a little too
creepy and weird (it borders on nightmarish at times - which is
strange, as apparently the film has toned down the "scariness" of the
book), adults will be swept away in the adventure.
The easy thing would be to suggest that Coraline is "Alice In Wonderland as seen by Tim Burton's warped mind"... but with Burton about to release his version of Alice In Wonderland (which looks nothing like this), Coraline by default takes on a wonderfully unique style of it's own.
If you've been craving that sense of spooky, nostalgic whimsy that only 1985's Return To Oz can supply, then get your butt in front of the DVD player and watch Coraline in 3D... you won't be disappointed , because this one's right on the button. DVD Special Features
Thankfully, technology has advanced far enough that
we can now enjoy 3D films in homes of (almost) cinema quality! Included
here is a 3D version of the film with 4 pairs of 3D glasses. It's all you'll ever need!
Conclusion:
Movie 90% Extras: 80%
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