Movie: Coraline

Don’t be mislead by the advertising hype – Coraline is not directed by Tim Burton. At the helm is Henry Selick (who also directed Burton’s “Nightmare Before Christmas”). Both movies, however, definitely have the Burton style and stamp of excellence. Presented in glorious 3-D, this deliciously creepy animated fantasy is a fabulous treat for the eyes.

When Coraline moves into a decrepit old mansion, she is left to amuse herself while her parents focus on their writing. In the course of exploring the ramshackle property and sprawling, barren garden, she encounters a haughty cat, an odd boy who gets on her nerves, and her eccentric neighbors upstairs and down. But when she steps through a mysterious little door in her house, she finds her way to another house, strangely similar to her own, only much nicer. She’s welcomed by an alternate mother and father who want her to be their little girl, but there’s a price to pay. When Coraline realizes the true evil of the “other mother,” the stakes are raised. In true mythological fashion Coraline has to outwit the villain and restore harmony.

Blending stop-motion with exquisite CGI animation, Selick’s film is breathtakingly enchanting and genuinely terrifying. The unusual addition of the 3D trickery serves the story well and intensifies its effective scares.
Dakota Fanning is the voice of Coraline.
The ubiquitous Dakota Fanning is pitch-perfect as the voice of Coraline, conveying the essence of a neglected little girl without ever sounding whiny or too sarcastic. Playing both the good and evil mothers, Teri Hatcher surprises by demonstrating a vocal range that clearly delineates between the two characters. Some of Britain’s finest actors, including the legendary comedians Jennifer Saunders and Dawn French as Miss Spink and Miss Forcible, playing eccentric former showgirl sisters, and the always marvelous Ian McShane, round out the supporting cast voices.

Selick’s story actually improves on Neil Gaiman’s magical book by fleshing out the tale and adding a character (the boy). The old-fashioned and mildly sexist ending, that draws from the annals of traditional storytelling, somewhat disappoints. But that moment only slightly undermines Coraline’s valor and ingenuity in an otherwise delightful and spooky film.
A fantastical image from "Coraline."
Be advised – Coraline is actually a horror movie posing as a kiddie picture. Anyone bringing children younger than 10 years old can expect nightmares to ensue.

Rated: PG
Stars: Voices of Dakota Fanning, Teri Hatcher, Ian McShane, Jennifer Saunders, Dawn French
Director: Henry Selick
Release date: 2/6/09

Studio/Official Site: www.coraline.com

[Pauline Adamek is a Hollywood-based film, theater, and food critic who files for “FilmInk Australia,” “LA Daily News,” “Sun Community Newspapers,” as well as various websites under the “nom du net” Max Million.]