ParaNorman

Focus Features/Laika

ParaNorman is the animated version of The Sixth Sense. You know, because he sees dead people. Just kidding.

Focus Features/Laika

But seriously, he sees dead people.

Anyway, ParaNorman shares three things in common with Frankenweenie:

1. Released in 2012;
2. Stop-motion animated flick;
3. About the supernatural; and
4. Released in 3D.

Sadly, I never got to see this during its theatrical run, and if I did, I would’ve seen it in 3D. I’m not sure if both Frankenweenie and ParaNorman were shot in 3D. I think they were, but strangely, Frankenweenie’s cast and crew page on IMDb does not list any stereographer, while ParaNorman’s does not list the word stereo at all.

Focus Features/Laika

"When you say 'stereo', do you mean
the one that plays cassette tapes?"

The thing with ParaNorman is that it’s not your typical animated flick. You’ll notice it first with the story, which is actually pretty good. Then you remember that this film was released by Focus Features, which everyone knows is that company which releases art house films. No use of pop songs, and very sparing references of pop culture (there are literary references, which is a totally different thing). Oh, and this film was produced by Laika. As in the camera company-Laika. Yes, the same makers of Coraline. You're welcome.

Focus Features/Laika

"But I didn't say 'thank you'!"

Again, I will not tire of saying it, but I would prefer the living, breathing movements of stop-motion animation over the smooth, perfect fluidity of computer-generated actions. ParaNorman succeeds in giving us something visually fresh, from the sets, to the characters, to the overall visual design. Now all we can do is wait until Laika releases its next animated flick.

Focus Features/Laika

"Yeah, but like, how long?"

ParaNorman. USA. 2012.



Original rating: 7.0 / 10
Casey Affleck voicing a gay jock: + 0.05
Anna Kendrick voicing the slutty sister: + 0.05
Christopher Mintz-Plasse voicing the bully: + 0.05
Bernard Hill voicing the judge: + 0.05
John Goodman looking like the character he's voicing: + 0.05
Final rating: 7.25 / 10





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