– Sian Borrill contributed to this report.
From the same animation studios that brought us “Coraline” and “Corpse Bride,” Laika Entertainment have delighted everyone with new 3D stop-motion film, “ParaNorman,” about a boy who can see and speak to ghosts.
Nobody in the town of Blithe Hollow believes Norman Babcock (voiced by Kodi Smit-McPhee) about his unusual talent and Norman often finds himself isolated from everybody, even his concerned family. However, one day, he makes a new friend in Neil who starts to believe that Norman may be telling the truth.
The plot then goes on to centre around an evil curse which was cast by a witch many years ago, and it is left up to Norman to perform the ritual to protect the town from zombies and become an unlikely hero.
Some unexpected characters come to Norman’s aid and the shocking truth of the history behind the witch is revealed in a spellbinding and creepy climax.
This well-crafted animation shows that a lot of thought and passion has gone into its making. It includes a selection of funny gags which are sure to make the younger audience laugh, but aren’t really enough to make an impression on the older generation, so it isn’t everyone’s cup of tea.
Despite this, the intelligent storyline is so unpredictable that it can easily keep people of any age glued to their seats if they are willing to give it the chance.
Combining great ideas and strong characters, ParaNorman is a charming animation which is certain to become one of the best comedy-horror movies for both children and adults alike this Halloween season.