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Title: ParaNorman (2012)
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| Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
| Kodi Smit-McPhee | ... | Norman Babcock (voice) | |
| Tucker Albrizzi | ... | Neil (voice) | |
| Anna Kendrick | ... | Courtney Babcock (voice) | |
| Casey Affleck | ... | Mitch (voice) | |
| Christopher Mintz-Plasse | ... | Alvin (voice) | |
| Leslie Mann | ... | Sandra Babcock (voice) | |
| Jeff Garlin | ... | Perry Babcock (voice) | |
| Elaine Stritch | ... | Grandma (voice) | |
| Bernard Hill | ... | The Judge (voice) | |
| Jodelle Ferland | ... | Aggie (voice) | |
| Tempestt Bledsoe | ... | Sheriff Hooper (voice) | |
| Alex Borstein | ... | Mrs. Henscher (voice) | |
| John Goodman | ... | Mr. Prenderghast (voice) | |
 |
Hannah Noyes | ... | Salma (voice) |
| Jack Blessing | ... | Slob Guy / Civil War Ghost (voice) | |
In the town of Blithe Hollow, Norman Babcock is a boy who can speak to the dead, but no one besides his eccentric new friend, Neil, believes his ability is real. One day, Norman's estranged eccentric uncle tells him of an important annual ritual he must take up to protect the town from a curse cast by a witch it condemned centuries ago. Eventually, Norman decides to cooperate, but things don't go according to plan. Now, a magic storm of the witch threatens Blithe Hollow as the accursed dead rise. Together with unexpected new companions, Norman struggles to save his town, only to discover the horrific truth of the curse. With that insight, Norman must resolve the crisis for good as only he can. Written by Kenneth Chisholm (kchishol@rogers.com)
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Without spending too much time discussing the plot, this movie is essentially a film about a misfit kid who ultimately must save the town that has misunderstood and mistreated him for most of his life. Yes, Norman sees dead people. However, everyone is aware of Norman's claim of this power and they either ridicule him (other kids) or are ashamed of his seemingly wild claim and erratic behaviour. Of course Norman's extra-sensory powers will soon be required to rid the town of a curse. The resulting events make for a great story and film.
There are several themes in this film that were well developed and ultimately resolved to my satisfaction. The animation is incredible, and I loved the creative camera shots that the director(s) chose in many scenes: much more advanced than the usual animated film.
I took 2 children to see this movie, a 6-year old girl and a (near) 4 boy. The kids loved the comedic zombie scenes in particular and were laughing out loud for much of it. They were frightened in other parts but in a functional thematic way, not to the point of nightmares. However I did note that some of the deeper themes went right over the kids' heads, and while they weren't too bothered by this fact, I advise that children over 8 might enjoy the film more fully.
The climax of the film is beautifully animated, and very poignant. On the whole a great film. I would state only that the humour surrounding the zombies was hilarious for adults and children alike, and I would have included more of it. Certainly this film is worth the admission. I saw it in 3D, it wasn't mind-blowing 3D but it certainly gave the film more texture.