Directed by:
Henry SelickScreenplay:
Henry SelickCinematography:
Pete KozachikComposer:
Bruno CoulaisCast:
Dakota Fanning, Dawn French, Teri Hatcher, Ian McShane, Jennifer Saunders, Keith David, John Hodgman, Emerson Tenney, Robert Bailey Jr., Christopher MurrieVOD (3)
Plots(1)
Coraline Jones is a girl of 11 who is feisty, curious, and adventurous beyond her years. She and her parents have just relocated from Michigan to Oregon. Missing her friends and finding her parents to be distracted by their work, Coraline tries to find some excitement in her new environment. She is befriended--or, as she sees it, is annoyed--by a local boy close to her age, Wybie Lovat and visits her older neighbors, eccentric British actresses Miss Spink and Forcible as well as the arguably even more eccentric Russian Mr. Bobinsky. After these encounters, Coraline seriously doubts that her new home can provide anything truly intriguing to her, but it does; she uncovers a secret door in the house. Walking through the door and then venturing through an eerie passageway, she discovers an alternate version of her life and existence. On the surface, this parallel reality is similar to her real life--only much better. The adults, including the solicitous Other Mother, seem much more welcoming to her. Coraline is more the center of attention there--even from the mysterious Cat. She begins to think that this Other World might be where she belongs. But when her wondrously off-kilter, fantastical visit turns dangerous and Other Mother schemes to keep her there, Coraline musters all of her resourcefulness, determination, and bravery to get back home--and save her family. (official distributor synopsis)
(more)Videos (1)
Reviews (12)
At first glance, there were a lot of scenes that reminded me slightly of other films. The well where the key was thrown was reminiscent of The Ring, the metal hand was reminiscent of Freddy Krueger, and as a whole it felt at times like a mix of Alice in Wonderland and the gloomy atmosphere of Corpse Bride. But whatever! I enjoyed it. In terms of running time, it was adequate. The music fit the passages perfectly, and the characters were interesting to the point of bizarre (especially Mr. B and the other mother). I was thinking 4*, but I'll round up because this animated film was indeed my cup of tea, full of colourful bleakness and great moments.
()
I made myself watch it and I feel like it's matured a little bit. I don't always let Gaiman get to me. There's still the contrast between genuine horror and pleasingly button-grotesqueness, but it's still great regardless. The stop-motion animation is also incredibly rich and imaginative. So why not?
()
This type of animation simply isn't seen very often anymore. I'm also glad that Henry Selick chose this slim book by Neil Gaiman to adapt into a stop-motion animated film. This animation style suits Coraline incredibly well, and I'm glad there are still people who appreciate and put in the effort for stop-motion animation. The result is worth it. Plus, the horror-themed cartoon is all the better for it. And this fairy tale has the makings of a horror film.
()
It’s been a while since I last watched an animated film, and I was quite pleasantly surprised by this one. It wasn't exactly a masterpiece worth a five-star rating, but the animation was great. I really enjoyed the dark, almost horror-like atmosphere, which was strongest in the last third, but it had seeped out here and there even earlier. To be honest, the atmosphere could have been even darker. I wonder what the film would look like if it had been directed by Tim Burton. I'm sure it would be right up his alley. Either way, the story kept me entertained, and it did give me a chill from time to time. If you want to give your kids a good scare, make a little fake door in the wall, have your kids watch this film, and have a lot of fun while consoling them from their nightmares. Coraline definitely ranks among the better animated films, and I'm not opposed to rewatching it sometime. I'm glad to see that filmmakers are still making nightmare fodder for kids. / Lesson learned: It can always get a little worse.
()
Selick’s Caroline, sorry, Coraline lacks one thing. And that is the “button phobia" which, unlike in the book, never sets in. Maybe it’s because I don’t share Selick’s vision as a whole. It’s not nearly dark enough. There’s nobody quite like Dave McKean. This Coraline is an excellent animated movie, but nothing more. But the potential for more was here.
()
Gallery (90)
Photo © Universal Pictures
![Coraline - Photos](http://image.pmgstatic.com/cache/resized/w663/files/images/film/photos/159/362/159362453_f59c6e.jpg)
Ads