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)
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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.
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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.
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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.
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The film features an Alice theme, a script for a short at most, and Selick's eccentric fantasizing. After half an hour it simply doesn't do anything and comes ever closer to the desperate cry "Let something start happening, for God's sake!" Ironically, what I enjoyed the most was Dakota, who intones perfectly and literally "acts" in the vocal positions of a nasty brat, a scared little girl, and a brave girl. The rest of it was terrible and didn't even need the assistance of Tim Burton.
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A very pleasant island of stop motion imperfection in a sophisticated flood of silicon superhumans. Beautiful animation further enhanced by the 3rd dimension, very poetic decadent drollery and a very nice atmosphere. It's unfortunate that the musical accompaniment does not captivate as much as Elfman's songs once did. Coraline is more infantile than Burton's work and it doesn't have the sharp verbal humor, but despite all the plush, it is able bite nicely. I had a great time. [85%]
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Gallery (90)
Photo © Universal Pictures
![Coraline - Photos](http://image.pmgstatic.com/cache/resized/w663/files/images/film/photos/159/362/159362450_d0ab35.jpg)
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