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Plot Summary
From the makers of Coraline comes the story of Norman, a boy who must use his ability to see and speak with the dead to save his town from a centuries-old curse. In addition to spooky zombies, he’ll also have to take on mysterious ghosts, wily witches and, worst, of all, clueless grown-ups. But this young ghoul whisperer will soon find his paranormal abilities pushed to their otherworldly limits. Featuring the voice talents of Kodi Smit-McPhee, Anna Kendrick, Casey Affleck, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Leslie Mann, Jeff Garlin and John Goodman, it’s a frightfully funny and magically thrilling adventure for the whole family in eye-popping stop-motion.
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Rotten Tomatoes Movie Reviews
TOMATOMETER
87%- Reviews Counted: 163
- Fresh: 142
- Rotten: 21
- Average Rating: 7.3/10
Top Critics' Reviews
Fresh: It may be the most fun you'll have with ghosts and zombies all year.
Fresh: The film avoids the pandering of many animated features, bringing an acerbic edge and a thrilling intelligence to its story.
Fresh: The world of Blithe Hollow exists in real space. The residents have real bags under their eyes, real bellies at their belt buckles. Ugliness alternates with rapturous beauty ...
Fresh: "ParaNorman" is never less than entertaining, but you'll have to follow it into a strange purgatory between two opposing genres.
Customer Reviews
A FRIGHTENINGLY FUN ANIMATED ADVENTURE!
The key issue with a lot of animated movies released in theaters these days is how they constantly get away with recycling the same old sight gags and juvenile, kid-friendly jokes we've seen countless times before. Fortunately, "ParaNorman" just so happens to be one of the very few exceptions to this case, as it manages to blend the chills of old-school zombie flicks like "Dawn of the Dead" with the laughs of modern family films like "Up" for a breathlessly entertaining experience unlike any other. With its unique stop-motion animation, unforgettable characters, top-notch voice work, and solidly written script, this is one extraordinary firecracker of a movie that doesn't disappoint!
Norman Babcock (Kodi Smit-McPhee) isn't your typical moody preteen. Obsessed with horror films to an unsettling degree, this introverted outsider is also able to communicate with the dead. Not that Norman can convince anyone of his talent. It's clear as he shuffles his way through another day of disbelieving family members, elementary-school bullying, and casual spirit sightings that he's long accepted his role as a misunderstood outcast in life. But after his black-sheep uncle who can also talk to the deceased (John Goodman) inexplicably drops dead, Norman learns that he's next in line for a centuries-old task: protecting his 300-year-old town from an evil witch's curse. Does our young hero have what it takes to save the day?
What truly makes "ParaNorman" such a satisfying flick isn't so much the fact that its animation is so beautifully designed and intricately detailed, but rather, the way it packs so much wickedly clever humor into one story. Throughout the movie, I couldn't stop laughing at all the irreverent one-liners and adult jokes that kept appearing every which way. I was actually surprised at just how much inappropriate content the directors were able to get away with using (considering the film's PG rating and all), but I enjoyed every minute nonetheless. The characters themselves are also a laugh riot, not just because of their wacky and off-the-wall personalities, but also based on how effortlessly they work off one another in a fast-paced, comedic fashion. Along with a refreshingly original screenplay and a ton of nostalgic throwbacks to the classic fright flicks of yesteryear, this animated family film holds just as much entertainment value for younger viewers as it does for horror aficionados.
As well-animated and hilariously witty as "ParaNorman" may be, it does suffer from a few issues here and there. Near the middle, the story starts to drag, and some of the main characters feel more one-dimensional than they should be, but aside from those slight missteps, there really isn't much to complain about. Although, parents with very young kids may wanna think twice before showing them this film. There are a few scenes with scary images that may easily frighten them, so just keep that in mind. Personally, though, I had an awesome time with "ParaNorman". It's a hilarious, fast-paced thrill ride filled with dazzling visuals, solid storytelling, and memorable characters. If you get the chance, I definitely recommend watching it.
Really is a great film.
I usually don't laugh at animation films but "Paranorman" was hilarious and creative. Even though the story line wasn't the strongest, this movie was clever, witty, and a blast to watch. No doubt recommend.
Better Than ANYTHING!
This movie has been in stores since the 17th. I want it for Christmas so bad!!! In theatres it was a little intense with the little girl and the zombies, but at home it would be a great film to watch with your families! But it does have a few slips like "p***", jack-"a**" and "d***"
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