8 replies to this topic

[TWoP Gadget]

When a small town comes under siege by zombies, who can it call? Only misunderstood local boy Norman, who is able to speak with the dead. In addition to the zombies, he'll have to take on ghosts, witches and, worst, of all, grown-ups, to save his town from a centuries-old curse. But this young ghoul whisperer may find his paranormal activities pushed to their otherworldly limits.

[braggtastic]

This movie was really fun throughout. It's funny how I can immediately identify some voices (Jeff Garlin), know I know others but can't quite get them right (I knew Elaine Stritch's voice, but couldn't remember who it belonged to, wrongly guessing Phyllis Diller even though I knew it wasn't quite right), and not recognize others at all even though I'm aware of how they sound (that McLovin' kid, Leslie Mann, Anna Kendrick). Be sure you stay until the end of the credits, as there's a time lapse shot of how the figures are created - so cool.

I don't think 3D was needed for the film, but that's my only criticism.

I walked by 68th/bway AMC theater last night & they have a bunch of the actual figures used to make the movie on display in fancy dioramas - cool.

Edited by braggtastic, Aug 18, 2012 @ 1:47 PM.

[Redtracer]

I really liked this as well. Incredibly creative and smart, with amazing visuals and a nice emotional throughline about acceptance that doesn't beat you over the head. I also liked how it wasn't just a running series of pop culture gags in the Shrek vein. There were a handful of overt ones (Norman's ringtone being the theme from Halloween, the hockey mask from Friday the 13th), but they all fit the movie perfectly. I dread to think what DreamWorks would have done with this premise.

The only thing I didn't like was the chase scene from the graveyard to the Town Hall. Maybe I'm just being grumpy, but it seems like every animated movie feels obligated to include some kind of mid-movie chase scene just to make sure the kiddies are still awake. Here, it feels at odds with the more thoughtful tone of the rest of the movie. But that was my only complaint.

The best animated movie I've seen so far this year.

[ShadowDenizen]

This movie totally took me by surprise at how clever and original it was, and how likable virutally the entire animated cast was.

The best animated movie I've seen so far this year.

Yes, it's defintely up there for me as well!

[LiberryLady]

I really liked it. It had a fantastic look, and was really clever.

Be sure you stay until the end of the credits, as there's a time lapse shot of how the figures are created - so cool.

I'm glad I stayed; I thought there might be something special there!

[jazz]

We really liked it. I went with my sister, brother in-law and nieces (11 &13). It was more engaging than I thought. Nice story on being different and being bullied for it. I liked when his friend Neil said something about why people bullied others and that if Norman was more stupid and bigger he would probably be bullying someone. My favorite part was with Neil's big studly brother Mitch. Fixing his "baby", the poor van. And after the whole night of Norman's sister Courtney throwing herself at him to which he is completely oblivious. The next morning she suggests they hang out some more and he says sure his boyfriend loves scary chick flicks. I loved it. Heh. That was great and completely unexpected.

[corvus13]

Be sure you stay until the end of the credits

I always do. You never know when they're going to throw special credits at you.

[IBM62]

I'm not usually a fan of supernatural type movies, but I rented this from Netflix after hearing it is up for Best Animated Feature this year. I have to say, if it does win, I'd be pretty happy, as its definitely superior to Brave (which is pretty good too, but doesn't have the depth of this one). I thought they did a good job giving a fresh perspective on ghosts/zombies/witches while keeping the whole thing tongue and cheek. The storyline was also pretty well crafted and surprising and I really liked the characters, especially Neal and Courtney.

This is one of those movies that really gets the feel of what being a kid is like down and it doesn't sugarcoat anything. Norman's life is legitimately pretty terrible when we first meet him (bullies, misunderstood by his dad, no friends - at least no living ones). But it takes a REALLY dark turn when describing the witch's backstory. I mean, I know it's kind of historically accurate, but I was still kind of surprised that they went there.

Felt a little sorry for Courtney at the end when she found out Mitch was gay. Didn't see that coming, but good for him. Suppose they can still be friends at least.

[LiberryLady]

I've now seen all the nominated animated movies, and ParaNorman is definitely my favorite. My son and I both loooved it, so I got this super-cool poster for him off of Ebay; I better get it to him soon as I'm tempted to keep it for myself.