Coraline Movie Review

Is The Grass Always Greener On The Other Side? 

If you’re one for creepy, unusual children movies Coraline (released in 2009) is the movie for you! This "children's" thriller takes place in an old house in Ashland, Oregon. Hidden below is the world in which Caroline would rather live in, to boring drag life she had been living before. Starring the wonderful voices of Dakota Fanning and Teri Hatcher, Coraline is a movie one could never forget.

The movie follows a young girl by the name of Coraline (Dakota Fanning) through many misadventures about her new home; along the way she meets a friend, her own age named Wybie (Robert Bailey Jr) who attempts to help her out, but overall does not do a very well job. Coraline is able to wander around freely, because her parents do not pay much attention to anything other than their work; even their own daughter. Because of this lack of attention Coraline is able to go on adventures. Coraline is on one of her adventures one day when she discovers a door that leads to another “world”, a world where her “other” parents pay attention to her, and everything is better; even the food. Even though Coraline loves this “other” world, she soon discovers that the grass is not always greener on the other side.

           

The movie has some amazing animation effects. Everything on screen is actually made by hand by one of the many animators and their crew. When I say everything I mean everything from the flowers in Caroline’s garden to the gloves Coraline wears, which was actually knitted by a hired crew member who knits miniature clothes. The flowers themselves are made from paper and then controlled by plastic fibers that are controlled through a computer, which allows them to glow and also open and close. The gloves as well as every piece of clothing shown in this film is sewn or knitted by hand.  How amazing is that? The fog which surrounds the house in one scene, took the special effects department three weeks to shoot, is actually dry ice. The animation in this film shines through the animators’ true imagination and dedication to the production of this film.

            

           The underlying themes in Coraline do have a well place intention, although in my opinion, I believe the film is not child appropriate. The theme that you should be careful what you wish for, because you are never sure how those wishes will effect you in the long run. Another important theme, always be thankful for what you have, because it could be gone in a blink of an eye. I do not believe that parents should let their children view this, I would not let mine, honestly these are not portrayed correctly to a younger audience.  Although on an adult level, the film is well put together, and the themes shine through in an unusual way.

           

           Coraline might not be appropriate for viewers of all ages, such as children under 10, the film helps other viewers understand that all that glitters is not gold, meaning that sometimes things might appear to be better, but not always are they; therefore we should be happy with what we have. The animation makes up for a lot of the inappropriate items throughout the film. Many people might disagree however; after all it’s just my opinion. Overall I think the movie was alright, not the best I’ve seen, not the worst either.