AC5: Random Movie Review - Coraline

So previously I have reviewed only one film from Laika which was ParaNorman and I gave it a very positive review. Today and over the next few days (except for the 7th which will be a video game day) I'm going to be looking at the other films they have done and we start with Coraline. One of the big problems that many stop motion films face is that it takes a lot more time and money to make a stop motion film as opposed to CGI and some live action films. And while that does sound like a lot of time, it does for the most part pay off as the studio is able to make the film just right in that time and stop motion has been recognised by film critics as a type of film that requires way more time and effort than any other film. Its the reason why there are such big gaps between film releases. But as long as they keep doing what their doing, it's all fine. So this being Laika's first feature film, let's check it out:

So the film follows the scenario of the parents having to move house because of work with their children (or child in this case) not wanting to move, but eventually either warms to the idea or suspects that something is up. In this film's case, it's the latter. So we meet our titular protagonist Coraline (voiced by Dakota Fanning) who along with her parents (voiced by Teri Hatcher and John Hodgman) move from Pontiac in Michigan to the Pink Palace Apartments in Ashland, Oregon. Having made some acquaintances in her eccentric neighbours (voiced by Jennifer Saunders, Dawn French and Ian McShane), the landlady (voiced by Caroline Crawford), the landlady's son (voiced by Robert Bailey Jr.) and a cat (voiced by Keith David), Coraline is given a doll that resembles her and leads her to a door. Eventually having access to the door, Coraline enters it to find that she has entered an alternate universe. A universe where she can have everything she wants as opposed to having little to nothing due to her parents frequently working and ignoring her wishes. As well as a universe where everyone has buttons for eyes. But when Coraline is given a deal breaker she must decide to stay in this universe or suffer the consequences that unravel.

As Laika's first film, its actually pretty good. Most of it reminds me of Tim Burton's style of films which are largely dark fantasy films which does give the film a bit of character if anything. Everyone plays their parts well and its beautifully designed too. Its probably a film that kids between 7 and 12 can watch, but only in that age group and not below. You can thank me later. But anyway, its a good film and it certainly put Laika on the map for future films to come. 9/10