ParaNorman (Movie Review)

My kids have become obsessed with the 3D craze that the film industry has thrust upon unfortunate parents. However, ParaNorman was one of the first films, that I actually didn't cringe at the thought of seeing in 3D. The story revolves around a young boy named Norman (voiced by Kodi Smit-McPhee) who resides in the town of Blithe Hollow―known for its execution of a witch centuries before. The story is one of how society persecutes anyone that is so-called different. The town almost in a way celebrates the sins of their forefathers with play reenactments of the trial and execution―along with witch-themed casinos, stores and restaurants. Everything in the town revolves around the legend that one day all of those who executed the girl would rise from the dead as punishment.


Although, Norman lives in a town that strives on the supernatural―he is still an outcast since no one believes he can see the dead. Norman is surrounded by people to talk to such as his dead grandmother and ghostly Civil War veterans, yet he still feels alone and misunderstood. He soon befriends another outcast, a chubby boy named Neil, who shares his torment of the school bully Alvin (voiced by Christopher Mintz-Plasse.

Norman starts to have visions of the Puritans and the ghastly doom to soon take over the town. His insane uncle Mr. Prenderghast (voiced by John Goodman) tells him that he must read from the book to keep the Blithe Hollow witch from rising. Of course, Mr. Prenderghast dies and his ghost disappears before giving Norman all the facts. Norman tries to read the book but is stopped by the bully Alvin. After reading the book fails, Norman realizes he is at the wrong location and must find the grave where the witch was buried.

The zombie puritans rise from the grave and the chase is on! The film throws in classic moments that poke fun at horror and zombie movies; as well as, insanely cute "Scooby Doo" segments. Norman sets out to solve the mystery with the aid of Neil, his air-head sister Courtney (voiced by Anna Kendrick), and Neil’s muscle-headed sibling Mitch (voiced by Casey Affleck).

ParaNorman is non-stop fun from start to finish. The laughs really kick in when the rednecks and town mob take on the zombies. The detail used in the stop-motion animation are breath-taking. The story is suspenseful and surprising while delivering the message of how fear of the unknown plays into how we treat others delivering a terrific moral lesson―without shoving it down the viewer's throat. ParaNorman is a family-friendly horror movie that everyone can enjoy!

Distributor: Focus Features

Starring: (voices) Kodi Smit-McPhee, Tucker Albrizzi, Anna Kendrick

Director(s): Chris Butler, Sam Fell
Writer: Chris Butler
Release Date: August 17, 2012
Genre: Animation, Horror, Comedy
Rating: PG

Score: 10 out of 10