Coraline

About This Movie

Coraline is a strange little gem, directed by Henry Selick, who really knows how to blend whimsy with unease. The stop-motion animation is something else—so much detail, and it has this tactile quality you don’t get with CGI. The atmosphere is thick with that eerie, fairy-tale vibe, especially in the other world, which is almost too perfect. The voice performances, particularly by Dakota Fanning, bring a lot of heart and fear. Themes of identity and the lure of escapism are woven throughout, making it more than just a kid's movie. And let’s not forget the haunting score by Bruno Coulais; it just sticks with you. There’s an unusual charm in how it balances dark and light. Definitely not your run-of-the-mill family flick.

Released by Laika; first feature film from the studio.Running time: 100 minutes; rated PG.Unique stop-motion technique with over 150,000 frames.Nominated for an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.