Let's Begin
PLOT
Norman has it bad. His family doesn't understand him, his classmates constantly make fun of him, and his only friend is the one kid who gets made fun of just as much he does named Neil. Why does everyone avoid him? Because he can talk to the dead. He's fine with it, even starting to get depressed over it. He then discovers that his uncle has the same powers as Norman, and needs him to stop a witches curse that happens every year. Norman doesn't believe him, mostly because he looks like a crazy homeless person, and goes on with his life. That is, until the dead start to rise. Now Norman must find a way to stop the zombie apocalypse and the witch's curse, all with a little help from his sister, friend, his friend's older brother, and the local bully.
PROS
Laika showed us how amazing they were at stop-motion animation with "Coraline", with this, they perfected the craft and then some. The character designs are very creative, and the animation is almost creepily fluid. There are a ton of scenes and special effects that look CG, but are actually all done stop-motion. The team of animators deserve the highest honor and recognition for their work.
The movie reminds me of something like "Poltergeist" or "Gremlins", where it's advertised as a harmless kids film, but is actually very scary and deals with some dark and mature matters for a "kids movie". People are making a big deal about it, but this is the same stuff they did in "Coraline", just made even bigger.
The movie starts out for the first two acts as an above-average kids movie, nothing you need to rush out and see. But in the last 30-45 minutes, the movie pulls an amazing twist, not just in the plot but also in the zombie genre itself. This leads to some of the most daring, heartfelt, and dramatic storytelling ever seen in a kids film. The twist alone is something most movies made for adults wouldn't pull.
CONS
The whole thing about Norman being able to talk to ghost, never goes anywhere. It's used at one other than after the first act, but they just never use it when they could've used it many other times.
The movie has some really bad jokes. Most of the jokes fall flat, and even though the ones that work really work, the bad ones out weigh the good ones.
CONCLUSION
I love this movie, I think this may be one of the best movies of the year. While some people may have problems, and I can't fault them for it, I feel the Pros greatly out weigh the Cons. The first and third acts really make this movie special and something I'll want to watch over and over again. Perfect and daring for kids, while still enjoyable for the adults.
RATING
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