Coraline (2009)

 

Laika Studios is one of those companies that manages to deliver delightful films that are colourful and just ooze craftsmanship, as everything is stop-motion. Moreover, director Henry Selick knows his stuff. For this one, they have adapted a story by acclaimed writer Neil Gaiman and if you are somewhat familiar with his work, you know this will be a tale with some odd twists and turns. 

And it is. 

Coraline and her parents move out into the sticks so the parents can continue working on their catalogue of plants. This leaves Coraline pretty much on her own, as they are stressed and really don't have the time to occupy themselves with their little girl. She discovers there is a small door that leads to a mirror universe where everything is colourful and fun and her 'other' parents are funny and caring, something that Coraline dearly misses. 

Oh, and everyone in this world has buttons for eyes. Totally not creepy. Not. Creepy. At. All.

But then things start to feel off. Coraline's Other Mother becomes quite pushy in order to keep Coraline there. She even demands the girl have her eyes replaced with buttons. When the very real cat manages to warn Coraline that things are not what they seem, slowly but surely everything starts to unravel...

This film is gorgeous to look at. There's something so very fun about stop-motion done well and Laika Studios are masters of their craft. In the real world, most colours are muted, except for Coraline herself and then the Other World lights up with vibrant schemes and playful designs. Who wouldn't want to fall in love with such a place that always feels like a joy? But that is of course the temptation set in motion to lure Coraline in. The film also grows darker in an almost imperceptible way and when things really go south, you're so invested that it drags you along for the final ride. 

That is to say: the final act is really, really dark. Heck, it is so dark, it might even scare little kids or kids that don't deal well with creepy stuff. Just a warning that a wholesome kids' film, this is not. This one has teeth. 

The voice cast is very good, and I especially enjoy the fact that they asked Jennifer Saunders and Dawn French to voice the vaudeville ladies Spink and Forcible. The characters have been a duo for donkey's years and so having two comedians that worked together nearly all their lives play these parts just works wonderfully, as their banter and playing off one another is more than natural. It's a true delight. But everyone is excellent here. 

Bonus points to casting Keith David as the cat. That honey-tinged low voice does it every time. 

'Coraline' is a great addition to what Laika Studios and Henry Selick have already managed to create. It's done with artistic intent, with a good story backing it up and finished with excellent performances and animation. More than worth your time!