ParaNorman Review: A Spooky, Surprising Animated Adventure

Introduction

ParaNorman arrived with the promise of a spooky, animated ride, and it certainly delivered on the scares, perhaps more than expected for a PG film. The story centers on Norman, a peculiar kid who sees dead people – a modern-day Haley Joel Osment, if you will. He's an outcast, picked on at school, but his unique ability thrusts him into a centuries-old curse.

When the dead begin to rise, Norman, despite lacking any zombie-fighting experience, becomes the unlikely hero tasked with saving the town. The initial setup might feel a tad slow, with the plot building gradually, but once it hits its stride, the film truly picks up.

The Lead Dynamic & The Action

The film shines with its character dynamics. Norman's sister finds herself paired with a "knucklehead," creating amusing interactions. Norman's "fat friend" provides much of the humor, reminiscent of classic movie sidekicks. Even the bully, voiced by Christopher Mintz-Plasse (known for "Mcloven"), fits surprisingly well, proving that a distinctive voice can carry a character.

Visually, ParaNorman is a treat. The stop-motion animation evokes an "old school Tim Burtonish style," boasting "really cool effects," "cool cloud movements," and impressive "depth of field." The 3D presentation was particularly praised for its quality.

This isn't a kiddie cartoon. The film features "frightening ass scenes" that are genuinely effective, making it more suitable for teenagers and older audiences who will appreciate the jokes and the darker tone.

Cameos, Nostalgia & Narrative Stakes

The narrative itself is "interesting as hell," keeping viewers "intrigued by the story and the visuals and everything that's going on." The core premise of Norman's quest is "awesome and cool," providing a solid foundation for the adventure.

The choice of Christopher Mintz-Plasse as the voice of the bully, despite his recognizable face, works effectively, showcasing the strength of the voice acting.

Tone, Direction & Creative Freedom

The primary criticism leveled against ParaNorman is its inconsistent pacing. While the story and visuals are captivating, the film can feel "really slow" at times, particularly in the opening act. This unevenness is attributed to the directorial approach, with Sam Fell and his co-director being described as "young directors" who haven't "perfected their craft yet."

Despite the pacing hiccups, there are moments where "things are coming together," with strong dialogue, compelling principles, and a well-executed premise. The film's ability to be character-driven, a rarity in animation, is a significant strength, especially for its target demographic of teenagers and older.

It's crucial to understand that this is "not made for kids." Parents are warned against bringing young children, as the scares are potent enough to cause sleepless nights. Instead, it's a film for "teenagers and older teenagers" who can appreciate its depth and humor.

The Final Verdict

ParaNorman is a genuinely "good time," offering a surprisingly "deeper than just your average animation." With its "solid characters, good situations, good comedic moments, great visuals, and a really good premise," it leaves a lasting impression.

While the pacing issues prevent it from being a flawless experience, the film's strengths far outweigh its weaknesses. It's like a "nice shirt" that just needs a bit of ironing to be perfect. It's an animation that defies expectations, delivering a unique and memorable experience for those ready for a spooky, character-driven adventure.