So I went to see Coraline last Friday night. The theater was packed - not only for the film, but also because it was Friday night, but probably more for the film. The younger generation of the Gaiman army were out in full force, and there were even some really young trainees, who were having their first Gaiman experience. I couldn't help but smile at them - they were in for a lifelong treat of writing by one author whose works they could discover at every stage of their lives and in pretty much any genre that might interest them.
Granted, I feel old in the Gaiman army, and I don't wear much black. But they still let me in.
I heard a lot of comments along the lines of "is this story really suitable for young children?" The button eyes bit seemed to be the main catalyst for this question. It's a creepy idea, sewing buttons on eyes, I agree. But consider some of the other creepy elements that are part of childhood literature - a headless horseman, a witch that wants to fatten up children and cook them and eat them, another witch who wants her stepdaughter's heart brought back to her in a box, a wolf who eats a little girl and then is cut open to free her, giant snakes and spiders in and near a wizarding school. If kids can handle that, they can handle button eyes.
The stop motion animation was wonderful. The sets were gorgeous. I loved Coraline's blue hair, and after I recently saw a little video of the micro-knitter who made the clothes, I couldn't stop staring at the outfits. Great voice work. French and Saunders as Spink and Forcible - perfect casting. It had just the right amount of menace and creepiness, as the book does. Incidentally, it's a great adaptation of the book. Nothing feels left out, trivialized, or overdone. And Coraline is such a great heroine for kids, especially girls. She's intelligent, and she takes action. To see her change from what she thinks she wants to appreciating what she has, and to see her realize that there are times when it is okay to defend yourself and talk back to adults, especially if they're trying to hurt you, is a powerful message that I hope the younger viewers pick up on.
Definitely one for the DVD collection.
Click here for a far better review that mine.
2 comments:
It's not over-critiqued for someone who was waiting to hear what you thought of the film!
Can't wait to see this- ESPECIALLY after your review! Hope to see it tonight, but it's gotta be the 3-D version. Heard it's amazing. Just hope the theatre's not packed w/kids.
Are you a fan of Nightmare before Christmas/Corpse Bride?
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