Adapted from Neil Gaiman’s bestselling children’s novella, Coraline is a hauntingly beautiful tale of an adventurous girl who, much like any child, longs for attention from her busy parents. After moving into a new home, Coraline stumbles upon a secret door that leads her to a magical world, seemingly similar to her own – only much better.  There, she finds her “other” parents, who not only give her their undivided attention, but also bombard her with delicious meals and magical adventures.  Why would she ever want to leave?

But soon, Coraline realizes this new world may not as perfect as it seems, and she must embark on a dangerous and frightening mission to save herself, and her family.

I was first intrigued by this film’s insane marketing campaign (one display on a downtown Chicago store window actually turned your eyes into buttons on a video screen when you stood in front of it).  I then read Gaiman’s novella, meant for kids but equally haunting for adults, and fell in love with Coraline’s character – a strong female protagonist, still a young child, but brave, adventurous, and imaginative.  The tale capitalizes on every person’s greatest fear: losing your parents, or losing your child.  It also brings to life every child’s fantasy: a secret passageway to another world, right in your very own home.

I entered the theatre with high expectations, and I was not disappointed.  To view this film in 3D is truly an experience, and the stop-motion animation is absolutely breathtaking.  (A 3D version of this film is available on DVD as well, which might be worth exploring).

Director Henry Selick (Nightmare Before Christmas, James and the Giant Peach) worked very closely with Gaiman throughout production of this film, and it certainly shows.  The two artists create a stop-motion masterpiece that conveys Coraline’s twisted world impeccably, from eerie, abnormal colors to crooked, elongated necks.

The film does lose a few points for unoriginality, having featured a magical talking cat who disappears behind trees (Cheshire anyone?), but gains back credibility with quirky and hilarious supporting characters.  Coraline’s upstairs neighbor, the Amazing Bobinsky, charms audiences with his terrible Russian accent and “Famous Jumping Mouse Circus”.   But if you can find no other reason to see this film, behold: Miss Spink and Miss Forcible, two washed-up former show girls, who wind up putting on a, well…titillating performance for Coraline, her friend Wybie, and hundreds of Scottish Terriers…in nearly their birthday suits (see screenshot below).

Even if you’re not a fan of dark, Tim Burton-esque animation, this flick is definitely worth a watch.  For adults and children of all ages, Coraline is artful, entertaining, and just the right amount of creepy.