Buttons Are Scary

Spooky as Hell

This is my recommendation for “Coraline,” the 3-D stop-motion animated quasi-kids’ movie directed by Henry Selick, whom you may remember from “The Nightmare Before Christmas.”  Firstly, I am now wondering why more movies aren’t in 3-D, as in all of them.  Secondly, who knew buttons could be so scary?  (As if I needed something else to add to that list.)  The real thrust of this film is the visual effect of the dark and dream-like fantasy world conjured by young Coraline’s imagination.  It is half Dr. Seuss and half “Pan’s Labyrinth” embroidered with delicious details that jump right off the screen.  If you miss it in the theater, I predict you won’t be wowed by the at-home version.  Also, the Buddy Holly-framed 3-D glasses make a nifty souvenir.

I wouldn’t put this movie squarely within any “children’s movie” designation; it includes some grown-up themes and narrow-escape situations that young children might not appreciate (unless they already spend a lot of time feeling marginalized and fantasizing about replacing their parents with upgraded facsimiles who have buttons-for-eyes).  Coraline is a little girl largely neglected by her work-weary parents who, in exploring the sprawling Victorian manse that has now become her home, discovers a secret door leading to – you guessed it – a fairytale.  Of course, as with all things, this fairytale is flimsy and masks some deeply unseemly conduct by a domineering matriarch in the making.  Coraline’s supporting characters in this adventure vary from the anthropomorphic to the scantily-clad and each contributes significantly if not necessarily meaningfully.

The movie is an eye-full of rich detail and impressive animation. So much for Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride.  There is a new show in town.

I recommend you see it and start planning your Coraline Halloween costume now.

Juno the Kind I Mean

Every once in a while you encounter a creative work or experience that restores (or reinforces, depending on your particular state of mind) your faith in humanity and reminds you how much you like people.  “Juno” is that kind of movie.  I cannot recommend it highly enough.

Juno has been compared by many to “Little Miss Sunshine,” a fellow Sundance favorite.  It’s a fair comparison insofar as both films are quirky, showcase impressive performances by burgeoning talent, and are, thankfully, not your average large production fare.  The principal distinguishing factor is that Juno is superior by far.

The premise isn’t new – “A comedy about growing up…and the bumps along the way” – but the presentation is refreshingly matter-of-fact and the acting is so natural, that the result is an unqualified pleasure.  Ellen Page, who plays high-schooler Juno, gives what appears to be an effortless performance and delivers sophisticated dialogue with a frankness that makes it impressively believable.  Page delivers a spot-on performance that is a ticklish mix of suburban slacker and cherubim.  There are also very strong performances from her supporting cast – a collection of friends and family who are as endearing as they are unconventional.

Go see it.  You’ll be glad you did.