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.