Photo LAIKA

Just because a movie is animated does not mean it is appropriate for kids. ParaNorman is a prime example. Laika Entertainment based in Portland, Oregon, which previously produced Coraline - another edgy animated film - created ParaNorman. Laika has shown that they have the creative edge that we experienced during the early years of Pixar. They are not following the "traditional" Hollywood model but are leading the way to fresh new ideas in the animation arena.
ParaNorman follows a young schoolboy, Norman Babcock (Kodi Smit-McPhee) who sees and speaks to dead people. Yes, everyone including his family thinks he is crazy, but soon they will all need him when the zombies take over their small town and must stop the evil witch, who is determined to destroy it. The voice talent is mainly made up of voice actors and not Hollywood stars, which proves that you do not need Brad Pitt, Ben Stiller or Chris Rock to sell your animated film.
Talent is talent and the cast of ParaNorman delivers outstanding performances. The visual effects of the movie are outstanding, setting the tone of the scary, spooky feel of the film, which is one of the best animated feature films this year. I predict an Oscar nomination in January for ParaNorman, as Coraline received in 2010. The film is co-directed by newcomer Chris Butler, who also wrote the screenplay, and Sam Fell (Flushed Away, The Tale of Despereaux).
This edgy, spooky film filled with zombies and ghosts will have you jumping in your seat in a few scenes. I question the PG rating of the film with scary action, spooky images, and rude language. ParaNorman will be enjoyed by the pre-teen and above audiences but it is not for the youngsters.

Derek Zemrak is a Film Critic, Film Producer and Founder of the California Independent Film Festival. You can follow Derek on Twitter @zemrak for the latest Hollywood news.

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