Coraline (2009)

Young Coraline (Dakota Fanning) is enchanted by the Other World found on the other side of a small door in her family's new apartment. In the Other World, the Other Mother (Teri Hatcher) dotes on young Coraline. Finding a strangely improved world of her own, Coraline considers staying forever until the ugly truth is exposed. When Coraline wants to leave her other world and Other Mother say no, Coraline must unravel the sinister fantasy.

Coraline, a stop-motion creation from director Henry Selick, is creepily captivating. Dark, bleak, and macabre, this is hardly fare for the Disney set. Juxtaposed against vivid animation and equally daunting score, is an eerie atmosphere that's riveting.

The central theme of the story is an oft-used catalyst. Its only the medium used here that makes this animated piece worth watching. Coraline's reality and fantasy stand in grave contrast. While I don't think Selick successfully executes thematically, he certainly gives us lots to look at. The aesthetic is stunning; odd neighbors, a creaky old house, a bedraggled black cat--it all becomes magical at the hand of Selick.

Despite it's beautiful nature, Coraline contains a frightful element that won't endear the film to anyone but disaffected youth. It's too scary for children; not intelligent enough for adults. As I see it, Coraline is creepy and destined to become the hottest line at Hot Topic. While the film may be a must-see for fans of stop-mo or Selick, I, will not be visiting Coraline again any time soon.

J4T: 2½ stars