Chris Butler's 'ParaNorman' is probably the best looking film of its kind. But no movie can get by on looks alone. The story and the characters should be good as well. That's where 'ParaNorman' excells. The story revolves around a kid named Norman who's ostracized by his peers because he claims to have a sixth sense.
He's allowed to speak to the dead, making him the town's Haley Joel Osment. Being a nerdy kid we first meet Norman when he's watching zombie flicks with his deceased grandmother. His entire life he's around the living dead, making him more than a little awkward. But when his strange uncle Penderghast warns him about a witch's curse he's suddenly the town's only hope for redemption.
'ParaNorman' owes a lot to the horror films from the late seventies and early eighties. It's colourful, yet dark and the zombies are moaning lumps of rotten green flesh. Every time these creatures show up they're accompanied by a John Carpenter-esque synth beat. There are some moments that are meant to make you jump but they're mostly good-natured. This is probably why the film works as well as it does. The material lends itself perfectly for a mean-spirited little tale but instead it's very friendly and touching.
The design of Norman himself and the world he inhabits is wonderful. It's style is very far away from Tim Burton's curly gothic look. Instead 'ParaNorman' is a little less clean. This world seems less like a fairy tale and more like an eighties Amblin film. All the characters, especially the zombies, are characteristic and soulful. The voice cast that gives them life is equally exceptional with Kodie Smit-McPhee as Norman, Tucker Albrizzi as a fat kid with a heart of gold, Christopher Mint-Plasse as Norman's dimwitted bully, Bernard Hill as the lead zombie and John Goodman as Penderghast.
The film's theme is a familiar one. It's about accepting those who are different. Coupling this theme with the subject of witch trials fits perfectly. Like the famous Monster of Frankenstein the witch and the zombies want nothing more than to be taken for who they are. It might not be the most original message out there but it's still very relevant. And the way this film weaves this message into its story is nothing short of perfect. That's why 'ParaNorman' is my film of the summer. It should be yours as well.
Great review Vince. This flick was a little too slow at times for me, but for the most part kept me entertained with its humor and energetic voice-cast. Especially the little fat kid, who was not only was cute as anything, but also nailed every time he had a funny line.
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