Review of ParaNorman (2012) by Ryan V — 11 Apr 2016

Norman (Kodi Smit-McPhee) is a misunderstood little boy who's ostracized within his small New England town since nobody believes that he can see (and communicate with) ghosts. Things take a turn for the ugly once a witch's curse reanimates the dead and it seems like Norman is the only one who can do anything about it.

The third act of Paranorman is a bit more heavy-handed than I liked, but the whole package is funny, exciting, and even touching. The voice cast does solid work all around, but what really sells this story is the detailed and vibrant animation.

I wouldn't be at all surprised if the kids who grow up watching this movie eventually turn it into a perennial cult tradition a la The Nightmare Before Christmas, Hocus Pocus, or It's The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown.