Coraline ( 2009)

Rated : PG (Parental Guidance) [See Full Rating] for thematic elements, scary images, some language and suggestive humor. 

Imagination is more important than knowledge. -- Albert Einstein.

The Quote means a lot to me. Not only because of what it says, but who said it. Mr. Einstein, as you all know is the greatest scientific mind of all times. His works mold everything that we know today about physiques and because of his discoveries humanity path will never be the same. What is to admire about this quote, is that a men of knowledge and fact, takes the time to stand back and realize that there are others things to admire in this world. That the human mind is more than just numbers and formulas. That sometimes, things don't have to make sense. The Truth is I envy people with great Imagination. Whether is a Marquez novel or painting by Picasso, a film by Del Toro. I often wonder what is it like to have a vision like that and yet further more express it. Director Henry Selick and writer Neil Gaiman brings us a movie with great imagination...But what is to expect from the same mind that brought us The Nightmare before Christmas? My review, of CORALINE.

Coraline Jones (Dakota Fanning) is not a happy camper. Her life is coming apart. She and her family move to a town in the middle of nowhere, to a mysterious place called the Pink Apartments. She misses her friends and can't see to get any attention from her parents. To make things worst, she is bored to death. One night she discovers a secret door that takes her to a parallel dimension, where her deepest dreams come true, her "other" parents give her all the attention that she wants and every minute in this world means all the fun that you can get. But be careful for what you wish for.

The first thing that I have to say about this movie is that the story is solid. It doesn't waist time by giving you a back story that other wise would just destroy the motion of the film. Every character falls at the right place and at the right time. You first meet Coraline Jones arriving to her new home, and it only takes moments for the viewer to attach them self to main character. Dakota voice acting is good and very convincing. As the story develops you are treated to visual candy. Every detail of the cinematography and art directing is outstanding. When we are in the real world that is exactly how it feels, but every time we make the jump to the "other" world things seems to get dark confusing and freaky. You just can't image what you are going to see next.

A lot of critics say that the movie might be a little bit to scary for a young crowd. But I have to put that theory to rest, because my 3 year old loves the movie and has seen it about 5 times in the last week. Furthermore there is a good lesson for young kids to learn at the end of the movie. The action sequences are not explosive by any means but they will keep you glue to the screen. The supporting voice talent complete there task with no complaints, just solid performance.

Coraline reminds us that you don't need top of the line CGI to make a good animated movie; And that to make a good story you don't have to go out of your way to try to be different, a good solid story well told will travel around the world. The things that you will see on screen during this flick, is what tops the delicious treat that is Coraline. The movie also runs less than 1 hour and 50 minutes, so watching it is not a task.
Just, a quick good time.

I highly recommend Coraline. Let's put that imagination to work.

80% fresh for Coraline!