“Coraline” is a key watch for the spooky season
When I was younger, “Coraline” was one of my favorite movies, especially in the fall. For its’ 15-year anniversary, it was playing in 3-D, and I got the opportunity to watch it in theaters. “Coraline” is a beloved film, with its audiences ranging from children, who probably see it as a scary movie, to adults who find comfort in the film. Clearly it has no limits in fans. I fall into the comfort film category and feel so lucky to have finally been able to see it in theaters, fulfilling a childhood dream.
“Coraline” is a unique experience from beginning to end. It is fast-paced, but still moves in a way that is easy for children to understand. Your attention will be held from the beginning through the end. One of my favorite parts of the film is that no matter how many times you watch and rewatch it, you will always be able to notice and analyze something new. The 3-D aspect of this viewing really emphasized that for me, as everything was much more prominent and noticeable. Due to the many layers of this movie, there is a never-ending amount of conspiracy theories surrounding it, which only boost the fan base and morale, allowing it the opportunity to be shown in theaters up to 15 years later.
Since its original release, “Coraline” has become a classic “scary” film for children, especially with the fall element and nostalgia the film creates. With most of “Coraline’s” original fans being adults now, the chance to bring their kids into theaters and finally let them see it in its true glory is such an exciting opportunity. This also applies to people who, like me, just barely missed their opportunity to watch it in theaters in real time, due to being too young. I am grateful that I was able to watch it with my best friend who also shares the same passion for the film, even without ever having seen it in actual theaters until now.
From a technical perspective, “Coraline” is such a dynamic watch. The claymation style of film is very difficult to properly execute, but this film does so flawlessly. This is yet another reason why it is a great spooky season movie, as the animation style builds a layer of realism that makes it that much more scary, in a kid friendly way. Obviously, the movie came out in 2009, so you do not really need to hear my personal review of all the elements you have had 15 years to observe for yourself, but I would like to talk about the voice acting. Each character understood their role perfectly, with Dakota Fanning voicing the young Coraline, and Teri Hatcher doing a wonderful job doubling as both the Mother and the Other Mother. Hatcher created such distinct yet similar voices, the Other Mother with a foreboding edge and the Mother with that of boredom. Fanning, as well, delves into the character, and her voice and acting throughout the film, allowing for the beloved character of Coraline to shine. Even after many years, these performances are still iconic and notable.
Overall, I truly think going to see this movie in theaters with your friends or family is very much worth it, no matter if you have already seen it before. Seeing it in theaters is such an amazing experience, especially with the addition of the 3-D aspect in its current showings. After all, there is a reason why it is back in theaters. My point in writing a review about this movie is because most people are unaware of these reshowings, and I truly believe so many people would rush to see it in theaters if they knew that they could. It is a great way to start your personal spooky season and honestly it is one of the best movies to start any kid’s love for scary movies.
