Coraline

Release Date: 2.6.09

I have to admit I have never been a big fan of The Nightmare Before Christmas (Henry Selick's first note to fame, 1993), nor have I understood the surrounding frenzy that inspired hordes of people to paint themselves in homage to Jack Skellington. However, after seeing Coraline I can admire his brilliance and dedication to a film genre so unique that it truly stretches the imagination beyond the boundaries of accepted "normality".

Coraline (voiced by Dakota Fanning) is the story of an adventuresome girl with blue hair who is doomed to spend her days in a dilapidated pink apartment building in a dreadfully rainy town. Her parents are writers for a garden magazine who hole themselves away into their work and never tend to their own yard. Forced to occupy her time with the estranged neighbors and stalking Wybie, she discovers a door to magical world that seems to mirror her own, only better. Of course there are a few exceptions and surprises.

The first half of the film is light-hearted and sweet despite the heavy theme of loneliness resulting from neglectful parents. As the film progresses, Coraline finds herself trapped in the web spun by the Other Mother (voice of Teri Hatcher) who transforms from her all too-good-to-be-true gooey sweetness into a dark and sinister creature from one's most horrifying nightmares.

In order to survive the game in which she has become entangled, Coraline must use her resourcefulness, determination, and tenacity to return to her reality, and ultimately save her family.

Loved it. Animation is superb.

Rating: A

Slumdog Millionaire

U.S. Release Date: 01.23.09


Danny Boyle is my new favorite director. He has never made a movie I have not liked.

Spectacular. Deserves Best Picture and Best Director, hands down.

Rating: A+++