Quartile rating: 7.5/10 · 1 rating
In the town of Blithe Hollow, Norman Babcock can speak to the dead, but no one other than his eccentric new friend believes his ability is real. One day, Norman's eccentric uncle tells him of a ritual he must perform to protect the town from a curse cast by a witch centuries ago.
ParaNorman is a standout stop-motion animated film that earns high marks for its striking visual craftsmanship and genuine thematic novelty. The animation is extraordinarily detailed and expressive, with LAIKA's signature tactile aesthetic pushed to impressive heights — the cinematography is legitimately exceptional for the medium. Novelty is high because the film blends horror genre sensibilities with a genuinely empathetic, emotionally resonant message about bullying and mob mentality in a way that feels singular and surprising, especially for a family film. The plot is serviceable and well-structured but follows a fairly familiar 'chosen outcast child saves the day' arc, earning a solid but unexceptional score. Voice acting is competent and occasionally charming but rarely transcendent. The ending, while emotionally affecting in its reveal about the witch, resolves somewhat quickly and neatly, slightly undercutting the buildup.