Paranorman

Hollywood is such a tightknit community that when someone comes up with an idea several other people think it too. At the moment horror themed animated films seems to be the common theme.
The thing that sets 'Frankenweenie' and 'Paranorman' apart from the other horror themed animated film we've seen lately (besides the fact that 'Hotel Transylvania' is uses computer generated animation) is that the makers of the first two films seem to have a more loving respect for the genre they are working in. 'Hotel' just took the characters from horror and put them into a crazy situation. Chris Butler and Sam Fell, much like Tim Burton have created a loving tribute to old fashioned horror films. Chris and Sam have infused their film with so many obvious and subtle references to horror films from across the ages. There is a common misconception that animated films are for children, and while this is a good kids film, I think there is a lot for adults to get out of it as well. The kids will enjoy the basic plot with kids trying to save a town but adults will understand many of the jokes and references. The main plot does involve a kid who can see dead people, or ghosts which is something we've seen before but this is a fresh approach to that cliché. Part of that fresh approach is having really funny characters and this film has lots of them. Many of you will not be surprised that one in particular took my interest. I loved the films design and animation work. It is such a beautiful looking film
Aussie Kodi Smit-McPhee is not only an excellent live action actor but he is great at vocal work for animated films too. While her character is a bit of a cliché, Anna Kendrick does a great job as Norman's older sister. Casey Affleck is nicely unrecognizable as the jock brother of Norman's friend. I also thought that the other adults Jeff Garlin, Leslie Mann and Elaine Stritch were very funny. The best performance though is Tucker Albrizzi as Norman's friend Neil. The character is not only well written but Tucker does excellent vocal work.
The year may only be a few weeks old but this is by far and away the best film I've seen so far. A loving tribute to horror films that appeals to not only kids but adults as well.