Norman Babcock (voiced by Kodi Smit-McPhee, Dead Europe) is ParaNorman; in name, courtesy of the cruel taunts of his classmates, and in nature, thanks to his affinity for the occult. His ability to see and speak with ghosts doesn’t alleviate his outsider status, nor is it accepted – or even believed – by his concerned parents (Leslie Mann, The Change-Up and Jeff Garlin, Safety Not Guaranteed) or shallow sister (Anna Kendrick, Pitch Perfect). His grandmother (Elaine Stritch, TV’s 30 Rock) remains Norman’s only ally – even in death.
As trying as Norman’s adolescence is, things can always get worse – as they do when visions start plaguing his waking hours. Haunted by the plight of a young witch (Jodelle Ferland, The Cabin in the Woods) 300 years prior, as well as instructions from his recently deceased uncle (John Goodman, Argo) about thwarting a zombie curse, Norman is driven to act. With an unlikely sidekick (Tucker Albrizzi, Good Luck Charlie) in tow, he delves into his home town’s history – and puts his special skills to the test – in an attempt to save the day.
Writer and co-director Chris Butler’s debut narrative may sound familiar, steeped as it is in the history of horror. The usual elements are present – an outcast, an uncanny ability, and a menacing threat; however rather than mere parody or imitation, ParaNorman’s resemblance to its predecessors is by loving design. From a retro-styled introduction (aping the zombie films of years gone by), to knowing nods to the genre’s best and worst (ranging from Halloween to I Know What You Did Last Summer), it offers a wistful journey through cinema’s great scares.
The film’s family friendly nature also need not cause concern, nor should its animated status. The former furnishes a Goonies-esque adventure that engages all ages; the latter utilises the experience of co-director Sam Fell (Flushed Away) to become as intricate and immersive as only the best stop-motion can be; both allow the feature’s sense of humour to shine – whether in sight gags referencing the horror oeuvre, the eccentricities of the spooky small town setting, or the exaggerations that perfect the loveable inhabitants and antagonists.
While commonalities with Tim Burton’s Frankweenie are evident, ParaNorman carves out its own niche through its subversiveness. Though tackling conventional tropes and themes, each is twisted in an unexpected fashion – including the hidden depths of seemingly stereotypical characters, and the film’s subtle but substantial examination of the impact of bullying. Even casting plays against type, as do a number of surprises in the story. Like its shy but spirited protagonist, ParaNorman may be assembled from the expected parts, but proves anything but ordinary.
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
ParaNorman
Directors: Chris Butler and Sam Fell
USA, 2012, 92 min
In cinemas January 10
Distributor: Universal
Rated PG
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