ParaNorman (2012)
★★½ — ParaNorman (2012)
ParaNorman arrived in the summer of 2012 as LAIKA's second feature, following the studio's well-received debut Coraline (2009), and it cemented the Oregon-based company's reputation as the most ambitious stop-motion operation working in mainstream American cinema at the time. Directed by Sam Fell (Flushed Away) and first-time feature director Chris Butler, who also wrote the screenplay, the film drew on New England witch-trial mythology and the aesthetic of 1980s horror comedies, particularly the work of John Carpenter, as a deliberate influence on its tone and visual design. LAIKA's productions are notable for blending traditional puppet animation with 3D-printed replacement faces, a technically demanding process that pushes the $60 million budget well beyond what most stop-motion films have historically attempted.
ParaNorman (2012) is a perfectly serviceable family film that checks all the expected boxes. Competent animation, a mildly spooky premise involving zombies and witches, and a message about tolerance wrapped in Halloween packaging. Laika Studios' craftsmanship is evident in the tactile detail of the sets and character designs, and there are scattered moments of genuine wit, particularly in the supporting cast. The film clearly aims for the sweet spot between *Coraline*'s eerie charm and mainstream accessibility. But for all its technical proficiency, ParaNorman settles into a comfortable, forgettable middle ground. The story (a misunderstood boy who sees ghosts must save his town) unfolds with predictable beats and a third act that pivots abruptly into moralising without earning its emotional weight. The humor is uneven, the characters rarely transcend their archetypes, and the pacing drags through stretches that feel padded to reach feature length. It's neither offensive nor inspired, just there, filling 92 minutes with mild amusement and zero lasting impression. A harmless, visually polished diversion that succeeds as background entertainment for younger viewers but offers little to engage adults or animation enthusiasts seeking substance.
Rating: ★★½ | Year: 2012 | Watched: 2026-04-08
Where to watch (UK)
Stream: ITVX Premium
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Where to watch (UK)
Stream: ITVX Premium
Rent: Apple TV Store · Amazon Video · Google Play Movies · Sky Store
Buy: Apple TV Store · Amazon Video · Google Play Movies · Sky Store
Physical: Amazon UK
Affiliate disclosure: Movies With Macca may earn a small commission on purchases or subscriptions started via these links. It costs you nothing extra.
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