Coraline Review

As I sat down to watch this for the first time, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I knew it would be dark, which was clear from not only the trailers but the media itself; stop motion features have a tendency to be so. But I don’t think I was quite prepared for how dark it would be. The sinister edge was sharp and startling but definitely needed, in the same way that Roald Dahl books have no qualms about scaring children.

The world through the door, the other world, filled with vivid colours, treats and delights could tempt any child into believing all was well... If it wasn’t for the buttons. The transition from the world of wonders to one of sinister consequences is a remarkable one. Once Coraline starts realising her mistakes and wishing to go home, the illusions around her falter; things that were once dazzling wonders, become sickly sweet with a desperate edge or are cleverly transformed by a few small changes. A theatre, once full of marvel only needs to be emptied to become scary. Jumping mice become ugly rats, dogs with angel wings become snarling bats. Everything falters in one way or another as the ‘other mother’s’ grand ensnaring plans fall to pieces and she can no longer play her games.

The film itself is beautifully made; the characters are varied in shape and size as much as they are in personality. My favourite is Mr. Bobinsky with his eccentricity, bounding energy, slight madness and of course the hairy armpits. The film reminds you that, while the real world may not be pretty, it is at least real and doesn’t lure you in with false hopes and ideals that never truly existed. It illustrates brilliantly the old saying, ‘be careful what you wish for as it may just come true’ or the well known idea that spoiling children leads them only to wanting more.

The 3D adds an extra quality to the film that is not strictly needed. Already, the film has dynamic camera angles and points of view that make you feel a part of it. But I couldn’t help loving the way the portal to the secret world seems to fold out in front of you as though you could actually crawl along yourself and find yourself in a perfect, but not so perfect alternative dimension.