Page 6 THE KERSHAW NEWS-ERA Wednesday, September 5, 2012

By Joseph Garris JrEntertainment Editor

The charming, clever and well-scripted ParaNorman gives somethingfor everybody in the audience to enjoyas one of the most fun films to watchso far this year.

The film has a very classic feel toit, while also taking advantage ofnew-school elements in animation.Several moments, including a comi-cal intro, pay homage to early horrormovies, which was a nice, unexpect-ed aspect of the movie.

The story follows Norman (voicedby Kodi Smit-McPhee) is a youngboy that can see and communicatewith the dead, including his deceasedgrandmother. Unfortunately, no onesees his ability as a plus, often madefun of at school and at home.

Norman soon learns that he maynot be alone in his abilities. Hemeets a creepy old man named Mr.Prenderghast (voiced by JohnGoodman) that tells him the twoshare the special gift. Prenderghastconfronts Norman and tells him thatthere’s a task he must complete inorder to keep a dead witch from tryingto raise the dead.

Norman doesn’t buy it, initially,but soon experiences the living deadwalking and knows he must find outa way to save the town. He joins hissister (voiced by Anna Kendrick),best friend (voiced by TuckerAlbrizzi), his sister’s crush (voicedby Casey Affleck), and his No.1

school bully (voiced by ChristopherMintz-Plasse) to stop the witch fromenacting her evil plan.

The world created in the film isreally awesome to experience. Thedetails are excellent and the animationis beautifully designed. There aresome simple scares in the film butnothing too serious. The real treat ofthe movie is the frequent moments ofcomedy that are both cute and laughout loud funny at times.

ParaNorman is a film that has cer-tainly been influenced by other filmsand it’s fun to be able to pick out the

obvious and not-so obvious clues.The easiest to recall was also found inthe trailer with Norman’s best friendstanding out in the yard by theclothesline ala the originalHalloween.

The script is the gem of the filmthanks to writer Chris Butler. It’scrafted well and delivered with perfec-tion due to some surprise voice act-ing, including that of Goodman andMintz-Plasse (or as most know him,McLovin from the film, Superbad).

ParaNorman is an age-appropriatemovie that really goes out of its wayto provide something for all ages inthe audience to appreciate. Horrorbuffs can certainly find somethinghere to enjoy and it’s clear the film-makers really wanted to provide anenjoyable cinema experience.

The review was based on the 2Dversion of the film. There were a fewmoments late in the movie thatmight have been worthy of purchas-ing a 3D ticket, but for the most partParaNorman didn’t seem to havemuch to require a 3D viewing.

It’s possible a 3D viewing woulddraw too much attention away fromthe plot of the movie, which is wherethe real bread and butter of the movielies. There are some laughs, somesimple scares and nice themes withquality lessons on being different andstruggling to find acceptance.

ParaNorman is a real treat for anyaudience.

Cute, fun animation with something for all

ParaNorman

DIRECTOR:Chris A Butler, Chris Butler,

Sam Fell

CAST: Kodi Smit-McPhee,Casey Affleck, John Goodman,

Anna Kendrick

RUNNING TIME:93 mins

RATING: PG for scary actionand images, thematic ele-

ments, some rude humor and

language.

GRADE: AAnswers: 1.B, 2.D, 3.D, 4.C, 5.C

WHATTA YAKNOW? MMMOOO VVV IIIEEE TTRIVIARIVIA

1. Which one of these actors is not in 'Mars Attacks!'?A. Jack NicholsonB. Johnny DeppC. Michael J FoxD. Pierce Brosnan

2. In this movie Michael Keaton has the leading role,which one?A. 'Mars Attacks'B. 'Sleepy Hollow'C. 'Ed Wood'D. 'Beetlejuice'

3. In Tim Burtons animated 'The Nightmare BeforeChristmas' we can hear the specially written music of.?A. Marilyn Manson

B. Paul SchafferC. Neil YoungD. Danny Elfman

4. What's the name of the leading role character in'The Nightmare Before Christmas'?A. 'Sandy Claws'B. 'The Mayor'C. 'Jack Skellington'D. 'Mr Ogi-Bogey'

5. Which is Burton's first film?A. 'Pee-wee's Big Adventure'B. 'Frankenweenie'C. 'Vincent'D. 'Hansel and Gretel' Bill Murray

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