"Coraline" is quite possibly my favorite stop-motion film ever. This coming from a guy who absolutely adores everything about Tim Burton's "A Nightmare Before Christmas".
But "Coraline" has one thing "Nightmare" does not: a well-rounded fully developed storyline.
While short-form stop-motion films are almost always satisfactory in the plotline department, hour-long narrative forms haven't faired nearly as well. A recent example being Tim Burton's other stop-motion film: "Corpse Bride".
"Coraline" is directed by Henry Selick (the unsung hero behind Tim Burton's "Nightmare"). This is Selick's best work ever.
Now remember, this is the same guy who directed and/or worked on both "Nightmare" and "James and the Giant Peach". He's at the top of his game.
There are so many wonderful moments throughout this film that it would be a disservice to anyone reading to spoil it. Here's all you need to know: Coraline Jones and her parents move into a new house, where the girl finds a secret door that offers a passage way to an unusual parallel universe where everything is seemingly "better".
This is an exquisite creation. A film with two beautifully realized universes, fully developed characters, and some of the best voice-work I've heard in recent times.
Do yourself a favor and check the film out in 3D if you can. I know some get sick from those spaced out glasses, but trust me: it's so worth.
4 buckets.
