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Non-Review Review: ParaNorman

Posted on September 11, 2012 by Darren

This movie was seen as part of Movie Fest, which was as much of a joy this year as it was last year. If not moreso.

ParaNorman is a charming little film, even if it’s not quite as good as Laika’s other recent stop-motion effort, Coraline. ParaNorman is a charming homage to a variety of classic horror films, clearly crafted with a great deal of affection and love by directors Chris Butler and Sam Fell. It suffers a bit from being a little bit too earnest in attempting to convey its heartfelt moral message, but it is still entertainingly well put-together, drawing solid voice work from a diverse cast and making the most of its horror movie premise.

Nothing out of the Norman here…

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Have a Look at Jill Thompson’s Sandman Movie Concept Art!

Posted on August 22, 2012 by Darren

We’re big fans of Neil Gaiman’s Sandman here at the m0vie blog. It’s genuinely one of the masterpieces of the medium, and the perfect book to recommend to somebody who wants to see the very best work in the medium. There has been talk of adapting the story for film before, and I remember having nightmares about the damage that could have been done to it by an industry that hears “comic book” and thinks “superhero.” At one point Gaiman apparently read “not only the worst Sandman script I’ve ever seen, but quite easily the worst script I’ve ever read” attached to the project.

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ParaNorman Trailer

Posted on March 30, 2012 by Darren

Universal just sent on the trailer for ParaNorman, and it’s well worth a look. I’ve been a fan of stop-motion for quite a while, with Pirates! In an Adventure With Scientists being one of my favourite films of the year so far. However, the trailer evokes the wonderful work of director Henry Selick, who directed both The Nightmare Before Christmas and Coraline, both superb pieces of work. The film is directed by Chris Butler and Sam Fell. While Fell has a history working as a director of family films, Butler served as artistic director on both Coraline and Corpse Bride, and wrote the script here. The cast is phenomenal, featuring John Goodman, Anna Kendrick, Casey Affleck, Leslie Mann and Christopher Mintz-Plasse. I am looking forward to this. Between this, Frankenweenie and Pirates!, it looks like a great year to be a stop motion fan.

Anyway, give the trailer a look below.

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My Top 50 Movies of the Decade…

Posted on December 7, 2009 by Darren

Alright here it is, my top fifty films of the decade. I’ve decided to stop complaining about Donal Clarke’s list in the Irish Times and just let rip myself. There’s more than a few crazy choices down there, but – after a week in the works – I’m happy with it. I doubt that a lot of other people will be.

Like the Oscars, but... you know, better...

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3D or not 3D?

Posted on June 11, 2009 by Darren

As 3D enters its second golden age (yes, I’m using a little hyperbole, but let’s run with it), it’s generating a lot of discussion. Just how gimmicky is it? Is doomed to forever by a “nine day fad”, as blithely summed up by Alfred Hitchcock himself? Worse, does 3D fade colours and detract from the actual viewing experience, as Roger Ebert protests? I figured I’d give my two cents on the third dimension.

Retro chic

Retro chic

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Non-Review Review: Coraline

Posted on May 31, 2009 by Darren

I checked out Coraline in 3D on Friday night there in Cineworld. While I have my own thoughts on the format that I will talk about next week, I have to say that the film is – in one word – magical. The better half completely agreed with me here. I think it may be the best stop-motion production that I have ever seen – and this is from a guy who counts The Nightmare Before Christmas as must-watch seasonal entertainment. It really was one of the cinematic highlights of the year.

Cute as a button...

Cute as a button...

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Opening This Week: Coraline

Posted on May 7, 2009 by Darren

There’s a relatively small movie opening in Irish theatres this weekend alongside Star Trek that might be worth a look for those who can’t tell their Romulans from their Klingons. It’s called Coraline and it’s a stop-motion fairytale from the guy who directed The Nightmare Before Christmas (that’s Henry Selick, not Tim Burton – contrary to popular believe) and from the pen of Neil Gaiman (The Sandman, Mirror Mask).

Coraline opens tomorrow

Coraline opens tomorrow

I’ve yet to see it – the summer blockbuster season is becoming as crowded as the January awards season, dammit – but the reviews are hugely positive, pointing to a sleeper hit that will likely develop a cult following. From what I hear, if space battles and franchise reboots aren’t for you, this could be worth a look.

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Coraline is a stop-motion fantasy film directed by Henry Selick (The Nightmare Before Christmas, James and the Giant Peach), starring Teri Hatcher (Desperate Housewives, Tomorrow Never Dies), Jennifer Saunders (French & Saunders, Friends), Dawn French (French & Saunders, The Vicar of Dibley) and Dakota Fanning (Push). It was released in the US on the 6th February 2009, and opens in the UK on the 8th May 2009.

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