Waste of time

As Good As It Gets

An Exercise In Nonsense

It's funny watching the elements come together in this complicated scam. On one hand, the set-up isn't quite as complex as it seems, but there's an easy sense of fun in every exchange.

This film was nominated for the Academy Award for Animated Feature, losing to Brave. There will be spoilers ahead: It's a challenge to write about this film because talking too much about the plot would ruin it, but it's difficult to discuss it very much without covering at least a little of the plot. I'll tread lightly.Norman is a misfit. He sees ghosts. He talks to ghosts. He's not the first one in his family who's a bit out in left field (there's Uncle Prendergast, for example). The best part of the first half hour or so, aside from the visual look of the film, is the set up of Norman as different and an outcast. The first half hour or so is exposition and it tends to bog things down at first. But it mostly pays off in the end.Norman finds out that it's up to him to prevent a disaster befalling his town, whose people mock and shun him. He gets help here and there at various points, some of it from unexpected sources. The ending is marvelous. Pay very close attention in the last half hour, as it all comes together then.There are some homages to film throughout this one and there's a beautiful scene where a character throws out a line from Shakespeare which must be seen to be appreciated. There are some really nice throwaway gags which you'll miss if you blink at the wrong time. This isn't the best film I've seen, but it's far from the worst. Norman's a good kid and it's an entertaining film.This is available on Blu Ray and DVD. Blu Ray is the way to go if that's an option for you. Well worth watching.

Paranorman (2012): Dir: Chris Butler, Sam Fell / Voices: Kodi Smit-McPhee, Tucker Albrizzi, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, John Goodman, Jodelle Ferland: While the theme of normality facing the extreme and dangerous may sound appealing, the whole idea of selling the living dead and the occult to a family audience just demonstrates how desensitized society has gone. Zombies and corpses have no place in a family film. This is the sort of material that George A. Romero made famous in hard core films for adults. The plot is a mess at best with a likable young hero named Norman who has the ability to see and communicate with the dead. This is suppose to be funny but in a family film it just comes off as disturbing. There are only two characters of interest. Viewers may relate somewhat to Norman who must prevent a witch's curse by reading a book. Maybe he should read the script of a better film to heighten the witch's interest. His chubby friend from school adds a bit of enthusiasm that is also welcome. Other characters are dull including an over the top bully whom we know will become best chums with Norman by film's end. The parents are the usual sort who do not understand their son. Norman's sister is the usual uptight cheerleader type. Then there is the crazy uncle who must pass a message on to Norman. Plus there is the spirit of the girl who lived in a time where viewing this film would be considered punishable by death. The ads stress the importance of being yourself despite being different but its subject matter isn't the normal animated thrill it is intended. Forget Norman and go for Monsters Inc. Score: 4 / 10

"ParaNorman" may be too frightening for smaller children but for everyone else, it's a hilarious and scary animated feature that's sure to delight. It's wonderfully animated, with a lot of creative designs and great special effects, and it is filled with consistent laughs that will appeal particularly to fans of horror films. It also has a surprisingly touching and well done message towards the end that parents will be happy to see without being like the obvious P.S.A.s that are thrown together at the end of so many children's cartoons. I'm a big fan of zombie and "classic" 80-90's horror and I had a terrific time. An added bonus is that with this one and you can bring your kid brother/sister to have some fun too. I wouldn't recommend it for children under the age of 8, but I know at least one parent who lets their 10-year-old watch "The Walking Dead", so I guess that's up to you as a parent to decide if you think this will be too frightening for them. The stop motion animation is very well done and looks gorgeous, not at all like some of that jittery stuff you're used to seeing in those Rankin/Bass Christmas specials. The animation is quite smooth here, almost a bit too smooth for my taste, but I digress. Even in the realm of stop-motion, which is always pretty striking this one stands out. There is a particular effect towards the end of the film that looks like stop motion cloth was used to make clouds shaped like a face that stuck with me long after the film was over. It's so well done and unique... and I have no idea how they did it. I also very much appreciated the visual style of this film, which is very distinct. I suppose all stop-motion films look quite distinct, but once again, there's something about this one that makes it really stand out. This film in particular will look really great on Blu-ray and I would recommend you see it in 3D if possible (from what I saw, it would be a lot on fun in 3D). (2-D Theatrical version on the big screen, August 28th, 2012)

ParaNorman is a very good family animated comedy-horror film. I believe this one will become a Halloween classic. This movie is right up there with Corpse Bride, The Nightmare Before Christmas, Frankenweenie and Hotel Transylvania. This movie is well worth watching (even if you only see it once in your life).There are a few hints towards adult references so even if you are not a kid or teen anymore you should get a few laughs out of the film. The movie is not adult content (rated R) remember it is rated PG so even the kids can watch and enjoy this film.8.5/10