ParaNorman: Now I remember that when I first watched the previews for this movie, among the people around me making Sixth Sense jokes, I was groaning. ‘Oh gah’, I thought, ‘All of the characters seem flat and tied, there’s going to be a bunch of weird jokes that all the kids are going to quote because they play them ten thousand times in the commercials and someone in the movie is going to make some horrible pun about ‘Normalness’ with Normans name in it and uggggg.’ But as it turns out, I was wrong, for the most part. The one thing I got right about it was that most of the characters (except our hero and our main antagonists) are cardboard stereotypes that are so overdone, especially in kids films, that they are downright painful to watch: the bully and the sister especially. They eventually change their ways, in fact, there is a small twist about one character revealed at the very end that I really enjoyed (though, of course, I won’t give it away, if you have seen the film, you know what I’m talking about). The first half is smothered in those clichés, but the second half takes an interesting turn. I can’t give it away, again, but it gives a new light on the themes the movie presents when you thought it was going to say something generic and simplistic. The character design is pretty original and appropriate for each one and the animation is pretty great to watch. You don’t see too much non CGI Animated films nowadays, so whenever one comes around, I have to admire all the effort that goes into them. Final Verdict: please stomach the first half, the second half will apologize for everything.
The Cabin in the Woods: Now whenever I think of Dark Humor, I will think of this film. Oh heavens, where to begin. Like the earlier films, I cannot say too much on purpose. There is a very bizarre, interesting, and funny twist. Although the very beginning plot line is mostly clichéd, the actors pull them off well and the clichés serve a purpose other than just existing. And let’s just say, as weird a twist it is, it is executed perfectly. This is both a satire and love letter to Horror films, like how The Princess Bride was both a satire and love letter to fairy tales. The acting is decent, the cinematography and imagery match everything up, and, plus, that fantastic reveal that is too good to even talk about in front of those who haven’t and will have you either screaming or laughing until your mouth hurts. With that in mind, if you love dark humor, horror movies, or bizarre, weird, funny movies, or all three, by all means, see it!
Hocus Pocus: Now, I am going to be completely honest with you guys. A majority of this movies charm comes from the Nostalgia factor and watching it with people who love this movie to death. I don’t enjoy it as much watching it as an adult alone with no huge fans of the film with me (in fact, I never watched it when I was little because the first scene always terrified the crap out of me). Originally this was going to be a Disney Channel movie and hooooooooooooooo boy, does it show (minus all the risqué jokes about virginity and devil worship). The plot is very predictable, and although there are stakes, and about halfway through the second act, it feels slow and has lost its charm. The biggest reason to watch it are the three witches, and they always look like they are having a ball at doing what they do, and every now and then, they get a good line or joke. Other than the little sister and probably the cat, none of the characters are that interesting to watch. This is a sandwhich, a ham and grilled cheese sandwich. If you like it, fine, but if you don’t, I completely understand why. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to go look for a tunnel to hide from the angry mob of fans outside my window ready to destroy me
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Coraline: As reported from the smelly, wet darkness of this convenient hiding tunnel, this movie I adore. The characters are wonderful without being tropes. Everyone has a unique look, and personality, along with eccentric good and bad qualities, like real people. The imagery is equally creepy and whimsical when it needs to be, balancing the two elements of the story perfectly. The animation, again, is great to watch. And you find yourself completely captivated. The designs are great to watch, befitting each character to a T. The music is amazing ranging from circus pomp to soft, child llike nonsense syllables, to haunting hums garenteed to send chills up your spine. This is actually one of those rare cases where I prefer the film adaption over the original book, please treat yo’self this Hallows Eve, and GO WATCH IT!
Hotel Translyvania: Now, like ParaNorman, when I first saw the trailers for this, I was skeptical, and again I turned out to only be right to a degree. On one hand, it is full of a celebeties with basic designs playing a five year olds idea of what iconic movie monsters are and telling fart, butt, and anti-Twilight jokes that are garunteed to have kids laughing and adults eye-rolling while having a very dated pop and “tweeny” song at the very end. But on the other hand, each voice actor does a good job and portrays unique, funny characters. There are some jokes that work better than others- I found myself laughing within the first four minutes! What are especially smart are the smaller jokes that find some way of repeating themselves later in the film. There are also some more dramatic moments that, although sometimes rushed too soon to end with having some ridiculous joke right after the reveal at the location of the more dramatic scene, are done well. The animation is wonderful to watch, just like the actors, it is quick and stuffed with comedic timing, you will probably want to freeze frame this bit-by-bit to get all of the humor in the movement, but it’s a ball to watch. Although dated, and a bit too much for the kids, it’s a funny, entertaining film that knows how to balance drama with high-energy comedy, and if you want to, go ahead, and watch!
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
