Brilliant aesthetics and low-octane nightmare fuel

Rating: 9/10 (21 February 2009)

Some viewers found the pacing of this film slow. I disagree. While little outright action or drama occurs in the first half of the film, it is loaded with foreshadowing, setups, and I was riveted by the beautiful worldscape, quirky and amusing secondary characters, and dazzling musical score. For much of the film, I wanted to crawl down the blue tunnel to the Other World. I drooled and licked my lips when the breakfast was frying, and I could almost smell the luminous moving flowers. Then I tried to cover my oh-so-vulnerable eyeballs.
Mark my words, this is not a fantasy adventure film. It's aimed at kids. It has tolerable amounts of whimsy in it.
Its genre is Surreal Horror.
It's not a spooky comedy, like "Monster House." It's not a musical with vaguely creepy trappings, like "The Nightmare Before Christmas." It is a HORROR film. Personally, I found this film had nightmare fuel, cut with whimsy to reduce its carbon emissions. There is nightmare fuel, but just enough for a quick trip to the nightmare convenience store for a gallon of nightmare milk. Most viewers, however, have milder tastes, and find that it is quite nightmarish enough.
Yes, it's a horror film. That doesn't mean its not for kids.
Kids, if you like to be scared, go. If you enjoy films that take their time, that plot and hint in the darkness while the weave a web of enchantment around you, see it. Just be warned that this feature may be too scary for adults. If you have doubts, leave your parents at home.
This movie has a message about a appreciating the parents you've got. The more introspective parents may notice that it also carries a stern lesson for adults. Listen to your kids and pay attention, or they'll find somebody ELSE who takes an interest, and that person might not be friendly. Don't lie to your children; it's wicked, it teaches them to mistrust you, and they'll find the truth eventually. Don't think that the words "I love you" are a cover-all excuse for your mistakes and manipulations.
Coraline is where the Beautiful meets the Sublime. It's too scary for kids under seven or over thirty.