Visually Stunning, this film is definitely meant for the 3D screen

Rating: 7/10 (12 February 2009)

I went into Coraline hoping for an enjoyable film, but not particularly expecting a masterpiece. I'm a Neil Gaimon fan, but in my opinion the majority of his talent isn't in producing something amazing, but in not producing stuff that's bad. Previous films I've seen based on his books have been charming, creative and fun, but nothing has really been breathtaking.
That being said, Coraline is more of the same. Which isn't to say I don't fully recommend it.
This film is absolutely pleasurable to the eyes and ears, particularly in 3D. It's soundtrack is surprisingly lovely and dreamlike and the animation is gorgeous. Like most things written by Neil Gaimon it's very imaginative and charming, as well as bizarre and creepy at times.
However, like most things based on stories by Neil Gaimon it does seem to have a slightly weak story. Although the visuals flow beautifully the story doesn't. It starts off fine, if not a bit predictably, but seems to almost get lost a bit as it goes along. It's also a bit anticlimactic.
I still think it's one of the better animated films I've seen in theaters as of late and it is magnificent in 3D. I'll probably go see it again. And I DO recommend it.