Every Member of the Audience Held in Rapt Attention

Rating: 10/10 (2 February 2009)

In spite of the fact that this movie is directed by Tim Burton, in spite of my dislike of "The Nightmare Before Christmas," and that I have so far denied myself a read of Neil Gaiman's book, I was delighted by the film "Coraline." The storytelling is bold and confident and we get to share with Coraline the growing sense of unease as she explores her new worlds, one her new home and the other the increasingly sinister reality behind the little hidden door. The characters are sharply realized, helped out by some outstanding voice work and what a treat to encounter among so many talents, French and Saunders brilliantly paired once more. Visually we are treated to a film that can and does rise to the level of art but does not forget to entertain. The 3-D is the icing on an already perfect cake. 10.