Mother didn't like it.

Rating: 8/10 (5 March 2019)

'Kid-friendly horror' is an interesting, if somewhat oxymoronic, concept. It isn't a genre - or, perhaps, idea - that's explored all too often. 'Coraline (2009)' is probably the first, and most effective, example of it that comes to mind. It confidently walks the tightrope of being tame enough for (older) children yet strong enough (to more than likely) scare those children just the right amount - all while, of course, being narratively and aesthetically appealing enough, in a creepy kind of way, for the adults in the audience, too. It's definitely a difficult thing to accomplish, yet the piece does so with ease. One of the ways it does this is by focusing on the adventurous, 'face your fears' aspects of its genre. This, along with its engaging and believable protagonist, makes for a compelling and accessible story that isn't mired in jump-scares, an oppressive atmosphere or gore. It's never dour and it actually leaves you feeling quite happy. When you think back, the emotion that first comes to mind isn't necessarily fear. Don't get me wrong, though, it's very much a 'horror' movie; it fits right in with those conventions, even if it also weaves in decent doses of fantasy, comedy and adventure. Personally, I don't find it scary but I don't think I'm supposed to - I'm an adult. You have to remember its target audience. It's meant to be a gateway horror to introduce potential new fans to the genre. It actually plays into legitimate fears - based on legitimate, if short-sighted, desires - and is resonant because of it. Besides which, it's just downright entertaining and that's the most important thing. The design of the flick, which is brought to life with beautiful stop-motion, is brilliant. The initially wonderful 'other' world contorts from whimsical to creepy in incredibly inventive, world-consistent ways. There are some spooky set-pieces that feature superbly unsettling, but still suitably pastel, imagery. Plus, the colourful characters that inhabit both of the picture's parallel planes are thoroughly enjoyable. It's interesting, and almost disturbing, that the characters created by the 'other mother' are essentially slaves; they're aware of their status as constructs but don't actually want to serve their function and constantly try to warn our hero of the danger she's in, often suffering horrible consequences and losing what little imitated humanity they were initially afforded. On top of all this, the flick has strong allegorical undertones which bolster its strong central message. You come away from it feeling elated. Ultimately, it's a uniquely presented, consistently entertaining and, in many ways, daringly dark family film, one that you can watch again and again. It's just delightful. 8/10