We're off to button eyes...let's hear children's cries...Button eyes....Button Eyes....

Rating: 8/10 (30 April 2020)

I really believe that the basic story of Coraline has the capacity to be an absolutely terrifying parable but neither the original novella nor this movie really tap into that. I'm not trying to sound like some tough guy, I still can't quite watch Dumbo alone. (There's no accounting for terror).
But nevertheless there's lots to like into more professional rendition of a modern folk tale that eventually becomes are blockbuster style story. Ornately gothic and stylish as we move from the humdrum world of a neglected girl into a world of make believe realized. Festive and funny and then deliciously sinister in that fairytale way.
More worthy of the legacy of Tim Burton's movies than any actual Burton movie since Corpse Bride, the humour, imagination, chills and thrills make this something I should imagine the parents will enjoy AT LEAST as much as the younger people.
Coraline herself makes for a charming heroine, though she may be taciturn, it's for understandable reasons and it is very satisfying to see her journey of self discovery in this case of be-careful-what-you-wish-for but which, subtly, is ultimately a story of a little girl that just wanted some parental attention.
Always atmospheric and pacy, expect none of the sanctimoniousness or portentousness of the book.