Gosh, this movie is hard to talk about, because there are many clever subversions and unique story turns here that are so integral they're all spoilers. Basically, it takes a classic monster movie for a ride and then packs in a lot of thoughtful ideas, and it should definitely be seen.
The animation is fantastic. While I'm less partial to this film's art style among Laika's works, it is absolutely no slouch on visuals, with gorgeous lighting, great smoothness, and so many unique shots and design concepts throughout.
The story is great. Norman is a kid who can see and talk to ghosts, and is predictably an outcast for it. His gift is needed, however, to stop a witch's curse on the anniversary of her death years ago, an event which made the town famous. If he can get to her grave and read aloud from her book in time, he can stop her from raising the dead...but of course, all hell breaks loose and it's a small-town zombie apocalypse.
And that's all I'm able to disclose. Seriously. Watch this movie.
The characters are great. Norman's a suitable protagonist, and fellow reject Neil is fun. I really like his older brother Mitch, and Norman's sister Courtney, who both lean into overdone male and female teen roles, but never to the point of being tired walking stereotypes. Bully Alvin is entertaining, but I'd argue that he doesn't need as big of a role as he does.
The comedy is spot-on, with several amusing setpieces, one-liners, and visual gags throughout the story, but it also knows how to reel itself back for the more serious stuff.
To talk more about this movie would be to do it a great injustice, so I can only strongly recommend watching it. It's not my favorite movie of all time, nor is it my favorite Laika movie, but it is an excellent film.
Guaranteed to defy expectations in the best ways possible.
Gosh, this movie is hard to talk about, because there are many clever subversions and unique story turns here that are so integral they're all spoilers. Basically, it takes a classic monster movie for a ride and then packs in a lot of thoughtful ideas, and it should definitely be seen.
The animation is fantastic. While I'm less partial to this film's art style among Laika's works, it is absolutely no slouch on visuals, with gorgeous lighting, great smoothness, and so many unique shots and design concepts throughout.
The story is great. Norman is a kid who can see and talk to ghosts, and is predictably an outcast for it. His gift is needed, however, to stop a witch's curse on the anniversary of her death years ago, an event which made the town famous. If he can get to her grave and read aloud from her book in time, he can stop her from raising the dead...but of course, all hell breaks loose and it's a small-town zombie apocalypse. And that's all I'm able to disclose. Seriously. Watch this movie.
The characters are great. Norman's a suitable protagonist, and fellow reject Neil is fun. I really like his older brother Mitch, and Norman's sister Courtney, who both lean into overdone male and female teen roles, but never to the point of being tired walking stereotypes. Bully Alvin is entertaining, but I'd argue that he doesn't need as big of a role as he does.
The comedy is spot-on, with several amusing setpieces, one-liners, and visual gags throughout the story, but it also knows how to reel itself back for the more serious stuff.
To talk more about this movie would be to do it a great injustice, so I can only strongly recommend watching it. It's not my favorite movie of all time, nor is it my favorite Laika movie, but it is an excellent film.