Monday, February 9, 2009

Coraline

Wow, wow, wow. I do so love Neil Gaiman. Coraline has always been one of my favorite books of his, and W. and I have been looking forward to the movie for months.

I took CoasterGirl to see Coraline in 3-D this afternoon (yes, she's only 6, and I might not have taken her at this age if she weren't as mature as she is), and again I say, "wow". It was aesthetically beautiful and unsettling, as it should be. CoasterGirl jumped once or twice, and told me afterwards that it was "awesome" and that it "kinda creeped her out". I'll second that emotion. The black button eyes that gave me the willies when I was reading the book were possibly even creepier in all their shiny, stop-motion, 3-D glory. And Teri Hatcher has the perfect "Other Mother" purr of a voice.

If you've never read Coraline, I urge you to seek out a copy. It's written for children, but it's definitely more Grimm's Fairy Tales than Stuart Little. And what a great story: a little girl, unhappy with how things are going at home, is delighted to discover a secret passage to her "Other Mother", who showers her with all that she could want, until it becomes clear that the "Other Mother" wants to keep her and love her forever...

Read it, and then go see the movie. Even if you don't have children. You won't be sorry.

2 comments:

Jenny/Moravia said...

I may have to go see this one by myself. It would be too much for my little ones.

Kelly said...

Umm . . . I just tried, and failed, to post. Anyhoo, John and I saw this too and really liked it! Definitely worth the 40 minute trip to the theater (and the three extra dollars for the 3D glasses).