PARANORMAN (B+)

Bottom Line: The studio behind CORALINE (2009) deliver another wonderful stop-motion flick - a sort of SIXTH SENSE for kids (‘I see animated dead people’) who’s fully fleshed-out script confidently yet subtly tackles themes like bullying, tolerance and death. It’s a cleverly scripted, playfully creepy, sharply comical, emotionally touching and energetically action-packed animated film that’ll deliver for both parents and kids alike (not younger kids though as it gets pretty intense at times; My boys, 7- and 5-years old, saw the trailer and frighteningly bowed out). Possibly my favorite animated movie of the year thus far – PARANORMAN is certain to slay ya’!

Starring the voices of: Kodi Smit –McPhee, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Anna Kendrick and Casey Affleck
Directed by: Chris Butler and Sam Fell (THE TALE OF DESPEREAUX and FLUSHED AWAY)
Rated: PG
Running time: 93 minutes
Story: In ParaNorman, a small town comes under siege by zombies. Who can it call? Only misunderstood local boy Norman, who is able to speak with the dead. In addition to the zombies, he’ll have to take on ghosts, witches and, worst, of all, grown-ups, to save his town from a centuries-old curse. But this young ghoul whisperer may find his paranormal activities pushed to their otherworldly limits. (Focus Features)

Trailer: www.paranorman.com