Where Inkheart was clearly intended for kids, this film falls more into the “art” category than “children’s.” It is truly a breathtaking spectacle.

Coraline

Starring: Dakota Fanning, Teri Hatcher, Keith David, Jennifer Saunders, Dawn French, Ian McShane, and the PC guy from those Mac commercials.

Rated: PG

IMDb Rating – 8.5
RottenTomatoes – 88%

Sample Review –

Coraline is strange and bizarre and undeniably beautiful.

I think that is what sets this movie apart from anything I have seen in a long while. It is beautiful. The whole film feels so hand-crafted, each individual piece so lovingly wrought, that despite the films lagging pace, the visual feast more than makes up for it. Slow moments in the film allowed to me study the backdrop, the tiny stitches in the characters, the effectiveness of the voice acting.

Let me just say that Dakota Fanning is perhaps one of the greatest actresses of our generation. I know that’s tough to plunk down, but this girl was astounding in her younger years, and is promising to be even better in the coming ones. Her voice work in this movie is nothing short of amazing. The whole while I was watching, I was also listening, too. I just couldn’t believe that she voiced the character of Coraline. Though I knew it was Dakota, the voice was so expressive and interesting that it didn’t sound anything like what I imagined. Great work. Teri Hatcher also did a great job, which was unexpected.

As you watch the film, keep an eye on the elements surrounding the characters. There are bugs, mice, moving pictures, flowers that rustle in the breeze. It all comes to life on the screen.

I am not going to spoil the film’s plot, because it is better to just go and see it for yourself. If you can see it in 3-D, I highly recommend it. Your eyes will thank you.