ParaNorman 
Starring: (voices of) Kodi Smit-McPhee, Tucker Albrizzi, Anna Kendrick, Casey Affleck, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Leslie Mann, John Goodman
Directed by Chris Butler & Sam Fell
Rated: PG
Run Time: 93 mins
Genre: Comedy/ Animation/ Adventure/ 3D Film
Opens Friday August, 17th, 2012
By Lisa Minzey
We have a treat for all the kids out there,as we were able to catch a screening of the new animated 3-D Film, ParaNorman!
Norman Babcock (Kodi Smit-McPhee) is a usual kind of kid. He can see, hear and hold actual conversations with the dead. This causes some problems for him at home, school and around town. Most kids at school tease and call him a freak. His father Perry (Jeff Garlin – voice) scolds and grounds Norman when he talks to his grandmother’s ghost, butNorman’s mother Sandra (Leslie Mann- voice) is accepting of his gift.
In addition of being labeled as a “freak show”,Norman is being bullied on a daily basis by Alvin (Christopher Mintz- Plasse – voice), reprimanded in drama class by his mean teacher, kids pushing him around, make life pretty lonely for Norman. He finds a kinship with another kid who is a target of Alvin’s bullying, the chubby kid Neil (Tucker Albrizzi – voice), who thinks Norman’s ability to talk to the dead is “kinda cool”.
In the small Massachusetts town where Norman lives in, the 300th anniversary is approaching of the curse of the witch. The curse was put upon the 7 townspeople that sentenced the witch to death. Before she was taken away, the witch placed a hex that she would come back and raise the dead, to cause havoc on the townspeople. As the anniversary approaches,Norman has been bombarded with scary visions, which make little sense to him. He doesn't have anyone to turn to help explain what’s going on with him, making matters worse when he’s constantly being yelled at by his father for his “gift”.
The only other person that knows how to break the curse and relate to what Norman is going through is a crazy old man, Mr. Prenderghast (John Goodman – voice). This strange man, who lives up in the forest, coincidentally is related toNorman. He tries to warnNormanof what he needs to do but dies before he can relay the entire message.
When Mr. Prenderghast’s ghost shows up to tell Norman he is the only one that can break the curse,Normanmust decide to either embrace his gifts and rise to the occasion or succumb to the bullying and loneliness that he feels for being different.
This is a different type of animation film than what has been release over the past few years. It’s a charming story that has heart, humor and great messages for viewers of all ages.
ParaNorman opens nationwide August 17th.
