Watch ParaNorman

ParaNorman is a 2012 animated film directed by Sam Fell and Chris Butler. It tells the story of a boy named Norman Babcock, who has a unique gift - he can communicate with the dead. Norman lives in the small town of Blithe Hollow, which has a dark past of witch hunts and executions. When a curse is unleashed and the dead rise from their graves, it's up to Norman to save his town from destruction.

Kodi Smit-McPhee voices the character of Norman, a socially awkward and misunderstood boy who has trouble fitting in with his peers. Anna Kendrick voices Norman's older sister, Courtney, who is popular and outgoing but struggles to understand her brother's abilities. Christopher Mintz-Plasse voices Alvin, a school bully who eventually becomes Norman's unlikely ally.

The film's animation style is unique and visually stunning. It combines stop-motion animation with 3D computer graphics, giving the film a distinct and eerie aesthetic. The characters are quirky but lovable, and the voice acting is top-notch.

The story starts with a prologue that tells the tale of Blithe Hollow's past, where a young girl accused of witchcraft is executed, cursing the town for eternity. The story then fast-forwards to the present day, where Norman is a middle-schooler who is ostracized by his classmates because of his ability to see ghosts. Norman's only friend is Neil, a chubby, easy-going kid who is the only one who believes in Norman's gift.

One day, Norman's eccentric uncle, Mr. Prenderghast, tells him that he is the only one who can stop the curse that plagues Blithe Hollow. When Mr. Prenderghast dies, he becomes a ghost who accompanies Norman on his journey to resolve the curse. Along with Neil, Courtney, and Alvin, Norman embarks on a dangerous and thrilling adventure to save his town from destruction.

The film tackles issues of bullying, grief, and acceptance. Norman's abilities make him feel like an outcast, but he comes to embrace and accept his gift as the film progresses. Neil is overweight and bullied for his appearance but is shown to be a kind-hearted and loyal friend. Courtney, who initially dismisses her brother's gift, must come to terms with the supernatural events that are occurring in the town.

The film's climax is action-packed and thrilling, with a heartwarming message about acceptance and forgiveness. The relationships between the characters are well-developed, and their growth throughout the film is satisfying to watch.

In addition to its entertaining storyline, ParaNorman's animation style and attention to detail are impressive. The film's use of lighting and shadow adds to the eerie atmosphere, making it a visually stunning and engaging movie.

Overall, ParaNorman is a fantastic film that combines humor, heart, and supernatural thrills to create a unique and memorable experience. It's a great film for all ages, with its relatable characters and messages of acceptance and forgiveness.

ParaNorman is a 2012 kids & family movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 32 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0 and a MetaScore of 72.