Coraline (2009)

The review praises the film's terrifying yet charming blend of horror and fairy tale, highlighting its gorgeous stop-motion visuals, strong protagonist, and empowering story as one of the best children's films in years.

The critic finds the 3D stop-motion visually enticing and kinetically stimulating, with strong integration of the technology and a compelling villain in the Other Mother. It notes some uneven supporting characters and a less independent heroine than in the book but overall strong craft and climax.

Turan calls the 3-D stop-motion a remarkable feat where the technology feels intrinsic to the story, delivering a magical yet genuinely sinister tale through Selick's craftsmanship.

The review finds the stop-motion version darkly original and comparable to Selick's earlier work. It singles out the eye-popping set design and menacing parallel universe for creating thrills and excitement.

The critic praises Selick's adaptation as an original and entrancing fairy tale that adds childhood angst to gothic elements. The intricate 3D visuals and transformation into a phantasmagoria with a terrifying villain are highlighted as strengths, though it may be too scary for some children.

The critic examines the film's multi-dimensional stop-motion animation and its expansion of Gaiman's story into a visually rich fantasy. It notes the blend of wonder and unease in the alternate world.

Ebert finds the stop-motion animation visually striking and unconventional but notes the story is disturbing for young children, centering on an unpleasant girl encountering sinister parental doubles with button eyes.

The critic calls it an enjoyable creepy animation fantasy in 3D from Henry Selick. It follows a bored girl who discovers a secret door leading to an alternative universe that initially seems nicer before revealing its full horror.

This festival review notes the exquisite stop-motion animation and 3D visuals as highlights but criticizes the brittle characters, lack of humor, and frightening tone that may alienate audiences. The dark surrealness is seen as both asset and commercial obstacle.

The critic finds the stop-motion animation visually impressive and surreal but criticizes the film for being more nightmarish than fun, with dream-like logic that weakens the storytelling.

The review lauds Selick's return to stop-motion with a magical, meticulously crafted film that exceeds expectations. It singles out the stunning visual art, blend of whimsy and dread, and faithful yet expanded adaptation of Gaiman's tale.

The review praises Henry Selick's charming adaptation of Neil Gaiman's novel as a terrific children's story and the first stop-motion feature in 3-D. It highlights the imaginative sets, puppets, and intelligent use of 3-D effects that bring the fantasy world to life, calling it smart family entertainment.

Scott praises the film's creepy, contemplative atmosphere and inventive stop-motion visuals that linger on loneliness and imagination rather than rushing through action.

Chang hails the eccentric fantasy as a dark delight with ghoulish whimsy and inventive stop-motion that scales new heights for Selick, buoyed by a haunting score, though it may be too frightening for very young children.

The critic is blown away by the complex stop-motion animation and praises Selick's creative take on the story, noting it appeals to both adults and children despite some freaky elements. The standout is the innovative animation style.

The critic highlights how the film perfectly captures the eerie atmosphere of Gaiman's story and praises Dakota Fanning's performance as the relatable heroine. The animation and pacing keep viewers engaged, making it a potential classic despite some disturbing elements.

The review hails Coraline as a kinetic stop-motion tour de force that updates Alice in Wonderland with gothic flair and psychedelic visuals. The film's original mix of dread and whimsical creativity is praised as proving animated excellence beyond Pixar.

The critic praises the film as a hard-PG dark fantasy that safely unnerves young viewers and celebrates its stop-motion animation as gorgeous and immersive. The Other Mother's world is singled out for its creepy payoff and visual detail.

The film offers rich visual splendour and an immersive 3D approach but recycles familiar fantasy tropes from predecessors like Alice in Wonderland without narrative innovation or fresh ideas. It is seen as an odd curiosity rather than a must-see, with its morbid tone potentially tricky for younger viewers.

Selick's stop-motion adaptation of Gaiman's tale is praised as a macabre, imaginative triumph of craft that excites and challenges audiences like the best classic children's literature. It is called a spooky treat for its beautiful surreal visuals, nuanced score, and subtle use of 3D.