Ten Fave Films of 2012 (8-7)

In this edition, the two films have a lot in common. Both masterfully utilize stop-motion animation, touch on the horror genre and are child friendly fare. That said, both films tell stories that can connect on any age level. If you been bullied or dealt with the loss of loved one, these films can speak to you.  Before I get back into the list I have to add The Master and Cloud Atlas to the must see list. Here we go!

8. ParaNorman

ParaNorman tells the story of a misunderstood boy named Norman who has a special ability, he can see and speak to the dead. His family pleads with Norman to be "normal" and he is bullied at school and labeled a freak for his seemingly crazy outbursts. In need of companionship, Norman befriends the chubby kid of the school with whom he shares the bond of being outcasts. Just as Norman discovers this glimmer of hope, his uncle (voiced by John Goodman) that can also see and speak to the dead, warns Norman of his responsibility to keep the town safe from the curse of the witch. Seemingly cursed, Norman must use his ability to communicate with the witch who wants to inflict her wrath on the townspeople. That wrath was born from horrific pain the witch had endured as a young girl. Unimaginable suffering was brought upon her by the fearful leadership of the town. Turns out that a bedtime story is what quells the witch's wrath but only temporarily. Norman sees the need for permanent change and that it could only come about by changing the witch's personal story and to show her true empathy. That's the power of story! (Watch till the end of the credits to see a time lapse of the production of the Norman puppet.)

7. Frankenweenie

In this love letter to the horror genre, especially Mary Shelley's book Frankenstein, Tim Burton creates a world where a boy named Victor Frankenstein is able to use science to bring his recently killed dog, Sparky, back to life. Burton's stylized world exists in stop-motion, black and white and pays homage to many of the classic horror stories. If you've ever experienced the loss of a cherished family pet, Victor's loss and drive to bring Sparky back will resonate. While his intentions are noble, the theft of his method and the corruption of other experiments lead to a precarious situation for the town as monsters run rampant. In the end, bravery and nobility are rewarded. The take away for me was that the experiment only worked with the transcendent power of love. On a side note, I had the privilege of seeing the Frankenweenie exhibit at Disney's California Adventure and seeing how much detail and how much work it is to create the characters and sets is a marvel.

Frankenweenie exhibit at DCA.

See you tomorrow for films 6 & 5!