Classics: A Review of Coraline By Lauren Ennis

'Be careful what you wish for; it just might come true' is a warning that proves to be truly dire in the 2009 animated film Coraline. This adaptation of Neil Gaiman's novel combines dazzling visuals and a haunting narrative to create a dark modern day fable in the tradition of Alice in Wonderland and The Wizard of Oz. This journey into a land beyond your wildest dreams and into the darkest corners of the imagination is guaranteed to leave the whole family thinking that there's no place like home.

Because it just might come true...

The story begins with eleven year old Coraline Jones moving with her parents from Michigan to Oregon. While their new home proves as affordable and secluded as her parents had hoped, she remains homesick. Making matters even more difficult for her, the house's isolation leaves her with little opportunity to make new friends. In an attempt to keep herself entertained she explores the centuries old house and discovers a small locked door. When she finally locates the key, however, she is disappointed to find that the door only leads to a brick wall. Later that night, she opens the door again, but this time is amazed to find that it is the opening to a tunnel that leads back to her bedroom, which is somehow brighter and more colorful than when she left it. She continues through the house and learns that she is actually in an alternate, parallel version of her house, complete with an alternative version of her parents. This incarnation of her parents have no careers or worries to distract them from spending time with her and seem to anticipate her every whim. When she returns home to her real life, she cannot help but notice how it pales in comparison to her 'other life'. Eventually, her 'other parents' present her with the ultimate opportunity to remain in her 'other life' forever, but only at a terrible price. She then challenges her 'other mother' to the ultimate scavenger hunt that just might lead her home.

Through its stunning animation and excellent voice performances the film brings Gaiman's delightfully dark tale to life. The film marked a milestone in animation by utilizing 3D printing technology along with the work of thirty-five designers to create a colorful world the likes of which had never before been seen in animation. This cutting-edge animation combined with an eerie soundtrack combine to transport viewers to a world where anything is possible and nothing is as it seems. The excellent vocal performances in turn bring that world to vibrant life. Terry Hatcher perfectly captures the frustration and maternal affection that Coraline's stressed out mother is torn between and portrays the sickening sweetness of the ominous 'other mother' with equal skill. John Hodgman balances his dual roles as her overworked father and the overcompensating 'other father' with similar aplomb. Robert Bailey Jr. lends an endearing turn as her nerdy neighbor, Wybie. Keith David is purfect is his mysterious turn as the enigmatic cat who navigates both the real world and the 'other world'. Ian McShane, Dawn French, and Jennifer Saunders led essential comic relief in their bombastic portrayals of Coraline's few, eccentric, neighbors. Even in the midst of these outstanding performances, the film belongs to Dakota Fanning for her scene stealing turn as the fiery, strong willed, angst ridden, and all too relateable Coraline.

I have a feeling we aren't in Kansas, I mean Oregon, anymore

Equal parts innovative fantasy and classic cautionary tale Coraline proves that family entertainment can be so much more than mere child's play. The film's beginning lures viewers in to what initially seems to be a familiar story, only to then lead viewers through a plot with as many twists and turns as the tunnel to Coraline's 'other life'. Even in the midst of its winding narrative, perhaps the greatest twist of all is the film's refusal to talk down to its audience. While many family films carefully dilute their content in order to placate concerned parents Coraline relates its tale in all of its darkly imaginative splendor. While the film never veers into inappropriate or adult content, it does present viewers with a modern fairy tale that is nearly as macabre as the classic tales of the Brothers Grimm. This dark sensibility, while unusual in a children's film is never jarring or out of place as it effectively transports viewers into the The film's more frightening elements also serve to highlight the underlying theme of the dangers of getting what you wish for by juxtaposing the safety of Coraline's mundane life with the threats of the 'other world'. Thus, much like Alice and Dorothy before her, Coraline takes viewers on an unforgettable journey only to remind us that there is no place quite like home.