1. ParaNorman (2012)
movies seen in 2013

Season of the Witch :: Donovan

My first movie of the year was a family movie night choice, ParaNorman, an animated film from the makers of Coraline. As with most “zombie” films, this one came equipped with social commentary, this time on the appreciation of being “different”, as a town is held captive by a witch’s curse (a young girl accused years ago of being a witch and executed).

Norman is the boy who can talk to the dead, who is an outcast much like the witch from long ago, but is also the town’s only hope to stop the curse. A simple and somewhat predictable plot that was handled very well both in the writing, and in the treatment of some very dark storylines.

I loved how they handled some of the characters, and how there were moments of surprise in their development (stereotypical “jock” being gay, picked on/bullied boy being so strong in who he is – especially loved his take on being bullied, and the way the very realistic sibling dynamics between Norman and his older sister).

Great voice performances, especially from John Goodman, Casey Affleck, Leslie Mann and Anna Kendrick. This was a “kids” film that did not dumb anything down, and I think that is what my kids loved about it, as well as why I enjoyed it so much, too.

Without a doubt, Norman’s friend Neil was my absolute favorite.

“Don’t make me throw this hummus… it’s spicy!” ~ Neil