Coraline 3D

Rating:

* * * *

Verdict:

Story waffles but spellbinding animation. Not one for the littlies.

Coraline

is the whimsical creation of author Neil Gaiman adapted by stop-motion animator Henry Selick (

The Nightmare Before Christmas

) who here makes the leap into 3D. With its dark fantasy story

Coraline

is scarier and more visually arresting than your average animated feature.

The 3D not only modernises the stopmotion animation, it gives this a wicked look that resembles a detailed pop-up book. Rather than just having objects flying out at you, Selick uses the technology - and an eerie musical score - to enhance the creepiness of the story, giving its two worlds slightly different looks, plenty of depth and a dream-like distortion.

Coraline Jones is a curious, feisty 11-year-old, who finds herself at a loose end when she moves from Michigan to rural Oregon with her workaholic parents (Teri Hatcher and John Hodgman). Her parents, both writers on a deadline, encourage Coraline to explore her new surroundings. She soon has a run in with an unusual boy, a gothic loner called Whybie (stands for Why Be Born?), and meets her new eccentric neighbours, Russian circus performer Mr Bobinsky (Ian McShane), and two voluptuous English actresses (French and Saunders).

What really interests Coraline though, is a small locked door which hides a tunnel to a parallel universe where there waits a supposedly better alternative version of her own life. In this world her Other Mother is a warm and welcoming domestic goddess, and her Other Father is playful and keen to spend time with his daughter.

On the surface it seems the grass is actually greener on the other side, but Coraline is rightfully hesitant about these Other Parents - after all, they have buttons for eyes - and her dream soon turns into a ghoulish nightmare.

Occasionally,

Coraline

can feel like it's trying too hard to keep up the whimsy. Yes, it's wacky and creative, but sometimes indulgently so. This is not a heart-warming fable, and though the scary characters are a refreshing change from cute cartoon animals Coraline is almost too cold in tone. For adult animation fans though, it is a treat. Francesca Rudkin

Voices by:

Dakota Fanning, Teri Hatcher, Dawn French, Jennifer Saunders

Director:

Henry Selick

Running time:

100 mins

Rating:

PG (Scary Scenes & Mild Language)