Go see it.
Of course anyone who has seen the trailers know that it is a gorgeous movie. I’m here to say that the trailers in no way do it justice. There are sights that are just mind-boggingly beautiful. It is one of the most lushly textured movies* I have seen in a good, long while. And although the movie is full of fab sweaters and the like, I am not talking just about the textile art. Everything in the movie is a layered creation of plot, character interaction and visuals.
Much and much to recommend it. Deliciously creepy. Some downright scary moments (all without once resorting to a GOTCHA cheap thrill.) Coraline is a fully realized little girl. Anyone who has children – esp. girl children on that maddening cusp of not-quite adolescence – will appreciate how accurate a portrayal it is. She is whiny, self absorbed, and desperate for interaction with her (seemingly) non-caring parents. All without coming across as a brat. The parents are seen as loving even though they appear to spend a good portion of the film ignoring their daughter. It’s a fine line beautifully walked by the writers and actors. Well done.
The supporting cast of characters are also wonderfully weird and yet, believable. There is a pair of still subtly (or maybe not so subtly)still-competing spinster actresses that have to be seen to be fully appreciated. Dead, stuffed dogs. With wings. A jumping mouska circus that don’t go “ooompah!” like they should. Beet-eating, Russian circus masters with a penchant for jumping off tall buildings.
This is definitely a movie to take your kids to. Parents: make your own determination on whether it is appropriate for their babes. Personally, I wouldn’t recommend it for any kidlet that is under say, six or so. Some of the scary moments might upset them. It’s PG and rightly so. OTOH, your six-year old might have the mental fortitude of a Kung Fu Master snatching flies out of the air.
At any rate, highly recommended. Chernobyl Critics give it three thumbs up.
If you are a knitting/textile person, I would also recommend this movie just based on the hand knitted costumes the characters wear.
The Process 
seeing it in a couple of hours. =D
Have much fun! Let me know what you think of it when you get out.
PS…are you going to the corset ball this eve?
apparently i wasn’t going to the corset ball. =P i hope your had fun there. (assuming you went)
as for the movie. spectacular! i think it’s one of those movies i could get something new every time i watched it. there are definitely all sorts of messages in the movie. ^^
I did! There is pictorial proof, even.
I agree; it is def on my once a year list. I am very glad that you enjoyed it as well.
And warn them about the Other-World circus, specifically the other-world actress’ bathing suit. That one disturbed me mom so.
That was way creepy.
I love a movie that is creepy without being over the line/top/gotcha. You know?