After spending the weekend in Bath/Bristol visiting friends I was met with a 6 hour wait for my train back to Leeds. The last time that this misfortune occurred I ended up watching Confessions of a Shopaholic (definitely not worth my time or money.) However this time I had the pleasure of watching Coraline at the new cinema in Cabot Circus, Bristol. It was my first experience of watching a feature film in 3D which enhanced the absolutely stunning animation. It's directed by Henry Selick whose previous films included The Nightmare Before Christmas and Stardust (I think i'm the only person who enjoyed that film!) and based on Neil Gaiman's international best-selling book. I hadn't previously read the book and knew little of the story so it was new to me.
Coraline Jones is bored in her new home until she discovers a secret door that leads into a parallel world and an alternate version of her life. On the surface, the world behind the door is eerily similar to her real life and the people in it – only much better. But when this seemingly perfect world becomes dangerous, and her other parents try to trap her forever, Coraline must count on her resourcefulness, determination and bravery to escape this increasingly perilous world – and save her real world family.
Coraline is such a charming yet terrifying film. I was totally sucked in by the beauty and kindness of the 'Other Mother' and for a while considered having buttons sewn into my eyes just so that I could have my own star jumper and enchanted garden. A few of my personal highlights were a follows:
1. The theatre full of scotty dogs.
2. Jumping mice spelling out 'Coraline'
3. Buttons for eyes.
4. The initial beauty and charm of the 'Other Mother.'
5. The enchanted garden creating Coraline's portrait in flowers.
6. Mr Bobinsky's 'other' house, including the candy floss cannons.
7. A drawer full of keys.
8. Wybie's multiple lens mask.
9. The multi-coloured tunnel between Coraline's separate lives.
Despite how lovely it looks and a gripping build up, the ending seemed slightly rushed (finding the ghost child's eyes in about 5 minutes.) However I was willing to overlook that because everything else is flawless. I insist that you leave work/school/bed right now and go see this film. Now if you'll excuse me, i'm off to die my hair blue and purchase a yellow rain mac.
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