⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4

Every now and then, a children’s film captures audiences and remains popular not only with (older) children, but with adults too. Coraline is a stop-motion animated film originally released way back in 2009. Having missed it over the years, I finally took my daughter, a firm fan of the film to an early morning weekend screening for just £2 a ticket. Not bad at all!

I really enjoyed the film on the whole and thought it was very clever. I would advise caution with younger children; it is likely more suitable for those aged 9 and up. The adults in the audience certainly enjoyed it, with plenty of genuine laughs throughout. Some younger viewers might struggle with the storyline, and parts of it can be a little frightening. During our screening, one young child left with their parents, and I overheard another whisper, “I’m bored.” On the flip side, teens will definitely love it.

While other stop-motion films are obviously in that style (e.g Aardman animation), this film is crafted so well it is not immediately obvious. It features a darker style and tone reminiscent of a Tim Burton film, with amazing artwork and design across both characters and backdrops.

The story is captivating and well-told, with solid pacing, apart for a brief 10-minute stretch near the end where I found some events slightly confusing (though that could just have been me being a little slow!). Everything ties together nicely, and the ending is thoroughly satisfying, making it easy to see why this is a favorite of my daughter’s. The voice acting is also worth noting, featuring performances from Dakota Fanning alongside comedy legends French and Saunders.

Despite the film being some 17 years old, Coraline remains doesn’t show its age on the big screen, and still looks decent and modern.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4

Thanks for reading this review. If you enjoyed it, be sure to leave a ‘like’ at the bottom of this page, and maybe even join in the discussion by telling us what you did and didn’t like about this film. There are many more posts about al things film, so go check them out.

Trailer, synopsis and score breakdown below.

When restless young explorer Coraline moves into a sprawling, divided old house with her perpetually busy parents, she discovers a secret bricked-up door that opens into a parallel, idealized version of her life. Initially enchanted by this seemingly perfect “Other World”—where her alternate parents are attentive and everything is tailored to her wishes—she soon uncovers a sinister trap when her “Other Mother” attempts to keep her forever, forcing Coraline to rely on her wits, courage, and resourcefulness to rescue her real parents and escape.

Online synopsis 

Film Rating

Music/Sound

4 out of 5

Story/plot

4 out of 5

Acting/Performances

4 out of 5

Overall

4 out of 5

Certification: PG
Running time: 100 minutes
Screening type: 2D