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Page 6 THE KERSHAW NEWS-ERA Wednesday, September 5, 2012 By Joseph Garris Jr Entertainment Editor The charming, clever and well- scripted ParaNorman gives something for everybody in the audience to enjoy as one of the most fun films to watch so far this year. The film has a very classic feel to it, while also taking advantage of new-school elements in animation. Several moments, including a comi- cal intro, pay homage to early horror movies, which was a nice, unexpect- ed aspect of the movie. The story follows Norman (voiced by Kodi Smit-McPhee) is a young boy that can see and communicate with the dead, including his deceased grandmother. Unfortunately, no one sees his ability as a plus, often made fun of at school and at home. Norman soon learns that he may not be alone in his abilities. He meets a creepy old man named Mr. Prenderghast (voiced by John Goodman) that tells him the two share the special gift. Prenderghast confronts Norman and tells him that there’s a task he must complete in order to keep a dead witch from trying to raise the dead. Norman doesn’t buy it, initially, but soon experiences the living dead walking and knows he must find out a way to save the town. He joins his sister (voiced by Anna Kendrick), best friend (voiced by Tucker Albrizzi), his sister’s crush (voiced by Casey Affleck), and his No.1 school bully (voiced by Christopher Mintz-Plasse) to stop the witch from enacting her evil plan. The world created in the film is really awesome to experience. The details are excellent and the animation is beautifully designed. There are some simple scares in the film but nothing too serious. The real treat of the movie is the frequent moments of comedy that are both cute and laugh out loud funny at times. ParaNorman is a film that has cer- tainly been influenced by other films and it’s fun to be able to pick out the obvious and not-so obvious clues. The easiest to recall was also found in the trailer with Norman’s best friend standing out in the yard by the clothesline ala the original Halloween. The script is the gem of the film thanks to writer Chris Butler. It’s crafted well and delivered with perfec- tion due to some surprise voice act- ing, including that of Goodman and Mintz-Plasse (or as most know him, McLovin from the film, Superbad). ParaNorman is an age-appropriate movie that really goes out of its way to provide something for all ages in the audience to appreciate. Horror buffs can certainly find something here to enjoy and it’s clear the film- makers really wanted to provide an enjoyable cinema experience. The review was based on the 2D version of the film. There were a few moments late in the movie that might have been worthy of purchas- ing a 3D ticket, but for the most part ParaNorman didn’t seem to have much to require a 3D viewing. It’s possible a 3D viewing would draw too much attention away from the plot of the movie, which is where the real bread and butter of the movie lies. There are some laughs, some simple scares and nice themes with quality lessons on being different and struggling to find acceptance. ParaNorman is a real treat for any audience. Cute, fun animation with something for all ParaNorman DIRECTOR: Chris A Butler, Chris Butler, Sam Fell CAST: Kodi Smit-McPhee, Casey Affleck, John Goodman, Anna Kendrick RUNNING TIME: 93 mins RATING: PG for scary action and images, thematic ele- ments, some rude humor and language. GRADE:A Answers: 1.B, 2.D, 3.D, 4.C, 5.C WHATTA Y A KNOW? M M M O O O V V V I I I E E E T T RIVIA RIVIA 1. Which one of these actors is not in 'Mars Attacks!'? A. Jack Nicholson B. Johnny Depp C. Michael J Fox D. Pierce Brosnan 2. In this movie Michael Keaton has the leading role, which one? A. 'Mars Attacks' B. 'Sleepy Hollow' C. 'Ed Wood' D. 'Beetlejuice' 3. In Tim Burtons animated 'The Nightmare Before Christmas' we can hear the specially written music of.? A. Marilyn Manson B. Paul Schaffer C. Neil Young D. Danny Elfman 4. What's the name of the leading role character in 'The Nightmare Before Christmas'? A. 'Sandy Claws' B. 'The Mayor' C. 'Jack Skellington' D. 'Mr Ogi-Bogey' 5. Which is Burton's first film? A. 'Pee-wee's Big Adventure' B. 'Frankenweenie' C. 'Vincent' D. 'Hansel and Gretel' Bill Murray ParaNorman Thursday - 7:00 The Campaign Thursday - 7:00 ParaNorman Nightly - 7:00 Sparkle Nightly - 7:00 Lawless (2:00), 4:45, 7:25, 10:20 ParaNorman (1:00), 5:30, 10:00 Premium Rush (1:45), 5:25, 7:55, 10:20 The Expendables 2 (1:50), 7:30, 4:15, 9:55 The Odd Life of Timothy Green (1:40), 4:25, 7:00, 9:30 The Possession (1:00), 3:15, 5:35, 7:50, 10:05
