Focus Features was rolling out the red carpet recently for its horror-themed movies. One of those is the upcoming 3D animated stop-motion project “ParaNorman.” This film looks like it could be an unofficial sequel to “The Sixth Sense.” Imagine Haley Joel Osment’s character coming to grips with his ability to see dead people and embracing the deceased as secondary citizens of this mortal coil. That’s what came to mind upon watching the teaser and official trailer for “ParaNorman.”
The movie revolves around a young boy named Norman who can communicate with the dead. When his town comes under attack by zombies, he must find a way to save it. Norman must also find a way to remove an ancient curse by going up against ghosts; witches; the walking dead; and scariest of them all, grown-ups.
This looks like it’s going to be a frightfully fun time in the spirit of “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” “Corpse Bride,” and “Beetlejuice.” It’s hard to believe Tim Burton’s name can’t be found anywhere on this project. The animation in the movie doesn’t really match his style, but the atmosphere seems to be the same. You can tell by watching the trailer that this is going to be too intense and scary for smaller children. If “Coraline” freaked out your son or daughter, then “ParaNorman” might not be the movie for them.
Sam Fell and Chris Butler are directing the film. Butler was the storyboard supervisor for “Coraline.” He was also a storyboard artist for “Corpse Bride” and “Tarzan 2.” Butler wrote the screenplay for “ParaNorman.” Fell directed “The Tale of Despereaux” and “Flushed Away.” He provided the story and additional screenplay material for “Flushed Away” as well.
The voice cast for the film is made up of some extraordinary talent. It stars Kodi Smit-McPhee (“Let Me In”), Christopher Mintz-Plasse (“Fright Night”), John Goodman, Anna Kendrick, Leslie Mann, and Casey Affleck.
Laika Entertainment (“Coraline,” “Corpse Bride”) is producing the film. American rock and pop musician Jon Brion (“The Future”) is providing the score. It’s set to be released on August 17, 2012.
For more articles by Eric Shirey, check out:
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December 22: ‘The Mummy’ Rises From His Tomb for the First Time
December 20: ‘Invasion of the Body Snatchers’ 1978 Remake Unleashed
Eric Shirey is the founder and former editor of Rondo Award nominated movie news websites MovieGeekFeed.com and TheSpectralRealm.com. His work has been featured on Yahoo!, DC Comics, StarWars.com, and other entertainment websites. Eric has interviewed and worked with actors like Harrison Ford, Brooke Shields, Gerard Butler, Brendan Fraser, Selena Gomez, and many more.
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