Coraline 3D: A review

We saw Coraline in 3D yesterday (Saturday, Valentine's Day). It's a kids' horror story, but I would term it "cartoon scary," meaning none but the most sensitive young children would find it truly scary. The villain isn't very nice, but our heroine, Coraline, is strong and determined, and "defeats" the bad, scary monster in the end.

First, about the new 3D: It works fairly well. Much better than the technology you find at theme parks (and I'm thinking of the Terminator 3D attraction at Universal Studios). We saw Bolt in 3D in January, and thought it was very well done. That movie, in particular, is a keeper and I will buy it when it comes out on DVD. (BTW, that movie also had a heroine, though the dog, a boy, is the main character.)

Coraline makes more use of things coming at you on the screen, which I found moderately cheesy, but given that the movie is targeted for kids, I can forgive the occasional poke in the eye. The children in the theater seemed to like it, which I think is the point.

What I found most satisfying is the role that Coraline, the movie's heroine, plays. She is strong and independent, yet when it comes to helping others, is compassionate and doesn't hesitate. Excellent role model for girls, and not too poor for young boys, either. At her character's age, there really isn't much difference between the genders. Her parents are portrayed as busy and not paying much attention, but it's very clear she loves them and in the end their family is back together. A good message all the way around.

I give Coraline an A-