ParaNorman Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A kid who watches too many zombie movies has to save his town from a cranky ghost and some surprisingly polite zombies, mostly by talking about his feelings.

🍿 ParaNorman: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction to Norman and Blithe Hollow

In the town of Blithe Hollow, Norman Babcock is a young boy who can see and communicate with the dead. This ability makes him an outcast, ridiculed by his family and peers. His only friend is Neil, an overweight boy who finds Norman’s ability fascinating. Blithe Hollow is also known for its history of witch trials, adding to the eerie atmosphere.

The Witch’s Curse

Norman’s estranged uncle, Mr. Prenderghast, informs him that the town is under a centuries-old curse from a witch. He tasks Norman with performing a ritual using a special book to protect the town. However, when Norman tries to fulfill his uncle’s request, things go awry, and the witch’s curse is unleashed.

The Rise of the Undead

As the curse takes effect, the accursed dead rise, threatening Blithe Hollow. Norman teams up with Neil, his sister Courtney, bully Alvin, and Neil’s brother Mitch to save the town. Along the way, they uncover the truth about the witch’s curse and the horrific events that led to it.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Norman Babcock (Kodi Smit-McPhee): A misunderstood boy with the ability to see and speak to the dead who must save his town from a witch’s curse.
• Neil (Tucker Albrizzi): Norman’s loyal and eccentric best friend who believes in his ability to communicate with ghosts.
• Courtney Babcock (Anna Kendrick): Norman’s initially dismissive older sister who eventually comes to understand and support him.
• Alvin (Christopher Mintz-Plasse): The school bully who initially torments Norman but later reluctantly joins forces with him.
• Mitch (Casey Affleck): Neil’s older brother and a jock who becomes an unlikely ally to Norman and his friends.
• Aggie (Agatha Prenderghast) (Jodelle Ferland): The vengeful spirit of a young girl wrongly accused of witchcraft whose curse threatens Blithe Hollow.
• Mr. Prenderghast (John Goodman): Norman’s estranged uncle who warns him about the witch’s curse and tasks him with protecting the town.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Neil: “Don’t make me throw this hummus… it’s spicy!” – Neil says this to Alvin when Alvin is bullying Norman.
• Norman: “You can’t stop bullying, it’s part of human nature.” – Said with resignation, reflecting his experience with being ostracized.
• Norman: “We can’t let history repeat itself.” – Norman realizing the townsfolk are repeating the mistakes of the past.
• Norman: “It’s not their fault they’re dead.” – Norman defending the zombies from the townspeople.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $60,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $56,003,051
• Worldwide Gross: $107,139,399

💥 ParaNorman Reviews

Personal Review

I absolutely loved ParaNorman! The stop-motion animation is breathtakingly beautiful, and the story is surprisingly heartfelt. I felt a real connection to Norman, and the way he was misunderstood. It’s more than just a kids’ movie; it tackles some important themes about acceptance and prejudice. The scene where Norman confronts Aggie was so powerful, I almost cried! Definitely a must-see for animation fans.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of stop-motion animation”
  • “Viewers who enjoy spooky stories with heart”
  • “Those interested in films with themes of acceptance and empathy”
  • “Horror fans”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Scary imagery”
  • “Mature themes”
  • “Suggestive Humor”
  • “Violence”

Professional Reviews

• Common Sense Media: “ParaNorman is a visually stunning and surprisingly poignant stop-motion film. There is mature subject matter, and themes of bullying, death, prejudice, and the execution of accused witches. However, it’s ultimately a worthwhile watch for older kids and teens.
• The New York Times: “A terrific story and wonderfully creepy visuals, ParaNorman has the potential to be enjoyed by everyone. Its a film which does not patronize and is instead willing to get children thinking. It doesn’t pull many punches in regards to the horror. With a story that’s easy to follow, any audience member is going to easily enjoy this movie.
• IndieWire: “Visually inventive and narratively ambitious, it manages to be both scary and sweet. The film’s message of tolerance is handled with surprising grace, and the stop-motion animation is a marvel.

Audience Reactions

The stop-motion animation is incredible and visually stunning, making it a feast for the eyes.: Viewers praise the film’s unique animation style, clever humor, and heartwarming message about acceptance.

The blend of horror and humor makes the film genuinely entertaining for both kids and adults.: Many viewers found the movie to be a great mix of spooky and funny, creating an enjoyable experience for all ages.

Overall Consensus: ParaNorman is a visually stunning and surprisingly touching animated film that blends horror and humor, delivering a powerful message about acceptance and understanding. Though scary for the very young, it is generally loved by audiences.

Awards

1. BAFTA Awards (Best Animated Film)- 2013

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “ParaNorman is the first stop-motion animated film to use a 3D color printer to create character faces.”
• “The film was shot using Canon 5D Mark II DSLR Cameras.”
• “The town’s name, Blithe Hollow, is a portmanteau of ‘Blithe Spirit’ and ‘The Legend of Sleepy Hollow’.”

🖥️ How to Watch ParaNorman?

ParaNorman is available for streaming on various platforms, including rental or purchase options on Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your preferred streaming service for current availability.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed ParaNorman, you might like these similar films:

• Coraline (2009): Both are stop-motion animated films from Laika Entertainment with a focus on dark fantasy and themes of being an outsider.
• The Sixth Sense (1999): Shares the theme of a child who can see and communicate with the dead, and how they cope with this ability.
• Monster House (2006): Animated horror film with kids facing supernatural threats and humorous moments.
• Frankenweenie (2012): A stop-motion animated film with a dark and whimsical tone, dealing with themes of death and acceptance.
• Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island (1998): A more mature and darker Scooby-Doo film that combines comedy, horror, and mystery elements, similar to ParaNorman’s blend of genres.

🛒 ParaNorman Related Products

• ParaNorman (Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Copy): Own the movie that critics are calling ‘a whole lotta fun’. This Blu-ray combo pack includes the movie, behind-the-scenes features, and a digital copy for viewing on the go.
• ParaNorman: The Graphic Novel: Delve deeper into the world of ParaNorman with this beautifully illustrated graphic novel. Experience the story in a new way with stunning visuals and expanded scenes.
• ParaNorman Funko Pop! Vinyl Figure: A fun and stylized vinyl figure of Norman Babcock, the hero of ParaNorman. Add this to your collection of Funko Pop! figures.
• ParaNorman T-Shirt: Show off your love for ParaNorman with this stylish graphic t-shirt featuring Norman and his ghostly friends. Made from comfortable, high-quality material.

🎧 Soundtrack

ParaNorman features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Little Ghost” – performed by The White Stripes
• “Fix Up, Look Sharp” – performed by Dizzee Rascal
• “End Credits” – performed by Jon Brion

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

FLIPBOOKS from the movies I worked on

Curious about how the intricate animation in ParaNorman was created? Check out this fun video showcasing the handmade flipbooks from the movie. It’s a fascinating glimpse into the art of stop-motion animation!

Crafting the World of ParaNorman | LAIKA Studios

If you’re fascinated by the intricate world-building in ParaNorman, this video is a must-watch. It takes you on a captivating journey through the behind-the-scenes process, revealing how the filmmakers brought the spooky, yet charming town of Blithe Hollow to life.

ParaNorman Featurette: Making Norman

Want to know the secrets behind bringing Norman to life? This featurette takes you on an enchanting journey, showcasing the meticulous craftsmanship and artistry that went into creating the beloved protagonist of ParaNorman.

Did You Know These 5 Things About Paranorman

Prepare to be amazed! This video uncovers five intriguing facts about ParaNorman that will enhance your appreciation for its brilliance. From its groundbreaking animation to its all-star voice cast, you’ll discover hidden gems that make this movie truly special.

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