ParaNorman is a 2012 stop-motion film from Laika Studios. The film is based on Norman Babcock, an 11-year-old from Blithe Hollow, Massachusetts, who has the ability to talk to ghosts and is tasked by his crazy uncle to stop a 300-year-old witch’s curse on his town.

This movie is a great watch. I really like how they seemed to make a “Halloween movie” with the typical zombies, ghosts, and witches, but at the same time having these monsters framed as good characters, all with reasons as to why they are terrorizing the town. In a way this shows how everybody in Norman’s town misunderstands him and views him as the weird kid that can talk to ghosts, because just like Norman, the monsters are justified in their “terrorizing” of the town, even the witch is justified with the curse she put on the town.

Overall I rate this movie a 8/10. I really like how they made a “scary movie” that tackles the idea of fitting in and belonging in a subtle way. I also enjoy how they seemed to make this movie full of humor while still having a good plot with a real message. It’s hard to believe that this movie is a stop-motion film because the entire movie looks amazing. For those who have never seen this movie, I completely recommend taking time to watch it and I guarantee you won’t regret it. So if you’re looking for a family-friendly, thoughtful Halloween movie, put ParaNorman at the top of your list!