After directing two feature-length stop-motion films under the production of Tim Burton (those being The Nightmare Before Christmas and James and the Giant Peach), Henry Selick branches out on his own for Coraline. Of course, even though Burton is not involved with the film, you can feel a Burtonesque influence throughout.
I thought the film was very visually fascinating (especially the 3D version I watched) and I am surprised that they don't make more stop-motion films, since I think the format runs circles around CGI in terms of the little touches they add.
Also, I found the story had the right sense of creepiness in that you knew something was not right, even if it was all smiles.
In the end, it's only the start of the year, but I believe we have a contender for next year's Best Animated Film.
10/10
