Movies: Whimsical Adventure Double Feature

Whew! That weekend Internet outage is finally resolved, so it's time for our regularly scheduled posts to resume. Today's films are family-friendly adventure movies that have enough meat on them to keep adults thoroughly entertained:

Up

Pixar's streak of top movies shows no signs of abating, although after so many entries, it's now possible to see the "seams" in their storytelling technique. Just look at "Up," their latest:



"Up" follows Carl Fredricksen, a cantankerous old man (played by - who else? - Ed Asner) who decides, in a very Shangrila Towers-esque sequence, to escape his weary world and fly his house to South America. His reluctant companion is Russell, a lovable kid whose motivations and backstory are probably the film's best bit of characterization. The movie is, without a doubt, visually stunning, expertly-paced, and fairly funny.

If you've watched a lot of Pixar, though, you've seen it all before. There's a syrupy-sad montage (right from "Toy Story 2"), an endearing goofball character (think Dory from "Finding Nemo"), and a nigh insane villain somehow connected to the main character's past (basically Syndrome from "The Incredibles"). These tropes are all lovingly crafted, of course, but it does feel awkward to start seeing the strings after a bunch of wonderful puppet shows.

Rating: 8/10

Coraline

Neil Gaiman, like a lot of writers, leans on some time-tested story ideas. He loves the whole "hero tempted by a mystical otherworld" plotline ("Stardust," "MirrorMask," etc.).

This is an ancient story, with roots reaching as far back as "Alice in Wonderland" and even "The Odyssey." It also happens to be the theme of "Coraline," a stop-motion animation feature directed by Henry Selick. Selick directed "James and the Giant Peach," "Monkeybone," and "The Nightmare Before Christmas":



Coraline's family has just moved to a strange new house. While Coraline goes through the difficult adjustment period, she starts having vivid dreams about an "other family" that seemingly treats her better. But as the dreamworld becomes more and more enticing, will she decide to stay there forever?

Just because the story is predictable doesn't mean it isn't fun, and "Coraline" is a well-executed movie. The stop-motion sculpturing is detailed and expressive, giving the proceedings a lively atmosphere (the movie was shown in 3D in some theaters). The voice-acting talent is excellent, too, with preternaturally gifted child star Dakota Fanning putting in a good turn as Coraline. Overall, it's another feather in Selick's cap, and well worth a look.

Rating: 8/10