It's based on a book by Neil Gaiman, and although I'm not familiar with the source material, I did read some Gaiman in high school, and I was particularly fond of the Sandman comics and his novel Neverwhere. I think this film does a great job of capturing his trademark blend of playful whimsy and creepy/fantastic atmosphere. I highly recommend the 3D version, which was pretty spectacular when I saw it in theaters (I can't attest to how well the effect will translate on DVD, unless you're fortunate enough to have a really, really large television...or a private screening room). The best endorsement that I can give this movie is to pass along an opinion that I heard that this is basically a "horror move for kids." Still, I think you're likely to enjoy it regardless of age - but if you can pass it along to a little one and help foster a love of creepiness, so much the better!
Showing posts with label spooky gateway. Show all posts
Showing posts with label spooky gateway. Show all posts
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Coraline (2009)
Speaking of spooky gateway drugs, an excellent animated movie that came out earlier this year was recently released to DVD, and I highly recommend checking it out if you haven't already. Coraline is the tale of a lonely little girl who finds a portal to a parallel universe of sorts and learns just how much truth there is in that old adage, "Be careful what you wish for." 
It's based on a book by Neil Gaiman, and although I'm not familiar with the source material, I did read some Gaiman in high school, and I was particularly fond of the Sandman comics and his novel Neverwhere. I think this film does a great job of capturing his trademark blend of playful whimsy and creepy/fantastic atmosphere. I highly recommend the 3D version, which was pretty spectacular when I saw it in theaters (I can't attest to how well the effect will translate on DVD, unless you're fortunate enough to have a really, really large television...or a private screening room). The best endorsement that I can give this movie is to pass along an opinion that I heard that this is basically a "horror move for kids." Still, I think you're likely to enjoy it regardless of age - but if you can pass it along to a little one and help foster a love of creepiness, so much the better!
It's based on a book by Neil Gaiman, and although I'm not familiar with the source material, I did read some Gaiman in high school, and I was particularly fond of the Sandman comics and his novel Neverwhere. I think this film does a great job of capturing his trademark blend of playful whimsy and creepy/fantastic atmosphere. I highly recommend the 3D version, which was pretty spectacular when I saw it in theaters (I can't attest to how well the effect will translate on DVD, unless you're fortunate enough to have a really, really large television...or a private screening room). The best endorsement that I can give this movie is to pass along an opinion that I heard that this is basically a "horror move for kids." Still, I think you're likely to enjoy it regardless of age - but if you can pass it along to a little one and help foster a love of creepiness, so much the better!
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Scooby Doo, Spooky Gateway Drug?
As I sit here watching a weekend-long marathon of vintage Scooby Doo episodes on the Cartoon Network, I have to ask: How many of my fellow spooky enthusiasts grew up watching Scooby Doo, Where Are You? 
For obvious reasons, it seems like Scooby Doo was (and, hopefully, remains) a real gateway drug to the macabre for the young and impressionable. How many of us watched episode after episode, loving the heady blend of '70s kitsch, spooky/supernatural themes, random stoner jokes and slapstick cartoon comedy, hoping and praying that - just this once - the gang would find a real monster under that sheet or behind that mask instead of old Mr. Jenkins, the amusement park caretaker or old Mr. Carruthers, crooked real estate developer? I can't be the only one!
Unfortunately, if you're over the age of 8 or so, you'll find that Scooby Doo starts to get repetitive pretty fast. (That's why they need a constant stream of guest stars to liven things up! Phyllis Diller and the Harlem Globetrotters, anyone?) Still, I'll always love Scooby for stoking the fires of my love affair with spookiness. I'll just try to overlook later atrocities, like Scrappy Doo, and the regrettable live action movies starring Mr. and Mrs. Sarah Michelle Gellar, Linda Cardellini, Matthew Lillard and a really poorly executed CGI Scooby.
Zoinks! No thanks. I think I'll also avoid the live action "Scooby Doo Origins" movie they're pimping on Cartoon Network - I mean, Fred doesn't even have blonde hair! What's that about?! In the meantime, however, I'm happy to relive my childhood with this little marathon. Anyone else share my affection for Scoob?
For obvious reasons, it seems like Scooby Doo was (and, hopefully, remains) a real gateway drug to the macabre for the young and impressionable. How many of us watched episode after episode, loving the heady blend of '70s kitsch, spooky/supernatural themes, random stoner jokes and slapstick cartoon comedy, hoping and praying that - just this once - the gang would find a real monster under that sheet or behind that mask instead of old Mr. Jenkins, the amusement park caretaker or old Mr. Carruthers, crooked real estate developer? I can't be the only one!
Unfortunately, if you're over the age of 8 or so, you'll find that Scooby Doo starts to get repetitive pretty fast. (That's why they need a constant stream of guest stars to liven things up! Phyllis Diller and the Harlem Globetrotters, anyone?) Still, I'll always love Scooby for stoking the fires of my love affair with spookiness. I'll just try to overlook later atrocities, like Scrappy Doo, and the regrettable live action movies starring Mr. and Mrs. Sarah Michelle Gellar, Linda Cardellini, Matthew Lillard and a really poorly executed CGI Scooby.
Zoinks! No thanks. I think I'll also avoid the live action "Scooby Doo Origins" movie they're pimping on Cartoon Network - I mean, Fred doesn't even have blonde hair! What's that about?! In the meantime, however, I'm happy to relive my childhood with this little marathon. Anyone else share my affection for Scoob?
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