CORALINE

RYAN: “Coraline” is the new movie from the director of “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” which is not Tim Burton by the way. His name is Henry Selick – Burton just produced “Nightmare.” And “Coraline” is just as good, if not better, as that classic.

CAROLINE: I like the title of this movie because her name is my name with two letters switched.

RYAN: And interestingly, one of the running jokes in the movie is that everyone mispronounces her name and calls her Caroline. It made me think of you every time, so it was hard to not see it with you.

CAROLINE: Yes, it’s another children’s film that I couldn’t be bothered to see.

RYAN: This is by no means a children’s film. It’s astoundingly adult in theme and tone and it’s kind of terrifying. I was actually holding my breath with fear at least twice.

CAROLINE: Wow. What kids will enjoy this?

RYAN: I’m sure I don’t know. It’s based on a book written by Neil Gaiman, who wrote the book that the movie “Stardust” was based on, which is one of my favorite films ever. So, of course, the story of “Coraline” is brilliant, and its message is really poignant.

CAROLINE: Does anyone famous provide the voices?

RYAN: But of course! Teri Hatcher does an incredible job as the mom, and Dakota Fanning, who we love to hate, is Coraline. And I have to say, she’s excellent. She’s slowly working her way off my irritation list. I got to see it in 3D, which I highly recommend; but only some theaters have the capability for it. This new Real D 3D technology is beyond.

CAROLINE: I would like to have 10% of Dakota Fanning’s money. She’s in so many movies these days. I guess she’s gotta milk it while she’s still young and cute.

RYAN: But have you seen her lately? She’s such the statuesque young adult now and she’s looking fabulous. Maybe she’ll marry Daniel Radcliffe someday.

CAROLINE: [laughs’ That’s never gonna happen.

RYAN: This is the first time I’ve actually liked Dakota in a film.

CAROLINE: Who is this Coraline anyway?

RYAN: She’s a little girl who’s dissatisfied with the lack of attention she’s receiving from her parents, and she has quite an imagination… or not. But I don’t want to give anything away. The strongest part of the film is the story. It’s got one of the best stories I’ve ever seen in a movie, and along with this kind of rarely-used animation which takes years to do, and this incredible 3D technology, it’s a really powerful film.

CAROLINE: But are the kiddies going to be scared by it?

RYAN: Absolutely. I was very creeped out by it. It was chilling at times, and I thought, “How is this a kids’ movie?”

CAROLINE: Well, that’s good for parents to know.

RYAN: There’s a very good moral that is relatively transparent in the film. And the subplots are as enjoyable as the major story arc.

— BOTTOM LINE —

RYAN: This is a must-see on the big screen. The whole movie is like one big special effect. It’s beautiful, sweet, frightening and endearing and it has one of the best morals of any fairy tale. Don’t miss it.

— RATING —