ParaNorman (2012)
Synopsis:
In ParaNorman, young Norman Babcock has a unique ability to see and communicate with ghosts, which makes him an outcast in his small town. When a centuries-old curse threatens to unleash a horde of zombies, Norman is the only one who can stop it. Teaming up with his sister, a new friend, and a few other unlikely allies, Norman embarks on a thrilling adventure to save the town. As he faces off against the undead and a mysterious witch, Norman must use his special gift to uncover the truth behind the curse and find a way to put an end to the chaos. With time running out, Norman's journey is filled with unexpected twists and turns, leading to an exciting showdown.
Where To Watch: ParaNorman
Parental Feedback
ParaNorman, released in 2012, is a stop-motion animated film that blends comedy, horror, and adventure, making it a unique choice for kids. The movie is generally well-received by parents, who appreciate its creative storytelling and engaging visuals, though some express concerns about its spooky elements. Overall, it offers a mix of humor and heart, with most parents finding it a fun and imaginative experience for children.
Why Kids Should Watch ParaNorman
ParaNorman is praised for its engaging story and positive messages.
- Promotes the importance of understanding and accepting differences
- Features a strong, relatable protagonist who learns to embrace his unique abilities
- Offers visually stunning animation that captivates young audiences
- Includes humor that appeals to both kids and adults
Why Kids Shouldn’t Watch ParaNorman
Some parents are concerned about the film's darker themes and scary scenes.
- Contains themes of bullying and isolation that may be intense for sensitive viewers
- Includes scenes with ghosts and zombies that could be frightening
- Has moments of visual intensity that might confuse younger children
Verdict: Mixed Messages
Verdict: Mixed Messages
Parents are divided—some love it, others raise concerns about its spooky elements.
What Parents Should Know About ParaNorman
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does this movie model positive behavior that my child can understand and repeat? | Yes, Norman shows bravery and empathy, especially when he stands up for others. |
| Does this movie include emotional moments my child might find confusing or intense? | The theme of bullying and scenes with ghosts may require parent guidance. |
| Does this movie show consequences for unkind or unsafe behavior? | Yes, the film clearly shows the negative impact of bullying and fear. |
| Does this movie reinforce helpful social skills like sharing, apologizing, or teamwork? | Yes, characters work together to solve problems and apologize for past mistakes. |
| Will my child come away with any clear moral or message? | The core message is about accepting differences and the power of understanding. |
The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback
ParaNorman is celebrated for its creative animation and positive messages about acceptance and empathy. While some parents are concerned about its spooky elements, these can be mitigated with parental guidance. Engaging in discussions about the film's themes can enhance the viewing experience. For families seeking similar films, Coraline and The Nightmare Before Christmas are recommended alternatives.
Official ParaNorman Trailer
The Core Values Learned From ParaNorman
ParaNorman's most common core values include Being brave, Being unique, and Friendship. The movie showcases Bravery as Norman faces his fears to confront a centuries-old curse threatening his town. His Courage is evident when he steps up to protect his Community despite feeling different and misunderstood.
Being unique is another core value, as Norman's ability to see and communicate with ghosts sets him apart, yet he learns to embrace his uniqueness as a strength rather than a burden. This acceptance of his individuality helps him solve the mystery and save the day. Friendship is highlighted through Norman's interactions with his unlikely allies, who support him on his journey. These relationships teach kids the importance of standing by friends and valuing their differences, showing that teamwork can overcome even the most daunting challenges.
Other Core Values Explored: Acceptance | Being yourself | Compassion | Courage | Dealing with fear | Empathy | Inclusion | Inclusivity | Perseverance | Respect | Standing up for others | Standing up for what's right | Teamwork | Valuing diversity
The 5 Biggest Lessons Learned From ParaNorman
Accepting Yourself: In ParaNorman, kids learn the importance of accepting themselves through Norman's journey. Despite being different because of his ability to see ghosts, Norman learns to embrace his uniqueness. This acceptance becomes his strength, showing children that being true to who they are can lead to great things.
Facing Fears Head-On: The movie teaches children about facing fears head-on as Norman confronts the terrifying curse threatening his town. By tackling his fears, Norman demonstrates courage and resilience, encouraging kids to be brave in the face of challenges.
Practicing Empathy: ParaNorman highlights the value of practicing empathy. Norman learns to understand the misunderstood witch and the zombies, realizing that everyone has a story worth listening to. This lesson encourages children to be compassionate and considerate of others' feelings.
Standing Up for Others: Kids see the importance of standing up for others as Norman and his friends work together to save their town. By supporting each other, they show that standing up for what's right can bring people together, even when they are different.
Choosing Forgiveness: The movie emphasizes choosing forgiveness as Norman seeks to resolve the curse. By forgiving past wrongs, Norman helps to heal old wounds, teaching children that forgiveness can lead to peace and understanding.
Other Lessons Learned: Accepting Fear | Avoiding Judgments | Being True to Yourself | Bridging Divides | Celebrating Uniqueness | Embracing Differences | Finding Courage | Keeping an Open Mind | Making a Difference | Not Feeling Alone | Speaking Up | Supporting Your Friends | Trusting Intuition
Why Kids Love ParaNorman
ParaNorman is a spooky and fun-filled adventure that draws kids into a world where friendly ghosts and creepy creatures roam. The movie is packed with thrilling encounters in haunted houses and mysterious monster sightings that keep young viewers on the edge of their seats. As Norman and his quirky group of friends work together to solve the mystery of a centuries-old curse, kids are captivated by the exciting twists and turns. The film's blend of humor and suspense makes it a perfect mix of scary-but-fun moments that kids love.
With a focus on teamwork and making new friends, the story shows how even the most unlikely allies can come together to outsmart adults and save the day. The unique characters and their daring escapades make ParaNorman a standout experience, where being different is celebrated and every problem has a creative solution. Kids will enjoy the action, the laughs, and the chance to see a world where being unique is the key to adventure.