Coraline (2009)
The Basics: A stop motion animated fantasy film featuring elements of horror and based on Neil Gaiman's book, of the same name. Young and adventurous Coraline finds herself bored with her new surroundings and basically ignored by her parents. When she explores her new home, she finds a secret passageway that leads to an alternate world, where she can have anything she wants, courtesy of her "other" parents, who, strangely enough, have buttons for eyes. While the alternative world may be enticing, Coraline soon discovers that it may be too good to be true, but it may be too late to save herself and her real parents.
Reasons to Watch: The animation is beautifully drawn and presented. The dark, foreboding atmosphere is appropriate and adds greatly to the film by creating an unforgettable mood. The screenplay, by Henry Sleick, which is based on Gaiman's book, is creative, intelligent and conveys an important message to younger viewers about being happy with what you have because it may be better than any alternative.
The Bottom Line: During the first half of the film I was annoyed by Coraline's almost constant complaining and her mistreatment of others. However, there is a reason she acts the way she does and that plays into her overall journey, which allows her to learn a great deal about herself, as well as others in the process. The subject matter should appeal to both children and their parents, who might want to heed the important messages being conveyed.
The Ninth Gate (1999)
The Basics: Roman Polanski directed and co-wrote this low key, slow paced thriller starring Johnny Depp as Dean Corso, a used book dealer, who is hired by the eccentric Boris Balkan (Frank Langella), to validate a copy of his book, The Nine Gates of the Kingdom of Shadows (a fictional book), which may have been written by Lucifer himself. Along the way, Corso is followed by mysterious men and women and must deal with other eccentrics who possess additional copies of the book. Even though Corso's life appears to be in constant danger, that never seems to deter him from doing his job. Of course, there is a lot of money at stake if he is successful.
Reasons to watch: Johnny Depp is always a treat to watch. In this instance, he appears to be struggling to keep a straight face in many scenes, as Corso must deal with the bizarre behavior of almost everyone around him. Thankfully, some of the music allows the mood to remain dark and mysterious. In addition, the beautiful European setting is a pleasure to behold and also helps to enhance the mood. Oh, and Frank Langella plays a great villain.
The Bottom Line: An overly long and sometimes tedious film that might have worked best as a straight thriller/horror effort. What I expected is not what I got, but The Ninth Gate is enjoyable in a quirky kind of way and the performances are generally good, if tongue in cheek. Viewers who like thrillers but do not enjoy being scared may want to give this one a try.
Silent House (2010)
The Basics: A young woman, Sarah (Elizabeth Olsen), assists her father and uncle with fixing up an old house in the country. After hearing strange noises, Sarah informs her father, who investigates and then goes missing. Sarah runs for help, only to meet up with her uncle, who takes her back to the house to look for her father. Shortly thereafter, Sarah witnesses her uncle being dragged away by an unknown man. She then tries desperately to find her way back out of the well secured house to get help.
Reasons to Watch: Elizabeth Olsen delivers a solid performance as a terrified young woman who struggles to escape from an unlikely prison. Directors Chris Kentis and Laura Lau create a tense, moody and foreboding atmosphere.
The Bottom Line: The first half of Silent House is well executed and provides a few frightening moments. However, as Sarah learns the truth, the contrived revelation serves to greatly diminish the film, which may leave some viewers feeling cheated.
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