I just saw the new animated movie, Coraline, based on the best selling children's book. Now, I knew it was going to be darker than other animated features that are out this year because it was directed by the same guy that did Nightmare Before Christmas. What I wasn't ready for, was how creepy it was. There were times when I was legitimately scared. I think this brings up a good point about appropriate movie for young people. Just because it is rated PG doesn't mean any kid of any age should go. I feel that this movie is great for children 10 and up but anyone younger; it's bound to give them nightmares. I walked into the ladies room afterward and a little girl was asking her mom if she was "her real mother or her other mother." Her mother just laughed to herself and said she didn't have button eyes so she couldn't be "the other mother." I guess this was a cute moment, but I was also a bit concerned that this 6 year old was afraid of her own mom.
It's the same argument that parents have with the Harry Potter films. Children 10 years of age and younger have read all the books and want to see the movies, but the movies are getting much darker and contain very graphic images of violence. I am a firm believer in reading the books first and then seeing the movie, but if your child is 7,8, or 9, you may want to see the movie before they do just to make sure they can handle it. Some kids can. I work with 9-12 year olds who have seen way worse violence in front of their houses. Wizards and claymation won't scare them. But then there are those children who have been sheltered and may be negatively affected by viewing a movie like Coraline.
I guess all I can say is that I loved the movie and was really pleased with the music and animation work that went in to making it. However, I caution some parents who don't want to deal with nightmares that this movie pushes the boundaries of a PG rating. I would still recommend it, but perhaps not for anyone under 10 years old.
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