Common Sense Media Review
By Sandie Angulo Chen
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Cool-but-creepy monster flick is too scary for little kids.
Parents Need to Know
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ParaNorman
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 63 parent reviews
Parents say the movie can be both enjoyable and concerning for children, with reactions divided on its appropriateness for younger audiences. While some praise it for its dark humor and positive messages about tolerance and bravery, many others find its themes, language, and imagery too intense for kids, recommending it instead for older children or preteens.
- good for older kids
- mixed feelings about themes
- dark humor appreciated
- language concerns
- intense imagery
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 114 kid reviews
Kids say the movie is enjoyable yet carries themes that may be inappropriate for younger viewers. While some praise its humor and positive messages about acceptance and friendship, many caution that its blend of mild swearing, sexual innuendo, and scary elements make it unsuited for children under 10 years old.
- scary elements
- inappropriate content
- positive messages
- mixed audience reactions
- humor and heart
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In PARANORMAN, Norman (voiced by Kodi Smit-McPhee) isn't your ordinary middle-school misfit. He lives in the small New England town of Blithe Hollow, which is famous for a centuries-old witch hunt, and he can see and speak to the ghosts who reside there. Norman's great-uncle Mr. Prenderghast (John Goodman) explains to him that, on the upcoming anniversary of the witch Agatha's (Jodelle Ferland) execution, Norman must read from a special book to end her curse on the town. Before he can succeed, Norman and his kindhearted best friend, Neil (Tucker Albrizzi), must band together with a motley crew that includes Norman's popular older sister, Courtney (Anna Kendrick); Neil's older brother, Mitch (Casey Affleck); and even Norman and Neil's tormentor, Alvin (Christopher Mintz-Plasse), to take on the witch and a group of more-than-they-seem zombies.
Is It Any Good?
Written and directed by Chris Butler, who worked on both Coraline and Corpse Bride, this supernatural adventure has the same lush, stylized stop-motion animation as those similarly moody films. In ParaNorman, like Coraline, Norman is an outcast with a complicated relationship with his parents. While the supporting characters here aren't nearly as vivid as Coraline's eccentric neighbors (it was, after all, a Neil Gaiman-based adaptation), Norman is an earnest underdog who's easy to cheer for.
There's a sophistication to Laika's 3D stop-motion films, and they're just edgy enough to engage even jaded teens who fancy themselves too old for animation. This is not a preschooler's Disney musical; it's got an authenticity to its teenspeak (especially Courtney's unapologetic attempts to seduce the adorable, clueless Mitch) and a deep understanding of the perils of early adolescence, when being different could feel like the worst curse but can really be a blessing in disguise.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how everyone can feel lonely and ignored at times, just like Norman in ParaNorman. How does Norman change, and how does Neil teach him about the importance of friendship?
What audience do you think ParaNorman is intended for? Is it too scary for younger kids? What aspects of the movie make it more mature?
How does Norman deal with bullying at school? Discuss the many ways kids can get bullied and what kids should do if they're experiencing it or know someone who is.
How do the characters demonstrate courage and empathy? Why are these important character strengths?
Movie Details
- In theaters : August 17, 2012
- On DVD or streaming : November 27, 2012
- Cast : Anna Kendrick , Christopher Mintz-Plasse , Kodi Smit-McPhee
- Directors : Chris Butler , Sam Fell
- Inclusion Information : Gay Movie Director(s) , Queer Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Gay Movie Writer(s) , Queer Movie Writer(s)
- Studio : Focus Features
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Animals ( Dogs ) , Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Fantasy ( Ghosts , Magic , Monsters ) , Friendship , School ( High School , Middle School )
- Character Strengths : Courage , Empathy
- Run time : 101 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : scary action and images, thematic elements, some rude humor and language
- Awards : Academy Award - Animated Feature Nominee , BAFTA - BAFTA Nominee
- Last updated : February 20, 2026
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