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You don’t become a hero by being normal…
A misunderstood boy, takes on ghosts, zombies and grown-ups to save his town from a centuries-old curse.
OK. I admit that logline sounds like a dozen other stories in both film and fiction. But I assure you. ParaNorman it’s not normal, in any sense of the word.
I may not be a zombie aficionado, but from what I’ve seen and read, most zombie stories aren’t “delightful”. Which is how one writer friend described ParaNorman. And I totally agree.
Most zombie stories aren’t meaningful in a heartfelt way either. ParaNorman most certainly is, with a dash of macabre for spice. Add a little Joss Whedonesque humor. Toss. Let rest for five minutes before serving. And voila! A Zombie Comedy with heart.
Yes, a Zombie Comedy, or ZomCom. A new genre. Now that’s what I call pushing the envelope!
Five delightful things about ParaNorman:
- A sympathetic hero with a HUGe problem: No one understands Norman, except the ghosts he sees (that no one else does). And it’s his special talent that makes him next one in line to prevent the dead from rising when his uncle dies suddenly, before telling Norman how to save the town.
- Quirky sidekicks: Gotta love ’em, especially the ones in ParaNorman.
- A surprising plot twist or two: No spoilers. But the twists add depth to the story. They’re not just for shock value.
- Get dark, get gruesome, then get funny: Joss Whedon we love you for setting this precedent.
- It means something: Again, spoiler free. Let’s just say that the theme is acceptance and forgiveness. When was the last time you felt all warm and fuzzy after watching a horror film? ParaNorman was a first for me!
Zombie Aficionados Speak Out!
What’s your favorite zombie story … film or fiction?
Inquiring minds want to know!
Elizabeth Fais 
Elizabeth, thank you. It doesn’t matter what genre or medium, elements such as these are integral to a story’s success.
Take my DH and my top three faves in movies: I like romantic comedy, psychological thrillers and poignant love stories. DH likes action, action and… oh yes, action. Movies like Speed make us both happy, but I don’t care one way or another about action, and he’s not so into romance.
But,
I’m all over the Bourne Trilogy (no, I have not see the new one. Yet) and he loved The Lake House. Why? Well, Sandra Bullock and Matt Damon do take care of our heroine/hero fantasies, but more than that, the plots rock!
I agree. If the story’s great, it doesn’t matter what genre. A very wise movie industry professional once said, “It’s the story, stupid.” 🙂
I love me some paranormal, but zombies give me the willies. Might make an exception for this one, though…You make it sound so good!
😉
Zombies aren’t my thing either, because they’re just animated meat suits. Not too bright either, and they don’t even move fast. I’m an animation geek and the trailers were quirky, which is why I gave ParaNorman a try. Oddly enough when the dead rise, that’s when things get laugh-out-loud hilarious. 😉