As the use of 3D stop-motion animation decreases in modern cinema, Laika Studios is an example of why these classic filmmaking methods are so effective. The unique style and use of colour, fabrics and clay, translates onto screen for a visually artistic and beautiful experience across their films.
...a range of witty characters and a haunting atmosphere...
Coraline, the movie adaptation of Neil Gaiman's children’s novel, follows a troubled girl who discovers a tiny door in her house leading to a parallel realm. The alternate reality she finds is her dream life come true, but soon it is not all that it seems. Guided by a mischievous cat and a charismatic bunch of neighbours, she must free the children trapped in the 'other mother’s' dimension. Coraline is the most popular film by Laika Studios, with a range of witty characters, and a haunting atmosphere. It's an exciting and sinister film (not for the faint of heart!)
ParaNorman, known for having an openly gay character, tells the story of a boy with clairvoyant abilities. When this world and the past are cursed to collide through time, he must help a young witch wronged by history to save the world. Like M. Night Shyamalan's Sixth Sense with an added dark humour, ParaNorman is a funny and heartwarming horror-comedy.
Finally, Corpse Bride was Laika's first film which they co-produced with Tim Burton Productions. Victor, and Victoria face relationship troubles when Victor accidentally marries the beautiful and melancholy woman, Emily. Their struggles only increase when it is revealed that Emily is undead. Corpse Bride is a humorous story of a love-triangle like no other.
From the gentle clairvoyant protagonist in ParaNorman, to the colourful neighbours in Coraline, Laika Studios depicts an array of vividly complex characters both backstage and centre stage, and offers brilliantly unconventional films for children and adults alike.