Filmclub: ParaNorman and To Rome With Love

Each week we tell you about our favourite new cinema releases for young kids to teens, under the age of 18.

ParaNorman (PG, 2012)

Director: Chris Butler, Sam Fell

Cast: Anna Kendrick, Leslie Mann, John Goodman, Kodi Smit-McPhee, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Casey Affleck, Tucker Albrizzi, Jeff Garlin, Elaine Stritch

Norman Babcock is a boy much like any other – squabbling with his big sister and getting under his parents’ feet. There’s one thing that makes him different though: he sees ghosts.

This doesn’t present a problem, since they’re mostly friendly sorts, but Norman can’t help feeling frustrated that only his quirky friend Neil believes in these paranormal abilities.

Upon learning about their town’s gruesome history of witch executions and ancient curses, the boys – with the help of grizzly old Mr. Prenderghast – must defend the neighbourhood from a deadly invasion of zombies and ghouls and the wrath of a tortured spirit.

Jenk from Filmclub went and interviewed the directors of ParaNorman. Click here to check it out!

Like this? Then also try these great films: Ghostbusters (1984, PG), The Haunted Mansion (2003, PG), Coraline (2009, PG), Monster House (2006, PG), The Watcher in the Woods (1980, PG)


To Rome With Love (12, 2012)

Director: Woody Allen

Cast: Woody Allen, Alec Baldwin, Roberto Benigni, Penelope Cruz, Greta Gerwig

Following films set in Barcelona and Paris, American director Woody Allen returns to Europe for this romantic comedy, which plays out in the capital of Italy.

The plot involves four strands. A small-time clerk wakes up to find he’s become famous for no apparent reason. A naive husband must when angling after a job in the family business pass another woman off as his wife.

A lone American tourist is swept up after asking a handsome architect the way to the Trevi Fountain. A jaded older architect develops a crush on a superficial young actress who’s visiting. Though full of cliches about Rome, it still has Allen’s signature charm.

Like this? Then also try these great films: Manhattan (1979, 15), Paris, Je T’aime (2006, 15), Caramel (2007, PG), La Dolce Vita (1960, 15)

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