His parents think he's a bit bonkers, but "Norman" swears that he can communicate with his deceased grandmother (especially when she wants the central heating turned up!). When his uncle tells him that his unique skills might help with a ritual that could spare their sleepy town from a curse, he agrees to help - but oops! Next thing, the place is awash with zombies and it falls to "Norman" to figure out just what originally caused the curse and to find a way - together with his popular sister and his new found, and rather unlikely, friends - to annul it before it is too late! This is a fun family adventure with some strong characterisations (including the really enthusiastic voice talent of Kodi Smit-McPhee in the title role) and some superbly detailed stop motion animation. The writing is frequently quite pithy with plenty for the grown ups to smile at, and think about, as the story progresses. Though hardly original - the story itself has everything from "Salem's Lot" (1979) to "Hocus Pocus" (1993) running through it - it's still an enjoyable watch that lends itself well to a big screen to better appreciate the colourful vivacity of the creative artistry and lively Jon Brian score. Sure, their heads are bigger than the rest of their bodes combined, but the facial expressions are what makes this and I rather liked this film.
