Missing Link (2019)

“Paranorman” is a 2012 stop-motion animated horror comedy film directed by Sam Fell (Flushed Away, 2006) and Chris Butler (Missing Link, 2019), and for many is a Halloween staple. And for some, spooky films are never out of season. It’s a great blend of spooks and comedy, has a fairly accurate take on the Salem witch trials, and uses kickass imagery to display New England’s beautiful scenery. But I’m not obsessed with New England. You’re obsessed with New England.

Set in the fictional town of Blythe Hollow, Paranorman follows the story of Norman, an 11-year-old boy who can speak to the dead. This alienates him from family and schoolmates, leaving him an outcast from all but his friend Neil Downe and his grandmother’s ghost. But he’s quite suddenly thrust into being the town’s sole savior when the dead rise at sunset, and he’s the only one who can (and will) do anything about it. It feels like a cheesy 1980’s horror film fell into a stop motion bath.

Although I do love the dynamic between Norman and his friend Neil, I actually think the best, most well-written character in this film is Neil’s brother Mitch. Mitch is your typical 1980’s jock character: