The filmmakers and stop-motion animators at studio Laika (previously of 2009's "Coraline" and 2012's "ParaNorman") are shaping up to be the offbeat, less mainstream cousins of Pixar, creating worlds of dark aesthetic whimsy at the service of thematically heady, provocatively relevant ideas. Patient children of about seven and up may take to "The Boxtrolls," but it is older audiences who will be able to fully grasp the wealth of sociopolitical and religious metaphors permeating just beneath the surface. That helmers Graham Annable (a story artist on "ParaNorman," making his directorial debut) and Anthony Stacchi (2006's "Open Season") refuse to pander to any one demographic is a good thing. They and screenwriters Irena Brignull and Adam Pava (loosely adapting the novel "Here Be Monsters" by Alan Snow) have a story to tell, and each decision made is with an eye toward satisfying this vision. Putting a checkmark next to every item on the list of how best to satisfy younger audiences simply isn't of concern to them. Quality is quality, and the right audience will find and appreciate the film in due time.
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