Stop motion animation films transcend the traditional idea of animation and produce something different and unique.

Movies like “A Nightmare Before Christmas,” “Coraline” and “Frankenweenie” all marveled audiences on a technical level, while having a complex story for all ages.

“The Boxtrolls” (Rated PG; 96 min) continues this tradition, with only a few missteps.

“The Boxtrolls” is an animated film directed by Graham Annable and Anthony Stacchi and stars Ben Kingsley, Jared Harris, Nick Frost and Elle Fanning. The film is based on the children’s novel, “Here Be Monsters” by Alan Snow.

A young orphan boy raised by cave-dwelling trolls with boxes on their bodies called Boxtrolls, finds the world he once knew turning upside down. Not only is his human heritage revealed, but danger also comes to the Boxtroll way of life. The boy finds himself in a race against time to save his adopted Boxtroll family while on a journey of self-discovery.

When it comes to stop motion animated films, there seem to be two popular techniques.

There is the Tim Burton style, which is where “A Nightmare Before Christmas”, “Coraline” and “Frankenweenie” all fall. These films always seem to have a little Burton quality to them, even when he has little to no involvement.

These movies are known for focusing on a world with weird and extraordinary things. The story follows characters who have trouble belonging, and more of a gothic quality.

The other style is more of a British technique. This style focuses on the same aspects as Burton’s, just less gothic. It has a combination of being slapstick and intellectual—a little bit of “Monty Python” and a little bit of “Great Expectations,” all rolled into one.

“Boxtrolls” adds a little of both while introducing its own flavor to the pot as well.

What makes the Pixar and DreamWorks movies so good is the lack of pandering. Many films geared toward children tend to only be that, films for children. The best kinds of children’s movies always capture both the kids watching it and the adults who brought them.

Funny looking characters, crude jokes and child protagonists still fill this unconventional story. But along with those, many adult themes are explored.

Everything from the duality of good and evil to the idea of class system bias is in this film. It is intellectual beyond its need to be, but not to a point where children will be lost watching it. It knows what it is, but is never hindered by it.

The acting is terrific and even battles screenwriting for the best aspect of the film. This film was never promoted as having a big-name cast. Yet, the moment dialogue hits your ears, it is easy to recognize the talent within the film.

Kingsley and Harris bring their British charm to this film, elevating it past its means. The comedic talents of Simon Pegg, Nick Frost and Richard Ayoade round a cast of supporting characters that rival the main characters for interest.

“The Boxtrolls” is an unexpected surprise for movie going audiences. While you may not know what a Boxtroll is, you should still go see this movie.

Jacob Pierce can be reached at [email protected], on Twitter @JacobPierce1_DE or at 536-3311 ext. 273