Some fantastic news on a most fitting day: Día de los Inocentes ("Day of the Innocents"), or Día de los Angelitos ("Day of the Little Angels"), a day in which the people of Mexico, Latin America and the Caribbean honor the souls of young children who've passed on as we lovingly celebrate their memories. Traditionally observed on November 1st, and followed by Día de los Muertos ("Day of the Dead") on November 2nd, in honor of the adults no longer with us.

Focus Features and animation studio LAIKA Entertainment have released a teaser-trailer and poster for their forthcoming 3D stop-motion animated film PARANORMAN, which is scheduled for release on August 17, 2012. Given that far off date, you know you can expect a myriad of variations on the poster, numerous updates to the trailer, and a dozen or so so-called "leaked" images (however did that happen?). But we also know that we REALLY dug Norman's older sisters - Coraline (Oscar-nominated) and Corpse Bride  - and LAIKA is the reason why. So we are delighted to see another family-friendly film grounded in our favorite of genres fronted by this amazing company/shop of horrors.

In the comedy thriller, a small town comes under siege by zombies. Who can it call? Only misunderstood local boy Norman, who is able to speak with the dead. In addition to the zombies, he'll have to take on ghosts, witches and, worst of all, moronic grown-ups, to save his town from a centuries-old curse. But this young ghoul whisperer may find his paranormal activities pushed to their otherworldly limits.

The voice cast includes Kodi Smit-McPhee, Casey Affleck, Tempestt Bledsoe, Jeff Garlin, John Goodman, Bernard Hill, Anna Kendrick, Leslie Mann, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Elaine Stritch and Tucker Albrizzi.

I can hardly wait to take my 9-year old to see this film,  but unfortunately we'll have to wait until he's ten...