(MCT) — There’s a tricky line when it comes to making scary animated movies. If they’re cartoonish enough for young moviegoers to enjoy, then they tend to lack enough edge to satisfy older viewers. But if they’re too scary, then they can give young moviegoers nightmares.

“ParaNorman” tries to serve both sides and in the process comes up short on both counts.

Norman (voiced by Kodi Smit-McPhee) can see dead people. Most of the time he keeps his ability to chat with the dearly departed a secret. That changes when a group of zombies threaten the city. Norman inherits the job of city protector, but he gets the role with no official training. But he must handle the walking dead or the town is doomed.