I watched North when I was about 10. My Mom rented it from a video store I and I watched it when I had to flu. Perhaps it was because I was sick that enjoyed this movie, or perhaps it was because even at a young age I knew I loved absurdity. The crux of North is that it is a child's fantasy: it doesn't make sense, it's dialogue is illogical and it's a little disturbing. However, recent sentimental or children's fantasy (Series of Unfortunate Events or Big Fish) are using techniques that North was using years ago. I won't make the assertion that this movie is avant garde, but if it was perhaps a little ahead of it's time, it'd certainly explain the slating it's receiving now. North has stuck with me for 8 years, and only now do I want to watch it again. Children's fantasy should do this; it's like Phoebe singing to the children about promiscuity, why lie to children? Life is surreal and they know it better than anyone.