See, I disagree. I like that the effect was subtle and didn't throw things in your face every few minutes.

I agree with what you said about animation, but Coraline was stop-motion - which makes it a little different.

Until they make 3d cameras that are easier to use (they're huge and clunky) you won't be seeing much of them in live action - most 3d effects that you see nowadays are done in post production anyways.