Where The Wild Things Are (2009)

Rated PG for mild thematic elements, some adventure action and brief language.

101 minutes

Directed By: Spike Jonze

Written By: Spike Jonze and Dave Eggers

Starring:  Max Records, Catherine Keener, Mark Ruffalo and the Voices of Lauren Ambrose, Chris Cooper, James Gandolfini, Catherine O’Hara, Forest Whitaker, Paul Dano

It’s going to be a place where only the things you want to happen, would happen. – Carol
We could totally build a place like that! – Max

Review:

I am not a fan of films that tear a part a beloved book just to make a nicely timed film.  Where The Wild Things Are is a prime example of a film that has been adapted well from a book.  So many peoples lives have been touched by this great children book by Maurice Sendak, myself included.  From the start of the movie to the finish, Spike Jonze transports the audience into a fantastical realm of wonder with Max at the center.  I remember the snow forts that I used to build with a tunnel after the snow plow had cleared my street as a child.  I also remember being sent to bed early for acting out just like this film is about.

For those of you who don’t know, Max is a young child who is sent to bed without dinner after misbehaving and creates a wondrous world of wild monsters who become his friends and elect him as their king.  Max soon realizes that the family of monsters is as dysfunctional as his own family.  I don’t want to give much away about the plot of the film, I recommend that you see the movie for yourself.

I found myself relating to the main character of Max.  He is played by Max Records who was brilliant in The Brothers Bloom before this.  I think he has a definite future ahead of him as an actor. The way he bounds around on screen and his extraordinary imagination make me think that a lot of his true personality shown through in the film and that he was having a fantastic time while filming.

Before this I never thought of James Gandolfini as a great choice for a voice actor, but he was perfect in the role of Carol. The rest of the voice actors I did not recognize during the film and would not have known who they were if not for seeing the trailer.  I think that actually was very helpful for me during this film because I was being drawn into each of the wild things as the unique characters that they are.

I can not think of anyone else other than Spike Jonze that could have directed this film as well.  He did a great job of representing this cherished story in such a picturesque and stylish manner.  The scenery is so fabulous and the locations were wonderful in the film and it is worth seeing it on the big screen.  In addition, the sound track by Karen O of the Yeah Yeah Yeah’s is phenomenal and adds to the mood of each scene.  The main song, LOVE, is my favorite off the soundtrack.

The Bottom Line:
Be sure to see this film on the big screen so you can enjoy it in the best form possible. I would have loved to see it in IMAX, I think the sound and picture would be even better there.  You will come away from this movie having an appreciation of life, family and will remember that it is okay to always be a kid!