Where the Wild Things Are Movie Review
Directed by Spike Jonze, Where the Wild Things Are stars Max Records as Max, an imaginative eight-year-old boy who desperately attempts to seek attention from his older sister and mother. He behaves overly dramatic in a negative manner until the rage of his family’s emotional neglect overwhelms him and, wearing his trademark wolf suit, he flees home. Sailing across an extremely violent sea, Max enters an island, and the encounters The Wild Things.
In this imaginary land of the Wild Things, Max’s mind is thriving and, utilizing his humor, he befriends them in an effort to avoid being eaten. Max takes a liking to the Wild Things and develops a strong almost instant connection, becoming friends with the adorable (but similarly hot-tempered) Carol. Through the adventure, Max learns that he can control his own anger and that the rage he experiences is not an out of control “wild monster” that controls him. I suspect that, however simplistic, it is unlikely this message will be interpreted accurately by children.
Perfectly cast as the voices of the Wild Things are the likes of James Gandolfini, Catherine O’Hara, Chris Cooper, Paul Dano and Forest Whitaker, who create unique characters tempered with innocent tones. The voices appeal to adult humor and appear distinct, although not in the beginning where it is difficult to distinguish, which may cause children to be confused. The costumes appear solid in nature and are adorable at the same time, giving Max something real to cling to and climb on. And the looks on their faces allow for a wide range of emotion. I actually found the Wild Things cute and cuddly. I suspect that the characters will be a hit on toy store shelves this holiday season.
As for the story, the movie appears to have the same sophisticated “adult” level as the classic children’s book. However, I believe the storyline became problematic in that it does not appear to appeal to children. The characters are not simplistic and present symptoms that could be classified in a psychological diagnostic medical manual.
In bringing Where the Wild Things Are to the screen, director Spike Jonze has changed a beautiful and thriving adaptation of Maurice Sendak’s classic children’s storybook into an energy charged film. The storybook, written and illustrated 45 years ago, continues to remain strong today because it demonstrates insight into the conflicted nature and challenges faced by children. The fascination and the frustration that often coexist simultaneously are captured through the character Max. Where the Wild Things Are remains authentic to the visual appeal and spirit of the book while at the same time functioning assuredly as its own entity. Jonze captures the feelings of fear and insecurity that the wild things of “Wild Things” represent. (7 out of 10)
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