WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE

We saw this movie at a regular screening with our 4 yr old Grandson on Sunday 13 Dec 2009

Pepe's View

The fact that the theatre was less than half full on the first Sunday of the summer school holidays perhaps sums up the impact that this film is having on young audiences.  Having said that, this is a rather beautiful movie (for adults) .  However, it did not fully enthrall our Grandson and I think I can understand why!

The movie lacked simplicity - the relationships between the "Wild Things" involved adult concepts which largely left children behind.  The children were much more interested in the "clod" fight between the monsters and their "wild thing" rumpus. 

The movie involved a young boy who was lonely, sad and largely ignored by his Mum and sister who had better things to do.  He throws a tantrum and runs away (the original book had him sent to his room without dinner).  He then imagines/dreams an adventure with the "wild Things" where he becomes their king and attempts to make them happy by allowing them to do all the things together that he was not allowed to do in his real world.  This does not succeed in making the Wild Things happy however and Max eventually misses his Mum and returns home where his Mum greets him with a hug and sits him down to dinner.

Director Spike Jonz seemingly could not decide what his target audience was to be.  It was too complicated for the Under 5's (which the original book targeted), not exciting enough for the Under 10's and not really interesting enough for their parents.

Some of the cinematography was quite beautiful, the characters (especially the "Wild Things" were quite delightful - with an eye to the plush toy market methinks!

All in all a disappointing experience - spend your time with your young ones reading the original book - you and they will be much more entertained.

Score:  7/10

Ma's View

Perhaps a bit harsh, Pepe!  The creatures were indeed very appealing, but I would agree that it was difficult to gauge which age group the film might appeal to.  Creating parallel situations in the boy's imaginary world to those in his real world, the film attempted to explore the complexities of human relationships and the reasons for the child's anger and unhappiness.  At times, the dialogue labours the point and the creatures lose appeal as a result, lacking the simple joy that the book depicts.  The theme seems to be that people are responsible for their own happiness - you can't force them to be happy and nor should you allow your happiness to depend on them.  As an adult, I came away reflecting on this, but for a child, it was too complicated and therefore confusing and unsatisfying.  Overall, I think the film is worth seeing for its visual appeal and the acting of the little boy (Max Records) who was really very good in the role of Max.

Score:  7/10