A guest post by Jenna at Chick Flick Reviews.

Where The Wild Things Are

Like most people, I have been looking forward to Where the Wild Things Are since I first saw the trailer months ago (after which I listened to the Arcade Fire’s song “Wake Up” on repeat for weeks).  I am pleased to report that Screenwriter Dave Eggers and Director Spike Jonze do not disappoint.  Where the Wild Things full-length feature film is a timeless tale of childhood acceptance, adventure, and imagination that will undoubtedly become a classic, much like Maurice Sendak’s picture book did before it.

The film is truly a work of art, composed by a number of talented individuals, including Eggers, who turned a ten-sentence children’s book into a 300-page novel (called “Wild Things”), and Spike Jonze, who co-wrote and directed the film.  Jonze opted to use a handheld camera for many of the scenes, which added a convincingly adventurous feel to the Wild Things world.

For those unfamiliar with the story, it follows a young, imaginative boy, Max (ironically played by a boy named Max Records), who puts on a wolf suit, and makes mischief around his home.  When his mother becomes furious with his shenanigans, she sends him to his room without dinner, where he then imagines that he is king on an island of wild creatures.

Eggers’ version elaborates on Max’s loneliness and rebellion, throwing in an older sister who is becoming “too cool” to hang out, and a divorced mother who has invited her new boyfriend into their family’s home.  Max becomes angry and bites his mother (Catherine Keener), then runs away in to the night, eventually finding a boat (obviously imagined) that takes him to the Wild Things island.

The Things are all spitting images of Sendak’s drawings (Eggers and Jonze did work closely with Sendak, now 81 years old, throughout production), and they are the mastermind creation of none other than Jim Henson’s Creature Shop.

Even more breathtaking than the beast’s attire was the island scenery (filmed in Australia, of course) where all of the wild rumpus takes place.  Upon arrival, Max convinces the Wild Things that he is their king and he will bring peace to their broken community.

At first, I wondered how these beasts could be so angry and violent, and I was a bit disappointed that they were not exactly as my youthful mind imagined.  But soon I reasoned that, like the many moods of Max himself, each Thing has a distinct personality; Judith (Catherine O’Hara) is unpleasant, but in love with Ira (Forest Whitaker) who reciprocates her feelings, Douglas (Chris Cooper) is reserved, Alexander (Paul Dano) is often ignored, and Carol (James Gandolfini) has a short temper and an intense longing for attention from the motherly KW (Lauren Ambrose).

The characters are serious and heartfelt, yet they don’t lose any of their magic.   Where the Wild Things will charm audiences as one of the most real and universal fantasy films they have ever seen.  Kids and adults alike will relate to Max’s anger and isolation, as well as to the Wild Things all-too-common social problems.

Backed by an impeccably appropriate soundtrack (Karen O of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, along with a children’s choir), and two surprise creatures, Bob and Terry, who stole the movie for me (you’ll have to watch, then let me know if you agree!),  Where the Wild Things Are is an ageless classic, not to be missed. The wild rumpus starts October 16 in theaters everywhere.

4 1/2 Stars

ChickFlickReviews.net is a movie review site ran by women, for woman. We LOVE chick flicks…hence the name!  While most of our reviewers favor the typical chick flick, we understand that some women also appreciate a good horror, mystery, action, animated, or comedy flick.  Our reviews will cover all genres of movies, but will always provide an honest woman’s perspective.

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