Written by: Spike Jonze & Dave Eggers, Based on the book by Maurice Sendak
Directed by: Spike Jonze
Starring: Max Records, Catherine Keener, Mark Ruffalo, Catherine O'Hara, Paul Dano, Chris Cooper, Forest Whitaker, Michael Berry Jr., Lauren Ambrose, and James Gandolfini
I plan to keep this review short. Mainly because this movie is a bit difficult to really review. I think it is an extremely personal film that is going to mean an entirely different thing to pretty much anyone who watches it.
Some are going to hate it. They won't understand it. They'll sit slack jawed as the message and theme of the movie flies over their heads. Some will shrug and say okay and leave unimpressed. But there are those who will fall completely and utterly under its spell. Those who feel as if it is their own story being laid out across the screen. Those who feel like Max could be an extension of themselves.
This is both the beauty of this film and its biggest flaw. It might not be relatable enough for everyone to truly enjoy the film, but for those that can relate it's extremely profound.
Max Records gives a remarkable performance. He brings such a humanity to the role that it is at times staggering, even when he's being a brat. It's quite simply the most genuine and natural performance of the year. That coupled with the surprising voice talent makes up for a deeply touching and melancholy film. The wild things are voiced by some surprising actors including Chris Cooper, Forest Whitaker, Paul Dano, James Gandolfini, Lauren Ambrose, and Catherine O'Hara. These are not names I would think of when considering voice work but they are all absolutely perfect in their roles.
The creature effects are astounding. The wild things really do look incredible in action. They're truly flawless. As is Spike Jonze's directing. The film is just a beauty to behold and experience. I would love to see the original version without whatever alleged compromises had to be made.
The soundtrack is fantastic as well. Karen O delivers a highly addicting collection of songs that matches the emotional theme of the film perfectly.
While Where The Wild Things Are is not the rollicking family adventure you may be expecting. Instead, it is a deeply personal and touching rumination on what it's like to be a child who feels alone and one who escapes into his imagination (or did he escape to someplace real? Up to you to decide). The film is wonderfully crafted, wrought with emotions and excitement, laughs and tears.
I am not sure I was prepared for this movie to hit a nerve the way that it did, but isn't that the sign of a great film? One that effects you in a way you did not anticipate? At one point, I was in tears because the movie brought up feelings that I hadn't had in quite a long time. That is the kind of movie I love, and I loved this film.
Where The Wild Things Are is not for everyone, which is unfortunate because that means it might not get the accolades it deserves. I do think it is a film that everyone needs to see, and hopefully a lot will, even if its just to see how brilliantly this film is put together in every possible aspect; from script to soundtrack to acting and directing. Maybe it will touch you as much as it touched me and maybe it won't. We'll have to wait and see how the general audience reacts when the dust settles next week.
Where The Wild Things Are hits theaters today.
RAWR(for more)
