Where the Wild Things Are

“Where the Wild Things Are” is a deep, heartfelt movie that will make your inner child run wild. The film was surprisingly dark in some areas, and it is certainly not a movie for little children. The Wild Things themselves were very childish, and each one represented a piece of Max’s (Max Records) self. Like the storybook, there wasn’t much of a plot, but the voiceovers were beautifully executed and a new, talented child actor has been unearthed. This is nothing like we’ve ever seen.

The film is actually more centered for adults than kids, despite being a children’s tale. It deals with themes that are too deep for young children to fathom. Children may blindly enjoy what they see, but they won’t understand it. For adults, particularly adults who read the Maurice Sendak book, it will stimulate a feeling of nostalgia, and will be more appreciated for its meaningful, albeit dark, message.

The highlight of the film, of course, was the Wild Things themselves. The creators of these creatures, which incidentally was Jim Henson’s Creature Shop, integrated furry suits and CGI flawlessly, making them look very convincing, and just like the creatures from the book. What the book didn’t have, though, was any personalities of the Wild Things. This film, however, gives them each a defining personality trait of Max himself. Lead Thing Carol is Max’s creative passion, the unintentional fuel for his violent, pre-adolescent tantrums. As such, he’s closest to Max, but during the film’s darker scenes, also the monster who presents the greatest physical hazard: the rage that threatens to consume him. KW, of course, is Max’s love for his mother and sister, the people who, given his absent father, make his world, and who he fears will abandon him. Judith is his spitefulness, Ira is his calm side, Alexander is his insecurity, Douglas is his reason, and the unnamed bull is his sadness. Again, not a theme that could be easily understood by young children.

Like the storybook, there was little to nothing of a plot. Basically, Max got angry and ran away to the land of the Wild Things, and a wild rumpus ensues for the remainder of the film. Thankfully, a detailed plot is not really needed for the visionary movie that is “Where the Wild Things Are.” All of the actors in the film were great, including a new child actor from Portland, Oregon who happens to be very talented. Undoubtedly his success as the lead role here will spawn plenty of film opportunities for him elsewhere.

With great acting, meaningful ideas, and a surprisingly dark and adult attitude, “Wild Things” is a very novel movie for certain. The entire show is wistful fun for adults and mindless fun for children. It deserves 10 out of 10 stars, and it is worth the theater experience.