Where The Wild Things Are is a classic children's story published in 1963 by Maurice Sendak about a boy named Max whose anger leads him on an exciting (though somewhat dangerous) adventure.
In the book, Max's playacting leads him to wreck the house. As punishment his mother sends him to bed without supper. While in his room, Max angrily wishes he could leave. And he does. The angry boy-animal visits a jungle island inhabited by monsters, where he conquers fear (and common sense) and becomes king of all wild things. Though the position is fleeting, as Max soon becomes lonesome and homesick. He returns home to the comfort of his mother, who welcomes him with a hug and warm supper.
Over 40 years after the book was published, Spike Jonze directed a live-action, feature film based on this simple tale. In the movie, Max begins and ends his journey in much the same way. It's what happens in the middle that matters.
The movie adaptation features an in-depth profile of all of the wild things. They have names, personality and a back story of their own. Carol, the first wild thing to accept Max, is having a hard time dealing with the loss of K.W., his ambiguous love interest. Unable to cope with the change in his life, Carol throws violent tantrums pleads with the rest of the wild things to keep things the same. The hearty dislike for change is appreciated by Max, and the two journey throughout the wild island to unite the wild things and make everyone happy. But as Max soon discovers, it's not possible to force a happy ending.
Where The Wild Things Are is a surprising movie. It's dark, dank and deep. Your heart will beg you to call it quits, as you ache alongside Max, Carol and the rest of the wild things--but you won't be able to look away. The ending is neither happy nor a true ending. And emotionally you will feel unsatisfied. Critics have panned the movie for it's dark tone, though fans of the book, should appreciate the gritty display of emotion from a child's perspective.
Max Records is an amazingly talented actor. He has a firm grasp on reality and unbelievable facial control for such a young star. I look forward to seeing where he goes.
While I wouldn't watch Where The Wild Things Are daily, this single viewing has filled my head (and heart) with questions I am sure to ponder throughout the night and early morn. I rate it a Hot Dog Combo and look forward to adding this unexpected treasure to my DVD collection.
