Where the Wild Things Are

Starring: Max Records, Catherine Keener, Mark Ruffalo, James Gandolfini (voice), Paul Dano (voice), Catherine O'Hara (voice), Forest Whittaker (voice), Chris Cooper (voice), Lauren Ambrose (voice)
Directed by: Spike Jonze
Rating: PG
Genre: Adventure, Drama, Fantasy
2009

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary:
Max (Max Records) is a rebellious boy who gets upset with his mother (Catherine Kenner) and runs away. He soons finds himself in a fantastical land populated by furry monsters, who quickly make him their king.

Review:

Tim: I was a bit surprised that I didn't like this movie more. It exists in an odd place in the movie world- a children's movie that isn't exactly for children. I felt like Spike Jonze set out to make his own movie, and he certainly has a unique vision. However, that doesn't always work with the original source material, or with the ideas of the studio. I felt like Jonze's vision clashed with others' ideas, and the finished product is a compromise that doesn't fully satisfy anyone.

I did love that Jonze set out to direct a film in line with his own vision. This movie unexpectedly dark and actually about some very adult themes. Kids will probably enjoy the movie because they get to watch giant furry monsters jump around and break stuff. Adults will be able to watch and go deeper as the movie explores some themes about broken households, childhood anger, failed relationships, and more. I was very surprised by the very mature themes that were explored in this movie.

I do admit that this movie has a very original look and feel to it. I love that Jonze decided to go with 6-8 foot tall costumes, with computer-generated faces. This blend is pretty amazing to see, and the monsters' appearance really makes this movie. I had a hard time looking away whenever the monsters were on screen. They were scary yet friendly, and just disturbing enough to keep you on the edge of your seat. I thought they looked pretty incredible.

I was less satisfied with the human actors. I suppose Max Records was fine in the lead role. I imagine there are better child actors out there, but I was mostly okay with Records' performance. I do think he made himself just a bit snotty and unlikable, but I could relate to him well enough. I loved that Catherine Keener was in the film, but she doesn't have an opportunity to do anything of value. The same can be said for Mark Ruffalo. Why he did this is beyond me, with his 10 seconds of screen time and one line.

The voice cast is very good. I never would have thought James Gandolfini would be a good voice actor, but I thought he made Carol really comes to life. I loved his work here. Paul Dano and Catherine O'Hara did good work as well. I did enjoy Forest Whittaker, Chris Cooper, and Lauren Ambrose did good work as well. The voice cast were all well selected and gave good performances.

My biggest problem with Where the Wild Things Are is that it just didn't feel like a worthwhile, important movie. I understand the meditation on the adult themes, but I wasn't overly entertained. I really liked the look and feel of the movie, but I didn't love watching it. I certainly appreciated many aspects of this film, but I just don't think it was very good. While it was an ambitious effort, Where the Wild Things Are just falls short. I wanted to like this movie, but I just couldn't.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating- 6.5



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