“IT’S WACKY”
Starring: Max Records, Catherine Keener, Mark Ruffalo, Lauren Ambrose, Chris Cooper, James Gandolfini, Catherine O’Hara and Forest Whitaker.
Directed by: Spike Jonze
MPAA Rating: PG for mild thematic elements, some adventure action and brief language
Genre: Comedy, Kids/Family, Science Fiction/Fantasy and Adaptation
Release Date: October 16, 2009
By John Delia
This child’s book transfers nicely to the screen with embellishments that make it fun to watch. Filled with lessons to be learned and reaffirmed this film is great for the whole family. Even with a caution that it may be a little scary for the young tots, Where The Wild Things Are is still worth the watch with parents.
Max has been getting out of hand at home since the absence of his father. Trying to deal with his sensitivities, the rest of the family has finally come to the end of their wits. One day after an emotional altercation Max runs away, finds a boat and travels to a mysterious island with strange creatures that have the same wild and unpredictable psychological problems that he has. Here he becomes a part of their world until things start going wrong.
As an adult looking into Max’s strange world I could see what has made him hide from reality and his choice to rebel. Direction by Jonze puts the viewer in the position to see Max’s transitions no matter how elementary he makes it. This may cause the older crowed to feel that the film is more nonsensical than just child’s play. But Jonze does create the aura that what is ailing Max is inside of him and he must get it out himself.
The acting here is ordinary with Muppet like characters that each have their own personality much like Sesame Street, but more beastly. Here is where the film may be a little scary for the very young as even the more sensitive creatures have their own set of problems can become quite violent.
Where The Wild Things Are is rated PG for mild thematic elements, some adventure action and brief language, but maturing children should be fine with it as long as they have parental guidance.
FINAL ANALYSIS: A good family film. (3.5 of 5 Palm Trees)