Where The Wild Things Are

"Where The Wild Things Are"
Starring: Max Records, James Gandolfini, Catherine O'Hara, Forest Whitaker, Chris Cooper, Lauren Ambrose, Paul Dano, Catherine Keener
Grade: A-

It's really hard to imagine how this film got made. The genius behind critical hits of years past has crafted a film that will split audiences opinions, and puzzle little kids. Spike Jonze, the auteur behind all of this made sure he got permission from writer Maurice Sendak, to adapt his beloved children's novel into a live-action film. The film has had a rough time line in terms of production, it was due out last year, but studio executives thought it was too dark for its target audience. Yes, the same audience who marvel at the yearly Pixar films.

This $80 million dollar spectacle is now finally released, and is something to behold. The film stars Max Records a Max, a confused, lonely, and angry little boy who is sent to him room one night after screaming at his busied mother played by the lovely Catherine Keener. He jumps onto the kitchen table and yells, "Feed me women!." Max then runs away into the woods where he finds an imaginary boat that will take him through a treacherous journey to the island of the wild things.

The wild things, are a marvel to look at, they're 9 feet tall puppets, that look as real as humans. They're all voiced by numerous A-list actors including James Gandolfini as Carol, Forest Whitaker as Ira, Catherine O'Hara as Judith, Lauren Ambrose as KW, Paul Dano as Alexander, and Chris Cooper as Douglas. They live amongst each other as a sad, and broken family until Max takes his role as king and promises that he will "make the sadness go away." The sadness is layered on thick, especially in Carol, voice by Gandolfini, who has violent and angry mood swings. I'll leave the social commentary subtext for others to decide upon, but I'll just say that the film is simple and complicated all at once.

We watch Max enjoy his time with these creatures as they erect forts, sleep in piles, and throw dirt clods at each other. This will all appeal to the younger crowd, but it's the innocence and honesty that rings true in almost every scene. Director Spike Jonze's portrayal of childhood is one of wonder, fear, and excitment.

The score by Karen O and The Kids, along with Carter Burwell is nuanced and haunting. The film which was shot by Lance Accord is lush and beautiful in imagery, the sweeping landscapes and oceans signify an honest and believable departure for Max. The film serves up a melancholic tone of sadness throughout, which may confuse the youngsters. The screenplay by Spike Jonze and Dave Eggers gives these creatures interesting dialogue, and realistic ways of expressing themselves.

I get the distinct feeling that this is the film Jonze wanted to make, a bittersweet and honest love letter to the rigors of childhood and all the fear, and isolation that comes with it. As of now, this is my favorite film of the year.