His Movie Reviews

Going to the movies on a lazy Sunday, we decided to check out Where the Wild Things Are by Spike Jonze. I have been pretty excited about this movie for a while through the trailers and it didn’t disappoint. I absolutely, all-around enjoyed this film, and from the giggles and laughs from the kids in the audience, I wasn’t the only one. This is actaully one of the first films that I have seen so many children so intrigued.  The kid next to us literally sat at the edge of his seat the whole movie.  And it is because from the beginning of the film and Max’s improvised opening credits, you are instantly thrown into the protagonist’s world and you never look back. He is an imaginative kid that is a little strange and dealing with his family falling apart. Through a series of events, he runs away from home and adventures to where the wild things are. And this is when the film becomes, well, visually incredible. I mean, it should be considering it was shot in Australia and the creatures are done by the Jim Henson Creature shop. In a time laden with CG animation and computer rendered special effects, it’s so refreshing to see costumed characters fill the screen. There is just a quality about real characters, a tactile look and feel that is far superior to a CG’d character. Perhaps it is the true interaction between Max and the Wild Things – something literally impossible through 3D effects. But this brought me back to the wonderful films like Labyrinth or Dark Crystal that really showed how well Jim Henson’s crew could perform.

The music seems to plays an integral part to the film and at times makes it almost feel like a music video.  Which makes sense, being Spike Jonze.  But, it’s as if the lyrics are another character, adding a new layer to the story.   While some parts the music is a bit overwhelming and detached me from the story, most of the time, it really helped throw you into the film.  For example during the rumpus, there is this excitement, this chaotic feeling that really only comes from the music.  Karen O does a great job with the music and gives the whole film a stylized approach that is refreshing and fun. Go check out the soundtrack on iTunes.

But it’s through Spike Jonze that this this children’s novel come to life and lets kids of all ages enjoy the imaginative, wonderful world in which the Wild Things live. Through it, you connect with the characters – feeling their feelings – being happy and excited when the rumpus starts and sad and lonely when they are.  I, personally, really liked Max’s character – seeing how he sees the world.  And the Wild Things are like another one of his creations.  His imagination is limitless and yet it is through his experiences with the wild things that he is able to understand the real world around him.  I felt like the film really showed how a child might deal with grown-up issues, making up this fantastic world to figure out how to handle things.  And when he does, its not some fantasy-land, happy ending.  It is real, genuine.

Overall, this is a wonderful film that you should go see. Just go to the movies and for a couple hours, let your imagination run a little wild.  Enjoy.

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