MOVIE REVIEW … WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE

MOVIE REVIEW … WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE

One of my favourite childhood books was Maurice Sendak's Where the Wild Things Are. Whilst its story didn't make sense as an adolescent, the drawings accompanying it proved captivating. Pleasingly the same artistry is rendered beautifully in the well overdue film version. Why it has taken so long to reach screens is a mystery, but placed in the capable hands of quirky director Spike Jonze, it's a pleasure that it has finally done so. Although cared for by a loving single mother and older sister, Max (Max Records) feels alone with his imagination - his constant friend. His thoughts feed his energy which often arrives in destructive ways. After a particularly nasty temper tantrum, he runs away in a small boat to pastures anew. Arriving at an island he discovers a horde of wild beasts. Declaring himself a powerful king who can bring calm to their fraught existence, Max forms a bond with the peculiar creatures revealing that within every person lurks a dormant wild thing. Like its source, Where The Wild Things Are refuses to patronise its audience. Thankfully Spike Jonze has crafted a charming children's fable told with a maturity others sorely lack. This adult tone is wonderfully reflected through Max Records' performance, as a child desperate for some fantasy in a complicated world. His thirst for adventure is symbolised by the wild things masks which are a manifestation of his pent up frustrations. In each beast you see aspects of Max's personality representing his anger and fears in an uncertain youth. Apart from Records, the other stars of the show are the creatures excellently visualised by the famous Jim Henson Workshop. Continuing their ground-breaking puppet work, seen in the classic Dark Crystal amongst others, they bring them to life by giving them their own individual look. Coupled with a fine voice cast and filmed along the Victorian coast, there's an almost mystical ambience at play. Whilst admittedly the film is a bit long, the visuals and very poignant story hold the attention until the moving finale. It was a fascinating experience returning to the story as an adult as its timeless qualities enable it to be enjoyed by all ages. Where The Wild Things Are is done with great care and a love for the material that should maintain its relevance for generations of children to come. Movie Review Rating 8 / 10 Movie Review by Patrick Moore WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE released in Australia on Thursday 3rd December 2009. If you have any comments to make about this Movie Review, then please use the comment box, titling your comments with Movie Review WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE Patrick Moore's Movie Review is an alternative look at current movie releases in Australia. Official HomePage click HERE