Review of Where the Wild Things Are

If you're thinking of watching a whimsical, children's tale, maybe Where the Wild Things Are is for you. I recommend the movie, but let's see what a professional has to say about it:






Meet Max. He’s a 9-year-old explorer who torments the family dog, digs igloos, commands imaginary foot soldiers and enjoys a good snowball fight. But as inventive as his world is, it’s not perfect. Reality steps in to make sure of that.

His dad is rarely, if ever, part of the picture now. And when Max’s feelings are hurt by his dismissive older sister, Claire, and her rougher teenage friends, his loving-but-harried single mother can’t give her son the attention he craves—and needs.

The sensitive boy’s dark and difficult emotions eventually erupt. Unable to articulate his feelings, Max lashes out at his mother, biting her as she tries to restrain his tantrum. Then he races out of the house—wearing a wolf suit—and flees to a wooded lake. There his imagination fully takes over, sending him on a dangerous overseas journey to a mysterious island Where the Wild Things Are.

In this richly textured, psychologically complex place that loosely mirrors his own world, Max works through his real-life emotions and gradually develops empathy. After all, even brave explorers can feel misunderstood and lonely.

The faraway land is home to seven enormous, mythical and wild creatures: Carol, their short-tempered leader; Douglas, a levelheaded bird; Judith, a bossy, self-proclaimed "downer"; Ira, Judith’s laidback boyfriend; Alexander, a meek goat desperate for respect; the silent Bull; and KW, a sensitive female beast who is considering leaving this emotionally dysfunctional clan. And though they threaten to eat Max at first, his daring subdues the fearsome group. His sense of adventure and optimism even bring them together as a happy family again for a while.

So the Wild Things gladly put a crown on Max’s head and proclaim him king.

But the moody beasts also put their hope in Max’s ability to make them happy. As the boy’s "magic powers" are gradually seen to be false, the clan’s optimism sours. Group dynamics crumble under the weight of petty jealousies, insecurity, aggression and anger—not unlike how things in Max’s real world often seem to go.

Still, Max figures out how to tackle his feelings and show love to his newfound "family." And eventually he does the same in his real world, too.

Based on Maurice Sendak’s 1964 Caldecott Medal-winning book, Where the Wild Things Are, director Spike Jonze and screenwriter/novelist Dave Eggers flesh out the 10-sentence story in a visually beautiful, uniquely poignant and adventurous way.

If this review intrigues you, check out Where the Wild Things Are, rated PG. It's sure to be a fun family night.