WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE (2009)
Maurice Sendak's beloved children's novel has hit the screen in glorious fashion.
Directed by Spike Jonze, "Where The Wild Things Are" presents the cherished literary tale in a beautifully preserved order, not only serving up a highly imaginative flick but one that's bleak, melancholy, and at times, not-so-fun.
"Where The Wild Things Are," despite its triumphs, has its flaws; the abundance of shaky-cam is jarring and the story is a little too agile for its own good, lacking a sense of narrative meat even after the wonky first act of exposition. Granted this, "Where The Wild Things Are" still manages to capture the jist of the novel in successful form. The majestically whimsical story, counter-balanced by the dreary atmosphere and dystopian nature of the world of the Wild Things, is sufficiently preserved.
"Wild Things" benefits from an ace voice ensemble, led by James Gandolfini, Forrest Whitaker, Catherine O'Hara, and Chris Cooper. The flick also features a beautifully melancholic score by Karen O of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs.
"Where The Wild Things Are" is a winner; a film that can not only rekindle the wonders of childhood imagination but also provide some mature themes for older audiences to appreciate. While not perfect, and certainly not an innocent 101 minute romp, "Where The Wild Things Are" is an apt adaptation of a beloved piece of children's literature that deserved the respectful and eccentric cinematic imagining it received.
Let the wild rumpus start indeed.
B
Directed by Spike Jonze, "Where The Wild Things Are" presents the cherished literary tale in a beautifully preserved order, not only serving up a highly imaginative flick but one that's bleak, melancholy, and at times, not-so-fun.
"Where The Wild Things Are," despite its triumphs, has its flaws; the abundance of shaky-cam is jarring and the story is a little too agile for its own good, lacking a sense of narrative meat even after the wonky first act of exposition. Granted this, "Where The Wild Things Are" still manages to capture the jist of the novel in successful form. The majestically whimsical story, counter-balanced by the dreary atmosphere and dystopian nature of the world of the Wild Things, is sufficiently preserved.
"Wild Things" benefits from an ace voice ensemble, led by James Gandolfini, Forrest Whitaker, Catherine O'Hara, and Chris Cooper. The flick also features a beautifully melancholic score by Karen O of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs.
"Where The Wild Things Are" is a winner; a film that can not only rekindle the wonders of childhood imagination but also provide some mature themes for older audiences to appreciate. While not perfect, and certainly not an innocent 101 minute romp, "Where The Wild Things Are" is an apt adaptation of a beloved piece of children's literature that deserved the respectful and eccentric cinematic imagining it received.
Let the wild rumpus start indeed.
B
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