It is rare for a movie trailer to become something akin to a work of art. But that’s precisely what many consider the preview for Where The Wild Things Are to be. And I must admit, I agree. It was a moving, memorable short-film, worthy of consideration on its own merits. With that in mind, it sets up a rather difficult expectation. How can the feature film be as good? The fact is, though, Where The Wild Things Are is a fantastically conceived and executed movie. It is a story about something. And the craft with which the story is told is exceptional. This may be one of the best movies of the year.

To begin, Where The Wild Things Are is an adaptation of Maurice Sendak’s classic children’s book. Writer and director Spike Jonze has taken the source material and expanded the narrative and characters to convey a thoughtful, visceral story about the power of emotions – about facing our own inner angels and demons, and finding the best way to express the feelings will all have within us.

The story is told through the eyes of a young, emotionally troubled boy, named Max, who eventually has a transformative experience in the fantasy world of his own imagination. But all of this is possible because of the opening scenes of the film, which establish Max, and his family, as very real and sympathetic people. There are no heroes or villains. Just individuals trying to come to terms with their circumstances.

This is, more than anything else, an emotional film. It’s not exactly an easy experience. The emotions, particularly from Max, are raw. His outbursts stem from a broken home, but his actions – particularly the opening shots of him wrestling with the family dog – can be jarring for the audience. But that’s nothing compared to the “wild rumpus” awaiting Max on his imaginary island.

The Wild Things in the movie, clearly meant to represent the various emotional elements within Max, are beautifully rendered. There isn’t a moment when these creatures do not seem realistic enough be interacting with Max. And more importantly, these creatures are incredibly emotive. Whether it’s howling with abandon, breaking things out of anger or frustration, or cowering with fear, the Wild Things work perfectly on screen.

But this brings up an important point: this is not, simply, a “kid’s movie.” This is a complex narrative filled with situations and images which are often overwhelming and disturbing. That’s kind of the point – life is often filled with disturbing or overwhelming moments – but children in the audience will need some solid support at home to help the come to terms with what they see in the theater. Either way, it was an admirable decision by Jonze to make a complicated children’s story, one that doesn’t shy away from the darker, more troubling emotions within us all.

And, perhaps, this is the most special element to the film – the emotional journey works, whether you grew up separated from one of your parents, or whether you happen to have strong emotions of your own. The ending isn’t neat and tidy – but endings rarely are. The fact of the matter is, there are times when we all need to work through our emotions – and absent our own imaginary island, Where The Wild Things Are is a worthy stand-in.

Overall Grade: A

Where The Wild Things Are is a solid film. The acting, writing, directing, music and visual effects are all exceptional. The only real drawback is that the film can be so raw that it may be a bit uncomfortable to experience. All told, though, Where The Wild Things Are is well-worth watching.

Topics: Fantasy, Film Review
Filed under: Film

Related Articles:

• 2.06 – Home Soil – Beast Machines Review
• 1.19 – Duet – DS9 Review
• 1.17 – Bad Dreams – Fringe Review
• Van Helsing – Film Review
• WALL•E – Film Review
• 1.129 – 809 W. Blaine St. – Afterworld Review
• X2: X-Men United – Film Review
• The Godfather – Film Review
• Avatar – Film Review
• The Ghost and the Darkness – Film Review