FILM REVIEW: WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE (PG)

WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE (PG)
Cast: Max Records, Catherine Keener, James Gandolfini, Lauren Ambrose, Forest Whitaker, Chris Cooper, Catherine O’Hara
Running Time: 1hr 35mins
Director: Spike Jonze
Out Now

I NEVER thought one of the hardest movies to review this year would be Where the Wild Things Are.
I still can’t actually make up my mind whether this supposed kids movie is a piece of genius from Being John Malkovich director (and sometimes Jackass extra) Spike Jonze – or just completely bonkers.
Unfortunately I’m leaning towards the latter, as despite a noteworthy dark and moody style that pays appropriate homage to the beloved Maurice Sendak book, it’s just too weird for me to wholeheartedly recommend to its demographic.
The movie is based on rambunctious and misunderstood boy Max (the delightfully named Max Records), who – after biting his mother (Catherine Keener) whilst rampaging in his wolf suit – runs away to his own fantasy world inhabited by mysterious creatures.
Here Max finds new friends – including the similarly unstable Carol (James Gandolfini), and the object of his desires, KW (Lauren Ambrose) – that are as wild and unpredictable as him, as the new self-proclaimed king promises to create a place of complete happiness to find his inner child.
Unfortunately things don’t go to plan – throwing a few life-lessons Max’s way in the process – and through an extremely thin narrative (nothing really happens apart from building a fort and a mud fight), Sendak’s 20-page book is padded into this bizarre film.
Props have to be given to Jim Henson’s Creature Shop for the costumed creatures (with a touch of special effects), and the voice acting is top notch, but this is simply too bewildering and adult-orientated despite honorable intentions.
This is the classic ‘Mmarmite’ movie you’ll either love or hate, as Where the Wild Things Are proves a bit too wild for its own good – and will probably leave you clambering for the next Disney/Pixar film.

ESP RATING: 2/5

Gavin Miller