Directed by Spike Jonze, WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE(WTWTA) is a 94min live-action movie-adaptation of Maurice Sendak's 1963 children's picture book - basically, the story of a overly-imaginative rambunctiously active boy's escapism/reactions to his feelings and his interactions with his environment and loved ones. High production values and stupendously well-designed 'costumes' plus effective use of CGI elevated this quirky film beyond what could potentially have been a sub-par children's movie. I especially like the designs of the monsters and the beautiful sets. Still, the heavy themes(anger and anger management, survival/adaptability, yearning for stability, personal growth, loneliness, sorrow, love, etc.) plus scenes of violence may prove a tad much too wild for young kids. Spike Jonze and Dave Eggers took a few liberties(with Maurice Sendak's permission) with the screenplay. VERDICT: A Must-See for fans of the book.

I thought this movie was adorable. The pacing was great, you're busy laughing and before you know it, the hour and a half is over. I just love how they can put personality traits of the actors in the wild things. Catherine O'Hara-you are amazing and I just love your comedic timing!!

..."Inside all of us is a Wild Thing"... Where the Wild Things Are, written by Maurice Sendak, was a story I listened to when I was little every night before bed. I still remember begging my parents to just read it one more time. Inspired by the classic children's book, Where the Wild Things Are "hits home" as one from the audience revealed. We get a fantastic image of the imagination and lonliness of 9-year old Max who runs away, sails to an island of beasts, and claims to be a king with great powers to keep them from eating him. Each of the Wild Things has their own personality and most of them share the same emotions just like everyone around us. The costumes are dirty, amazing, and true to the book. Thoughtfully written by Spike Jonze and Dave Eggers (Away We Go), this movie is special and worth seeing. If the book means anything to you, this movie will to. Perfect ending. (A) "Sometimes being happy isnt the best way to be happy" Sleeping in the perfect pile tonight...

It's true, my 9 year old son fell asleep near the end of the movie. What a complete and utter let down this movie was for my family of four. Having grown up with vivid ideas of this classic children's book, I was sure that the movie would be as classic as the book. It was - a classic disappointment. There is no clear story line. And it feels as if the plot tries to make the story more complex than necessary. The loveable monsters from the book are transformed into some very emotionally disturbed freaks whose behavior is more goulish than their looks. I only hope there is some kind of wild psychologist on their island who can help them deal with the range of issues that surface. Yes, the monsters are supposed to represent all the feelings and confusion Max is going through. As messed up as Jonze (the director) made them, this boy will need many years of very intense therapy that dinner and chocolate cake at the ending just will not resolve.

violent disturbing don't take kids