Review: Where The Wild Things Are

I took my two girls (8 and 10 years old) to see this last night, and we all enjoyed it - I feared they might struggle with the main charatcer being a nine-year-old boy - pretty much their mortal enemy at that age, but it wasn't an issue at all.

I have to say Douglas's arm generated the guilty laugh of the year for me.

Took my 3 year old son to see this thinking it was a kids film and was delighted to find that it was so much more. For me it encapsulates that time in your life when you find out that your parents aren't just parents- they are human beings too. It's a painful and beautiful memory to do with loss of innocence and Max learns this lesson when he tries so hard, but fails to keep everyone happy- that is so what being a parent is like! So he begins to relate to his mum and that's when he starts pining for home. Oh I'm gonna cry again! Like you pink-poop (fab name?!) I kept on feeling moved to tears ages after leaving the theatre. I've read many reviews from people who thought the film was pointless and this made me feel so sad that they missed the heartbreaking joy of this beautifully crafted and shot film I was compelled to write my own (albeit in a sentimental, verbal diarrhea fashion!) Although it's not a kids film, my son enjoyed the characters and action sequences too and he asked to see it again- needless to say- I am more than happy to oblige! 5 stars. Go and see it with or without kids!

just saw this and i really wasnt blown away...was really looking forward to it..but to be honest i feel let down, not sure what i exected or what i want...just more! i felt it was all a bit slow, and well silly...though i get it and enjoy the idea of it, just think its something to be watched with kids, or on a day off, rather than after work...yep its defo a daytime lazy sunday film...great reivew though...though not five stars in my opinion..

Loved it too and I was never a little boy. Carol is one of the greatest characters ever, Tony Soprano as a great big hairy beast - it makes so much sense! He was very frustrating but adorable, yet with a dangerous edge. Heartbreaking to watch his eyes convey so many complex feelings, and every little intonation in his voice was perfect. The Bull reminds me of the Chief Bromden in One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest. Loved all the ways Max's 'real' life echoed through his experiences with the wild things, it'll benefit from several viewings. Might be my fave of 2009, tough one between Let the Right One In, Moon and Wild Things.

[Obi Wan Kenobi voice] Use the star ratings... use the star ratings![/voice]

I think as long as you're not emotionally dead you can't fail to relate to the Wild Things. They pretty much encompass the full spectrum of childhood feelings.

Carol - Afraid of getting old, dying, being alone
KW - Feels oppressed and seeks independence
Ira - Affectionate, positive, a pushover
Judith - Cynical, insecure and dominant over Ira
Alex - Small and ignored by everyone
Douglas - Intelligent but daren't speak up
The Bull - Loner, barely ever speaks and is never spoken to, really just looking for approval and to be wanted.

Absolutely loved it, cried like a baby and kept getting upset afterwards when i thought of it- a sign of a good film when it really sticks with you!
Carol just broke my heart, the frustration in him and his inability to communicate it (he just trashes stuff!) reminds me quite alot of growing up with older brothers- thats kinda how they were (and i think lots of teenage boys are)
I agree with nick, i think alot of girls will relate to KW, and although my brothers are older than me, i often felt how she seemed too- she wanted things to be nice and friendly, but didnt always have the energy to be patient and sometimes its easier just to walk away for a while.
Carol crying at the end and howling as max left actually left me sobbing! Came out of the cinema and there was a girl of about 6 crying about it too- dont know if she quite got it on my level but i felt her pain!
Was a very beautiful film- the scene of all of them standing on the cliff edge, looking at the sun and howling was stunning!
Will look forward to the DVD, just hope theres lots of extras!

you arrange your DVDs by subtext?
We should all do that.

Yep I've just got home from seeing it and I loved it too. I really think the ability to enjoy it depends on how much you can relate to Max or Carol, those two being the main focus. Girls with younger brothers will be able to relate to KW but really this is a film for boys who have gone through that stage of realising that for all your growing strength, you're still powerless to control your fears, the people around you or your own mortality. Wild Things clearly isn't a kids film, it's a film about being a kid and it'll soon sit nicely in my DVD collection next to Stand By Me

Saw this tonight. Loved it. Thought the childlike narrative was great. Boy runs away, boy discovers magical monster kingdom, boy builds huge fort, has huge dirt clod fight with monsters, goes home.

Really beautifully shot and the soundtrack was great too. Definitely one of my films of the year.

Fantastic Mr. Fox is quite great, as well. I enjoyed the hell out of that one, too. Wild Things is better, though.

Newsnight just universally trashed it while applauding Fantastic Mr Fox.
Fuck them, says I

I really hope you guys like this one, and that I haven't over-hyped it or anything like that. It just really struck a chord with me, and I loved every minute of it. Best part of the whole thing wasn't even in the movie, though; when the wild rumpus starts, this really upbeat, fun musical cue by Karen O and the Kids kicks in, and this little boy down in the front row jumped out of his seat and started jamming to it. It was adorably hilarious, though to be honest, I think he just may have been a bit bored at this. I don't think little kids are really the target market for this film.

Not a chance!

I'll take mine to see this once my essays are handed in.

Maybe it's because my inner-child is dead, or maybe I'm just a joyless husk of a man with no soul, or any other redeeming features in fact, but this hasn't really blipped on my radar.

Wouldn't mind seeing it now based on Chris's review. Anyone got a child I can borrow? To take to the film?

Max does indeed proclaim "Let the wild rumpus start!" It is a triumphant moment in the movie, and a glorious sequence. Absolutely loved this one.

This is the movie I've been waiting for all year. Screw 3D, CGI, James Cameron and Disney. The best kids films are always darker and more relateable.
I want to go and see it tonight but I'm wary of all the retards converging on the cinema. Oh hang on, isn't Avatard out today too? That'll distract them

Not sure, seeing this on Saturday. I've had this on screener for weeks but decided to wait and see it on the big screen. The pic gallery has some great shots in it, looks genuinely stunning.

Looks like a movie made for big kids, not idiot ones with pocket money to burn.

I really really want to see this. One question - does Max order "let the wild rumpus begin"?