Everything works in dark and fantastic ‘Wild Things'

Flick

Friday, Oct. 30, 2009

Click here to enlarge this photo Matt Nettheim/Warner Bros. A view from the top: Max (Max Records) rides the shoulders of Carol (James Gandolfini) in Spike Jonze's adaptation of "Where the Wild Things Are." E-Mail This Article | Print This Story

When Max first meets the Wild Things in the new adaptation of Maurice Sendak's beloved children's book, one creature asks the boy if he can keep away the sadness.

"I have a sadness shield," Max replies.

The film is rated PG, but couldn't be much darker. A current of melancholy runs throughout the movie, even in its happier moments.

The themes of loneliness and growing up might be too heavy for little ones. As a piece of cinema, though, "Where the Wild Things Are" is a near-miracle.

The source material is thin on plot, so director Spike Jonze teamed up with novelist Dave Eggers to put some meat on the story. Max (Max Records, "The Brothers Bloom") is given more history. He loves his mother (Catherine Keener, "The Soloist"), but can't stand her boyfriend (Mark Ruffalo).

One night, he puts on the iconic ferocious white costume and escapes to an island filled with wondrous beasts. They make him their king, just as in the book. Max even cries, "Let the wild rumpus start!"

Then, Jonze and Eggers really earn their paychecks. They develop wonderfully complex Wild Things. Carol (James Gandolfini, "In the Loop") and KW (Lauren Ambrose, "Six Feet Under") share a fragile bond that influences the latter to hang out with other friends.

And the cowardly Alexander (Paul Dano, "There Will Be Blood") sulks but maintains a sense of humor. The plot, however, remains pretty skeletal, and the finished product might be a little slow and literary for young audiences. Still, the film looks incredible.

Karen O of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs sings the soundtrack. When combined with Jonze's aesthetics, the film launches the "hipster kid" genre. Perhaps children will feel alienated by a fantasy movie that feels too real.

It's likely "Wild Things" will make a lot of money, but it could become more of a cult phenomenon. The studio wouldn't want that, but Jonze probably doesn't mind.

Where the Wild Things Are

Children's/Adventure

Rated: PG.

Length: 101 minutes.

Director: Spike Jonze.

Cast: Max Records, James Gandolfini, Catherine Keener, Paul Dano, Catherine O'Hara, Forest Whitaker, Mark Ruffalo, per, Lauren Ambrose, Michael Berry, Jr.