Where The Wild Things Are Review: Not A Kid Movie

I grew up reading the book, Where The Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak. When the movie was made. I was ecstatic.

After watching the movie, I have to admit some disappointments. I don't think the writers strayed from the book especially since Sendak was one of the producers.

However, I do believe they added too much of the back story to make the movie suitable for kids and a memory of the book we had come to love.

The movie shows a Max that is dealing with loneliness stemming from a mom who is overworked and single for whatever reason. At one point, you see her dating right before Max throws his fit. He has a sister who refuses to acknowledge him and what looks to be no friends.

I think if you go to see the movie, know that it is different from the book. As far as understanding it, my nine year old did not get all the depth of it. He even stated it was not like the book and he wished they would have kept it the same.

There are some funny parts for kids. The monsters fighting with dirt balls and thrashing things. But it had this sixties had too much drugs and this was my vision undertone to it all.

As for being suitable for kids, I have heard several other moms say they thought the monsters were too scary. My own daughter who is five never was scared of the monsters. She was bored at times and did not understand all of what was going on.

In summary, I think it is an ok movie for adults. I think it is a waste for kids, too different from the book they loved. I think it is always a risk to recreate a loved children's book and i feel they did not live up to expectations.

The characters do come to life. Costumes and sets were amazing. The best part by far is the music in the film. It was  well worth the admission. The story needed much less.