WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE
RYAN: “Where the Wild Things Are,” based on the popular children’s book, should be called loosely based.
CAROLINE: Well it had to be. The book is very short and it had to be turned into a feature length film.
RYAN: True but everything I read about the project prior to seeing the film stated it was true to the spirit of the book and author Maurice Sendak is even a producer on the film.
CAROLINE: Sadly, I missed the screening with you and I actually wanted to see this one. Why was it so off?
RYAN: The theme I guess. And the length. It’s still “wild” but it just goes in some directions in the boy’s home life and then also in the wild that disappointed me. I don’t want to give anything away so I won’t be specific.
CAROLINE: Thank you.
RYAN: It’s a brilliantly visual film and the Things are achieved through a fabulous combo of puppetry, people in costumes and special effects.
CAROLINE: They do look incredible and they’re right out of the book.
RYAN: And the soundtrack is phenomenal. The music really captures the emotional tone and spirit.
CAROLINE: It sounds fabulous – what about this movie didn’t jive with you?
RYAN: It’s just so sad. It’s about loneliness and its just depressing. I didn’t even realize it initially until my pal Vanessa pointed it out. I walked out feeling disappointed and underwhelmed and I think that’s why.
CAROLINE: Ouch. That’s rough considering most people have high expectations of the movie.
RYAN: Totally. But director Spike Jonze has said he didn’t set out to make a kids movie or an adult movie and it does walk a fine line. Some moments are freaky.
CAROLINE: [laughs’ What does that mean?
RYAN: I won’t go there. The part of the movie in the wild is very fragmented. It sort of feels like chapters taped together. But the little boy, Max, is amazing. He’ll be for boys what Dakota Fanning was for girls, I bet.
CAROLINE: We’ll see. I love Catherine Keener – she plays his mom, right?
RYAN: Yes she’s always great. And Mark Ruffalo plays her beau in a very bit part.
CAROLINE: Love him!
— BOTTOM LINE —
RYAN: It’s the kind of movie you want to see in the theater because it’s such a visual experience – the Things are great. James Gandolfini and the rest do great voice work as those creatures, especially Paul Dano as Alexander. It’s a fun movie but ultimately just know it’s dark and you’ll leave feeling down, empty and sad.
— RATING —
