A Parents Guide to Where the Wild Things Are (The Movie)
October 16, 2009 Posted by Painted Hen's Rooster
When I was a kid, one of my favorite books was Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak. So, it was without question that I was thrilled to hear that Spike Jonze was making a film version of it. I talked it up to my kids, we read the book a few times this week and today, we went to the opening matinee showing of it. In one word, I was disappointed. Maybe I should try two words: highly disappointed. My disappointment stemmed mostly from the fact I wanted so much for this to be a fun, family experience that we could enjoy with our two boys (ages 3 and 6) and it wasn’t! Parents be warned: this is NOT a movie for kids, especially young ones. The themes tackled in the movie are very heavy and include serious issues ranging from dysfunctional families, death, sadness, and anger. It was NOT a happy movie at all.
Max, the hero of the book, is portrayed in the film version as a kid with serious anger management issues. He lives with his detached single mother and teenage sister in a home that is quickly identified as “broken”. The first 25 minutes of the movie focus on Max’s problems at home and culminates in an intense argument with his mother over dinner. Language alert: During the argument, Max’s mother screams at him to “Get down off the damn counter”. In a fit of anger, Max screams “I hate you” and runs away from his home. There are no nice fading walls and growing trees in Max’s bedroom to transition to “where the wild things are” as there is in the book. Max leaves his home in anger, finds a boat and sails away from home. So, that’s the first 25 minutes. Heavy topics, anger, running away. Pretty much not something I was anticipating having to explain to my two little guys.
Once Max gets to “where the wild things are”, things don’t get much better. His initial discovery of the wild things is kind of scary. Once the ice is broken, the wild things start talking with Max. They immediately look to Max to help them overcome their loneliness and sadness, to which Max responds with a story of his own which includes things like a sadness shield. It’s very clear from the start that all of the wild things are relatively unhappy and all have serious issues of their own. At one point, the wild thing named Judith says “Even happiness doesn’t really make you happy”. Hmmm, that’s encouraging. The somber mood of the film is finally broken after about 30 minutes when Max is crowned king and the “wild rumpus” begins.
The rumpus lightens the mood a bit albeit with some pretty bad behavior…but they are “wild things” so I get that. However, the movie quickly returns to more serious topics when Max talks with KW about his “problems and issues” at home. By the way, if you need a potty break for little ones, this is good time to take one. There is about a 5-minute section of the film when Max is walking in the sand dunes with Carol that kids of just about any age could stand to miss. The conversation is slow and covers Carol’s thoughts on the “end of things” like the end of the Sun.
There is a lot of very hostile language used in the film as well. When planning to build a “fort” Max promises that the fort will automatically “cut the brains out” of anyone that the wild things don’t want to enter. Not such a nice graphic image for kids. During the dirt clod fight scene, Max explains that the object of the game is to “kill the bad guys”. Again, not something I want to have to start explaining to little ones. The dirt clod fight scene does manage to add some much needed levity to the film, but still relies heavily on violence to break the dark mood of the film.
Unfortunately, the film returns to heavier themes pretty quickly. We work through Max’s questions like “How do I make everyone OK?” as well as a tense relationship between KW and Carol which is clearly a reflection of Max’s troubled relationship with his own mother. As the film reaches its climax, the wild things realize that Max isn’t going to help them solve their problems. Carol’s disappointment and anger with Max finally surfaces in a very frightening scene where he rips his best friend Douglas’ arm off and then begins to chase Max, trying to eat him. Finally, KW hides Max from Carol’s rampage. Carol confronts KW and admits he’s angry because he “Just wanted us all to be together”. After Carol leaves in disappointment, Max explains to KW that Carol acts angry because he’s scared and KW comments that “It’s hard being a family”. At this point in the movie, my kids looked sad and uninterested and I knew they weren’t getting this movie.
The movie doesn’t ever really resolve any of the issues that it raises. It just sort of ends, leaving you and your kids feeling like nothing has really changed in Max’s life. It’s actually a pretty sad movie, and confusing for kids. The audience reaction at the end of the movie was not very enthusiastic. A little girl (she looked to be about 7 years old) sitting in the row behind us said to her mom “That was a very sad movie”. Another mom in front of us looked exasperated and just shook her head. Then I looked over at the Painted Hen. She had that look of “I can’t believe we just brought our kids to this movie”. And I was left feeling the same way. Something that I loved and cherished from my childhood had been turned into such a dark, gloomy film. Although this is being heavily marketed as a kid/family movie, I would seriously caution parents of children under 10 (and probably under 13) to avoid this movie or at least be prepared to deal with the issues it raises. The serious adult themes are confusing and inappropriate for little ones. As an adult I found the movie to be quite depressing and a big departure from a beloved children’s classic. Two words: highly disappointed to say the least.
To view five sneak peek videos from the film, head over here.
55 Responses to “A Parents Guide to Where the Wild Things Are (The Movie)”
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kpslover007 says:
October 16th, 2009
What Parents Need to Know About Where the Wild Things Are – http://shar.es/1kxG9 [note, this is not a kid flick perse!]
This comment was originally posted on Twitter
mrich1911 says:
October 16th, 2009
RT @ChrisSpagnuolo What Parents Need to Know About Where the Wild Things Are http://bit.ly/3CEvdc #movies #wtwta (via @fivehens)
This comment was originally posted on Twitter
Tweets that mention What Parents Need to Know About Where the Wild Things Are | Five Hens -- Topsy.com says:
October 16th, 2009
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Chris Spagnuolo and M. Richardson, Five Hens. Five Hens said: What Parents Need to Know About Where the Wild Things Are http://bit.ly/3CEvdc #movies #wtwta [...]
Kathryn says:
October 16th, 2009
I am sooooo very glad I am screening the game ot this movie~now that I’ve just read your review! wow! floored me.it doesn’t sound anything like what I remember book as.I bought the Wii game to this movie,I wanted to screen it prior to gifting to my niece & nephews-so glad I did…thanks for review-I’m just gonig to return the game to bestbuy….
jimknight99 says:
October 16th, 2009
What Parents Need to Know About Where the Wild Things Are http://bit.ly/3CEvdc #movies #wtwta (via @ChrisSpagnuolo)
This comment was originally posted on Twitter
gavinpurcell says:
October 16th, 2009
Why it’s hard to make a kids book into a movie not for kids – people are still going to think it’s for kids. http://bit.ly/2LWeLO
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cristama says:
October 16th, 2009
RT @jimknight99: What Parents Need to Know About Where the Wild Things Are http://bit.ly/3CEvdc #movies #wtwta (via @ChrisSpagnuolo)
This comment was originally posted on Twitter
aleaness says:
October 16th, 2009
@e_shep What Parents Need to Know About Where the Wild Things Are @http://bit.ly/3CEvdc
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Pete says:
October 16th, 2009
What book were you reading? Everything you are complaining about is in the book? The book is dark, and deals with these very issues. That’s why it was so groundbreaking. I think you might need to read it again.
ChiliSweet says:
October 16th, 2009
RT @fivehens What Parents Need to Know About Where the Wild Things Are http://bit.ly/3CEvdc #movies #wtwta
This comment was originally posted on Twitter
Jeremy says:
October 16th, 2009
Sorry Pete, but I have to agree with the reviewer. The book was about a wild kid who had fun with the wild things. I never remember disfunctional families, loneliness, anger or anything else like that in the book. I saw the movie tonight and I was disturbed by how everything was represented. It’s too bad, there was a lot of potential. I don’t have any kids but if I did I wouldn’t have taken them to see this one.
Rosemont_Farm says:
October 16th, 2009
@fivehens thanks again for writing that review! I’ve found very few movies that are aimed at kids these days that are actually ok…
This comment was originally posted on Twitter.
Jason Weathers says:
October 16th, 2009
I liked the movie but don’t think it’s for kids.
kelik0 says:
October 16th, 2009
RT @jimknight99: What Parents Need to Know About Where the Wild Things Are http://bit.ly/3CEvdc #movies #wtwta (via @ChrisSpagnuolo)
This comment was originally posted on Twitter
Painted Hen's Rooster says:
October 16th, 2009
I thought I’d repost this reply we received via another blog. I found it to be an interesting perspective. (http://www.firstshowing.net/2007/12/11/second-look-spike-jonzes-where-the-wild-things-are/#comments)
Five Hens: While you are entitled to your opinions, I believe that you are approaching the movie too much from a protective parent’s perspective. Children are capable of handling situations in this movie far more easily that you give them credit. In fact, by exposing children to stressful things in the safety of a movie, they are able to gain the necessary tools to better handle stress in real life. I can tell you that myself and many friends grew up watching The Never Ending Story, The Goonies, Stand By Me, Empire Strikes Back, Legend, The Secret of Nimh, My Girl….etc, and we all had happy well adjusted childhoods. Many of us are now parents and are starting to have to decide what is acceptable for our own children to watch, so I know where you are coming from. This movie allows a child to see where emotions can lead them. This movie shows consequences for letting your anger get the better of you, and that family is more important than they may think it is. If a child is coddled and sheltered from facing real world emotions, they can never learn how to handle them in maturity.
Momnibus says:
October 16th, 2009
@amandapalmer You should know it’s based on the kid’s book, but is a depressing movie…go fig http://bit.ly/ErEMX
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Painted Hen's Rooster says:
October 16th, 2009
Pete, I’d have to respectfully disagree with you. I never read anything more into Sendak’s tale than what was there. Obviously the studio had to add a lot to the story to get a 90-minute feature out of a story with just over 300 words. There is nothing in the book that would have suggested the subject matter covered in the film. As an adult I found the film interesting and very creative. I don’t see it as a kids film nor do I think it held very true to the spirit of the original book.
Taliesn says:
October 16th, 2009
RT @ChrisSpagnuolo: A Parents Guide to “Where the Wild Things Are”. Have kids? You might want to read this: http://bit.ly/3CEvdc #wtwta
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iben says:
October 16th, 2009
RT @ChrisSpagnuolo A Parents Guide to “Where the Wild Things Are”.read this if you have young kids: http://bit.ly/3CEvdc #movies #wtwta
This comment was originally posted on Twitter
meglet says:
October 16th, 2009
I appreciate this because I still have the sensitivity of a child. I am torn about seeing this because it seems so dark and gloomy. The book kinda scared me as a child: "We’ll eat you up we love you so!"
This comment was originally posted on Reddit
identifide says:
October 17th, 2009
I echo these thoughts on Where the Wild Things Are. I could not even begin to think of how I would explain this movie http://bit.ly/2LWeLO
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cuxdu says:
October 17th, 2009
What Parents Need to Know About Where the Wild Things Are http://bit.ly/3CEvdc #movies #wtwta (via @fivehens) (via @ChrisSpagnuolo)
This comment was originally posted on Twitter
jhaygood says:
October 17th, 2009
painted hen – i see that you believe that the film did not represent the spirit of the book, but i know that maurice sendak (the author) disagrees with you. so you may want to take that into account.
Lisa L says:
October 17th, 2009
Thank you for publishing this review. I’ve been trying to decide whether or not to take my seven year old to see it and for now, he’s not ready to see it. We’re dealing with his father’s lack of contact post-divorce and I don’t know that this wouldn’t be a push in the wrong direction, especially since there isn’t the kind of resolution there is in the book.
โรงแรมเดอะ เฮน หัวหิน ที่พักสไตล์คลาสสิคทรงเสน่ห์ | ที่พักหิวหิน โรงแรมหัวหิน says:
October 17th, 2009
[...] A Parents Guide to Where the Wild Things Are (The Movie) | Five Hens [...]
Greebo says:
October 17th, 2009
> Language alert: During the argument, Max’s mother screams at him to “Get down off the damn counter” Damn is a rude word in the US?
This comment was originally posted on Reddit
LocaConPistolas says:
October 17th, 2009
RT @fivehens: Planning on seeing Where the Wild Things Are with your kids? You mite want 2 read dis 1st: http://bit.ly/3CEvdc #movies #wtwta
This comment was originally posted on Twitter
BertDecker says:
October 17th, 2009
RT @ChrisSpagnuolo: Planning on seeing Where the Wild Things Are with your kids? Read this first: http://bit.ly/3CEvdc #movies #wtwta
This comment was originally posted on Twitter
JTrot says:
October 17th, 2009
RT @jimknight99 What Parents Need to Know About Where the Wild Things Are http://bit.ly/3CEvdc #movies #wtwta (via @ChrisSpagnuolo)
This comment was originally posted on Twitter
meglet says:
October 18th, 2009
Downvoted?!
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jhaygood says:
October 18th, 2009
for a sense of sendak’s point of view, you can get the gist here:
http://toddalcott.livejournal.com/274950.html?view=5456902#t5456902
Sophia says:
October 18th, 2009
I have yet to seen the film but, I’ve read numerous reviews on it, most coming from a negative point of view so, I’m finding myself to be bit colder toward the movie. To be honest, I think everyone is looking way too deep into the details of why you should see it. Most are all looking at it through a parent’s point of view, which is great and important, but, has anyone, besides the advanced children who writes reviews, looked at through a average kid’s point of view? Most children (don’t take this the wrong way) are most likely going into the movie thinking it’s going to be a cute movie that will have them leave with great big smiles on their faces, after watching the touching previews that don’t portray really any portruding sign of saddness, anger, etc…, but, to their dismay, their most likely going to leave confused, sad, upset, dissapointed, sicked out, ect…, not to mention that if they’ve read the book, they’re automatically thinking it’s going to be very similar to it, which is a very fun book. I guess maybe the parents need to go over what kind of child they have and make a decision, or close guess, as to if their child would enjoy the movie or not or take it heart. I strongly suggest parents to go view the film themselves before taking any kids. My younger brother wants to go see the movie incredibly bad but, being his older sister and knowing him quite well, I don’t think he’d find it to be very pleasing so, I told my mother everything I’ve heard about the movie and she agrees with me. Maybe when he’s older or so, or not even that. I’m seventeen and I don’t even believe that I would enjoy this movie but, I guess we’ll just have to see because I’m going to see it later tonight and confirm my hypothesis. Even with reading the positive reviews, I still looked down upon the film. This would all be a different story if was rated with more maturity or so. Thanks. (:
Painted Hen's Rooster says:
October 18th, 2009
Thanks Sophia. You made some great points. We’d love to hear your comments and review after you see the movie and find out what you thought of it.
Sophia says:
October 18th, 2009
That’s the first thing I plan to do when I get home from the theater and thank you! (:
Beth says:
October 18th, 2009
If you are going to judge the movie based on the review by Painted Hen’s Rooster, then please do so knowing that the “book” he relates to is based more on personal nostalgia than reality…
After taking multiple children’s literature classes, I’ve read into Sendak’s stories multiple times, Where the Wild Things Are being my favorite of those that dive into the child psyche, and I don’t think enough parents are acknowledging the fact that the book itself was not this happy, trouble free story that everyone remembers it to be. When the book was initially published in 1963, it met a lot of debate… the wild things were too scary, parents didn’t want their children reading a book in which the plot is driven by the main character being sent to bed without dinner. The book has made it onto the American Library Association’s list of most frequently challenged books, and while it is not as controversial as Sendak’s “In the Night Kitchen,” it still has a history of being banned.
Childhood isn’t all fun and games. Sure that’s what most of us remember now, but once upon a time we all threw tantrums when we didn’t know how to deal with things not going our way. We bit, hit, kicked and screamed. We were sent to time out, spanked, grounded. We had nightmares. We imagined building forts with mystical defense systems, we dreamed of being the good guys and killing all the bad guys (I don’t hear anyone complaining about A Christmas Story where Ralph spends most of the movie drooling over a bb gun to defeat Black Bart). “Where the Wild Things Are” is about all of this, pure, raw childhood emotion. That is what makes both the book and movie special and unique because they deal with these issues without being clouded over by a “happily ever after.”
That being said, yes this movie isn’t for children of all ages. Does anybody pay attention to the fact it is rated PG? However to suggest children under 13 shouldn’t see it is ridiculous… of all the movies they could be watching, this is not one you should be worried about.
Beth says:
October 18th, 2009
Ugh, sorry about all the crazy font stuff, it seems my computer is crazy.
Painted Hen's Rooster says:
October 18th, 2009
Hi Beth. Fixed your crazy font stuff. And thank you for sharing your opinion. Regardless of what people have or have not “read into” Sendak’s book, I mainly wrote this review to let parents know what to expect from this film. It’s being heavily marketed toward young children and families. If parents do take their kids to see this flick, they need to know that they’re going to have to explain the issues that the film deals with. Providing a heads up about those issues seemed like a good idea to me.
vivev says:
October 18th, 2009
Parents Guide to “Where the Wild Things Are”. Have kids? Might want to read this: http://bit.ly/3CEvdc #wtwta (via @Taliesn @ChrisSpagnuolo)
This comment was originally posted on Twitter
Beth says:
October 19th, 2009
Thanks PHR – I definitely agree that people should know, I just believe that compared to other movies children are subject to see right now, Wild Things is a heart felt movie that should be given a chance because of the issues it addresses. I mean I was a little bothered just by the Astroboy previews during the movie: Guns in the kids butt? That’s real appropriate. I’d rather have to explain to my kids that it’s natural to feal sad and get angry sometimes rather than having to explain the countless films out there that subject them to themes of sex and violence.
But then again, I think its important to learn certain lessons through what kids can pick up from media such as movies and books – I’m sure glad I learned about death from Bambie before it hit me in real life without warning (I was traumatized by Bambie’s mother but loved to watch Monstro devour Pinocchio). It all comes down to what parents are comfortable with. Besides, Sendak and Jonze knew this film would cause debate, and what’s wrong with that? Proves we’re still thinking.
Bob & Terry says:
October 19th, 2009
Your review is based on the assumption that WTWTA was a G rated movie. I totally understand your disappointment. Luckily for me, I didn’t assume this was a fun family movie. I knew the book is darker than the average children’s book, the original trailer didn’t seem to target children, jim henson’s creature shop don’t play, and the Jonze/Sendak interviews gave me enough warning.
I am a single parent of an 11 year old son. He reads novels and comics darker and gloomier than this film. So I knew he would be ready for WTWTA. If I talked it up as if this was a G rated fun family movie, he would have been jumped off the kitchen counter and bitten me.
You should really screen PG rated films for your 3 and 6 year olds.
Richard says:
October 19th, 2009
You are worried about the movie being too dark and gloomy while there are 4th graders e-mailing astronomers that they are too young to die after watching the 2012 trailer.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091011/ap_on_re_la_am_ca/lt_mexico_apocalypse2012
misty says:
October 19th, 2009
Thank you so much for this. I couldn’t agree more. We, as a family, have looked forward to this film for months. It was so disheartening. I think that I perhaps dislike it more and more, the more I think about it. I recieved a lot of flack from people who thought it was “amazing”… I certainly don’t fall in that crowd. You were dead on with your review!
And as for the comment from Richard. Ok. Well what about my 5th grader who asked us multiple times “Is the sun really going to disappear and destroy earth?”
Richard says:
October 19th, 2009
@misty
whoever thought of that “sun dying” idea is a genius. Its a good way to open that conversation with your children. You can just tell them that the sun is going to die billions of years from now. With the 2012 trailer, it basically tells the children that we are all doomed 3 years from now. AND THATS JUST FROM THE TRAILER!
Zev Deans says:
October 19th, 2009
What I find most effective about this film is the raw and uncompromising vision of childhood that Spike Jonze presents us. Max is a ball of emotions bouncing around his house amidst an over-worked single mother who is trying to find happiness in a new man and an older sister who abandons Max for her teenage friends.
With the wild things, we are introduced to a host of youthful psychological extremes colliding on an island (playground). The interactions are shockingly familiar to us and at times extremely uncomfortable when things get personal.
ATTENTION FIVE HENS: If you think a movie about a single-parent family is hard to digest for a kid, let alone “BROKEN” as you describe earlier, then you have NO BUSINESS writing a column for parents and you are out of touch with the rest of the country. And the wild things portray nothing short of the business that goes on between kids on the playground. If you missed that too, then you are equally out of touch with your own children and again HAVE NO BUSINESS writing a column for parents.
Max is 9 years old. I think 9 year olds will understand this movie at base level more than anyone else. And I also think they will learn a thing or too about how to play with others and operate as a mutually respectful family member.
It brings to light an issue that is far overdue in contemporary american society… WE ARE SHELTERING OUR KIDS.
Think of all the children in movies you’ve seen this year. Or last year for that matter.
Or the years before. They were written as cute 1-dimensional supporting characters in an adult world… incapable of complex emotions, sexuality, or true anger.
This is a lie we have devised to convince ourselves that A: these are adult feelings that have adult origins and B: we can hide things from our children that we dont want to think about ourselves, as if we are doing them a favor.
In fact, all we are doing is leaving them confused about the things they experience and see without anywhere to turn to for answers except the internet and their peers. We doom them to make the same mistakes we have made (and even worse ones) by hiding our personal stories, no matter how difficult it may be to hear at first. When we hide the truth about ourselves and the world, we distance ourselves from our children and ultimately lose their respect. Because lets face it… THE LITTLE BRATS ARE SMART.
-Zev
dean says:
October 19th, 2009
to misty… an answer to your son: yes, someday, but probably not in our lifetimes.
kids can handle the truth, especially when they know you have their back. and it is a great opportunity to build a relationship based on honesty and trust and respect. what you gain by allaying fears in the short term is miniscule compared what you lose in the long run. the child that knows you respect them and their intelligence at an early age will not hesitate to ask you tough questions later in life. sadly, so many gladly paint sugar coated, happy utopias of a complicated world, then wonder why so many youngsters seek dangerous escapes in drugs, sex and risky or isolationist behaviors.
the complicated themes addressed in the movie don’t equate to gloom. work, life, growing up… these things happen. how you prepare a child to deal with them will dictate the emotions they experience when life happens. in these terms, this movie gives you a great common ground to begin, today. explain what feelings each of the creatures represented in max. ask your child why they think max felt that way. ask if they ever feel that way. if nothing else, use this to your best, rather than focus on condemning it for not being the simplistic, disney-fied movie you wanted.
mike says:
October 20th, 2009
@fivehens
First off, this is a brilliant movie. In fact, some of the original cuts of the film were even deeper with fear, were more claustrophobic, and way more intense. …scary huh.. It probably would have even scared you, as a father! As a matter of fact, it seems this movie did it enough! I hope they come out with the unedited DVD version personally..
Your views on Wild Things are extremely overprotected and narrow minded, to say the least. You probably should have looked at the PG rating before bringing a 3 and 6 year old. AND you said you read the book with your kids a bunch of times? Did you not, even for a second, think it would be kinda scary? Come on, dude.
It sounds like you’ve lived in a cave all your life. If your so ‘astounded’ that a single parent is labeled – a BROKEN home. And ‘damn’ is a curse word. Then you probably live in a UTAH cave.
Also, you must be completely afraid of ‘problems and issues’ yourself, because your telling people to go potty break when Max talks with KW about these serious topics. ”Even happyness doesn’t make you happy.” Is that suppose to be encouraging? ”I hate you,” “Cut the brains out,” ”kill the bad guys,” What the…? did you bring a notebook with you or something, so you can monitor every word? Don’t bring this out of context! he’s a kid! and he’s playing his make believe game. With his make believe monsters. Jesus, just grab a picket already and stand out in front with all your other malformed, anti-life cohorts.
Obviously, you were never a child. But it’s o.k. There’s not a lot of people out there that were. Did you ever see Snow White? The evil witch tried to kill her. What kind of impression does that leave for you. Did you ever see The Little Mermaid? The evil octopus lady tried to steal Ariels voice and capture her family and all the oceans creatures to be enslaved forever. What kind of message is that for kids? I could go on and on.. …And those are G rated movies!!
I think you should do yourself a great favor and never see any movie again! There’s nothing ’so jolly’ out there for you, that you’d be able to handle. In fact, don’t even leave the house. It’s terrifying out there. Your kids are smarter than you think. …They might even be smarter than you.
This movie shows a lot of emotions, and you even say it’s confusing for kids. Don’t fool yourself Five Hens, this movie was confusing for YOU. The kids are the one’s who will truly ‘get it’.
kimatsprig says:
October 21st, 2009
RT @fivehens: Have kids? What Parents Need to Know About Where the Wild Things Are http://bit.ly/3CEvdc #movies #wtwta
This comment was originally posted on Twitter
maggiefox says:
October 21st, 2009
I have to disagree as well – this movie is about life. Life is not perfect and happy and filled with glowing trees. It’s complicated and sometimes confusing. It’s also beautiful and filled with love, regardless of whether your family is “broken” or “dysfunctional” (whose isn’t, in some way?)
It’s true Max behaves badly, he feels out of place, angry and sometimes left out. These are things that real children feel. Max also feels tender towards his mother, exhilarated and happy. Again, real emotions.
I actually felt that this movie was a wonderful antidote to some of the bs childrearing theory of the last 20 years that has helped contribute to the demonizing of normal boyhood (and tomboyhood) behaviour. Boys are rough, they fight, they yell – and that’s ok. What Max learned in the film (from his alter-ego Carol) was that you have to also be able to control those emotions or you drive everyone away from you. That’s an important lesson.
This was, IMHO, a movie for boys, about boys, and about raising their self-esteem. I thought it was great, as did my 7 yo son.
DoctorLaurawr says:
October 21st, 2009
RT @fivehens: Have kids? What Parents Need to Know About Where the Wild Things Are http://bit.ly/3CEvdc #movies #wtwta
This comment was originally posted on Twitter
Bennett says:
October 22nd, 2009
First of all, I just want to comment on a few of the previous reviewers, such as maggiefox, mike, dean, Zev Deans, etc. I think you’re all pretty spot on. You have made a lot of valid points. Like the rating, themes of the movie, and the relation between the movie and the book.
First of all, as a kid–which really wasn’t that far away, considering I’m only 23–I didn’t like WtWtA. It actually scared me a little. I don’t remember the book being all sunny and happy. I don’t want to delve too much into when I was a kid, because it really isn’t important. What is important is that I wasn’t really sheltered, nor was I exposed to anything I couldn’t handle. My parents even tried to keep me from watching PG-13 movies until I was 13 and the same with R-rated movies.
The first thing I would like to say is, I’m actually surprised at your negligence. You put on a front of being a protective mother but don’t even bother checking the rating before making a big hooplah about the movie to your kids. Bad form. The movie is clearly rated PG. In fact, it’s people like you who’ve necessitated strict rating policies in the first place. http://www.mpaa.org/Ratings_history1.asp
If you go to the Motion Picture Association of America’s (MPAA) website, they clearly define the movie ratings. A movie of a G rating “contains nothing in theme, language, nudity, sex, violence or other matters that, in the view of the Rating Board, would offend parents whose younger children view the motion picture. The G rating is not a ‘certificate of approval,’ nor does it signify a ‘children’s’ motion picture. Some snippets of language may go beyond polite conversation but they are common everyday expressions. No stronger words are present in G-rated motion pictures. Depictions of violence are minimal. No nudity, sex scenes or drug use are present in the motion picture.”
A movie with a PG rating, on the other hand, “should be investigated by parents before they let their younger children attend. The PG rating indicates, in the view of the Rating Board, that parents may consider some material unsuitable for their children, and parents should make that decision.
The more mature themes in some PG-rated motion pictures may call for parental guidance. There may be some profanity and some depictions of violence or brief nudity. But these elements are not deemed so intense as to require that parents be strongly cautioned beyond the suggestion of parental guidance. There is no drug use content in a PG-rated motion picture.” http://www.mpaa.org/FlmRat_Ratings.asp
A lot of G movies have subject matter just as bad, if not worse, than this. The Lion King, a G movie, covered subjects like, oh, FRATRICIDE (the killing of one’s brother or sister) and other dramatic subjects. Other such animated movies with a G rating are often perverse or deal with dramatic subjects. (such as this page that criticizes Disney movies of having hidden sexual messages http://www.bgsu.edu/departments/tcom/faculty/ha/tcom103fall2003/gp13/gp13.pdf )
In response to your movie review, I have some things I want to say. First and foremost, the home is not “broken”. The teenage sister is at the stage we see all the time–where she struggles to find a place to fit between people of her own age and her brother. The mother is a WIDOW and she has her own hardships–trying to balance work, a love life, and TWO KIDS. Finally, Max is entering the transitional period that will take him out of boyhood and on his way to becoming a teen. I would hardly call that a “broken” home. I don’t remember his mother being coked out and abusive, nor do I remember the teenage sister selling herself for money or any other behaviors that might suggest a broken home exists.
I think Max’s problems at home are crucial to the story. They show why he wants to run away, into his fantasy land–the whole 25 minutes shows just who Max really is at the time. As for the language…I’ve seen a lot worse in G movies. I’ve heard parents say worse in front of their children. I’m sure you have, too.
As to him discovering where the wild things are, the very name gives the place and things away. It is a WILD place, with WILD things. Wild places and things are often scary, especially when they’re first introduced. Max’s whole journey reflects the issues in his life. He’s not happy, the wild things aren’t happy. His sister left him, KW left Carol. Carol’s tantrum is just like Max’s was, just on a larger scale. Even Judith’s comment reflects how Max feels sometimes. Not a happy comment, but a necessary one.
As far as their sand-dune walk, I think many people–children and adults alike–are afraid of endings. This also reflects Max’s earlier fear about what he learned in the classroom. Everyone has to learn this, the eventuality that things will come to an end. (I had to deal with the deaths of grandparents and pets at a young age. Movies like The Lion King helped prepare me for those moments).
As far as the “violent” language…what kid at 10 doesn’t talk like that? It’s just play talk. Playing cops and robbers, good guys v. bad guys–those kinds of games happened when I was that age and I’m sure it’s true for just about everyone. Perhaps that’s more true with boys than girls but the point remains.
I think “how can we make everyone OK?” is a question all kids ask around that time. You start to become more aware of what’s outside of you at that age, see that the world isn’t always a happy place. That maybe the little lies we’re told as children (like Santa and the Easter Bunny) aren’t real. We’re confronted with unhappiness and we don’t know what to do.
Carol has another tantrum, again much like the one Max had over his sister. I think he can see the similarities at this point. Where he learns, as KW says, that being a family is hard. At times, it really can be hard.
I thought the movie was resolved beautifully. Carol finds, in Max’s heart with a C among the model of the city, what Max was hoping to find in his sister’s room. He finds that Max really loves him, so he comes running back to say goodbye. Max learns, from KW, that maybe his mom and sister really do love him–even if they aren’t always around. Finally, when Carol returns and Max and Carol start howling, there’s a dialogue there. The dialogue is the same they had when they first met, with the same conclusion–they get it.
The Max returns home, to find his mother–and supper–waiting for him. They hug, they make up. I think this says that no matter where you go or what you do, someone will be there when you get back. It was a very powerful, very beautiful ending. It is a happy ending, but still realistic and in the tone of the whole movie.
I think your whole negative review revolves around one thing: that you didn’t even bother looking at the rating. It deserves the rating it got, which is PG. Not a G movie like you were thinking. As the rating implies, it is not for little kids and the movie, as the MPAA CLEARLY states, “should be investigated by parents before they let their younger children attend.”
This is not the the movie’s fault, or the director’s, or the MPAA’s. This is your fault and should be a negative review of YOU.
Painted Hen's Rooster says:
October 22nd, 2009
Well, I’ve restrained myself from commenting for the past few days because I’ve been enjoying the range of debate this review has sparked. Thanks for all of your opinions. While I enjoy good healthy debate, the main point of this review was that the studio, Warner Brothers, has directly marketed this film at young children and families. I don’t care one way or the other if anyone takes their children to see the film. What I was trying to do was inform parents about the themes in this film and that they may or may not be appropriate for certain children. As for my own kids, they are certainly not “sheltered” as many of you have suggested (witness the fact that I actually TOOK them to this movie). We discuss lots of issues together. And their reaction to the film…they were bored. Neither of them had an adverse reaction…they just didn’t like it.
I’m not going to engage some of the more bitter and rude comments that have been made here. I heartfully encourage good debate and love a wide range of opinions. Please feel free to express your opinions here on Five Hens any time. But please, do EVERYONE a favor and remain civil. There is no need for name calling, disdain, or condescending remarks like some of those here. Everyone is entitled their own opinion. Sometimes you may agree with us and sometimes you might disagree, but either way, do it with a degree of civility and respect so that others might respect your opinion too. Thanks
Oh and one more thing, I’m not a mom…I’m one of the husband’s of the Five Hens. That would be why I’m called The Painted Hen’s Rooster on this site. Thanks.
Janice says:
October 22nd, 2009
To Painted Hen’s Rooster: Thank you and good for you for standing up for what you believe. You’re correct, everyone is entitled to their opinion, right or wrong. And thank you for encouraging civility, it’s something that is sorely missing in our society today.
To all the critics: While you are entitled to your opinions, many of you were out of line with your remarks and how you presented yourselves. You should be ashamed. If you present your opinions intelligently without resorting to being rude, people would pay more attention to you. These five ladies (and their Roosters) have been working hard putting out very good information for families. It takes more thought and dedication to put out something creative every day than it does to criticize it. Cut them some slack and appreciate what they do for you for free. End of rant!
mike says:
October 22nd, 2009
very nicely put Maggiefox, Bennett. I think your both spot on. I’d also like to add that Max is a boy with a strong heart and a huge imagination. His destructive behavior seems to come from loneliness and simply wanting to get attention. Basically, He’s sad. He’s sad because he wants everything out of life and there’s no one to share it with. Mom has work and her boyfriend. Sis has got her own friends. And Max is left by himself.
When he took off into the woods, his mom running after him sparked an immense vision waiting to explode to the surface of Max’s mind. The Wild Things are a reflection of himself and the people around him. He sees Carol breaking up everyones house. But in essence, thats him being destructive and showing everyone he means something. And when they think Max has magic powers they king him. Carol kings him. Carol needs someone to relate with on his own level. Someone to look up to. Someone to confide in and be friends with. So does Max.
On the surface, it kinda does seem like a bratty kid who acts like a spaz. But there’s a lot to look into here. Its much deeper than that. Not everyone has to like it, and I think Maggiefox is right how she says its for boys. Hence, they play rough. But it is a movie about self-esteem and love.
I don’t want to go too much into the ratings thing, but they do steer this movie for kids and familys which I don’t agree with. But, for the kids who do see it, they’ll either like it or they won’t. I think the sadder kids will like it more, cuz they can relate, but they won’t fully understand it until they see it again as their older.
jhaygood says:
October 22nd, 2009
Actually as stated in this article, “70% of Warners TV ads were on shows aimed at teen and adult-oriented audiences.” So to say the marketing was heavily oriented to kids/families is not correct. It may have seemed that way because that’s the advertising you yourself saw, but it was a relatively small portion of the overall promotion.
LoveShines says:
October 27th, 2009
This review pretty much sums up Where The Wild Things Are movie experience. http://bit.ly/rOBSZ
This comment was originally posted on Twitter