Where The Wild Things Are is very good. Not entirely sure of the reasons behind Warner Bros. decision to delay it for well over a year but the finished product is an interesting mish-mash of family film and Spike Jonze’s independent sensibilities.
Considering that not a lot actually happens (it’s essentially an extended scene of childish shenanigans set in the over active mind of the protagonist) it has a certain charm to it that I feel has been missing in recent family movies. It’s also very funny. The cumbersome movement of the Wild Things costumes coupled with the slick CGI of the creatures’ faces makes for some very amusing moments. The voice acting is also excellent.
However, the lack of plot makes for an oddly empty experience. Not surprising considering the source material was all of 10 sentences long. It’s a tribute to Jonze that he’s able to make such an enjoyable and unique film from it.
Not for everyone (my girlfriend didn’t really see the point and I’m not sure kids will like to too if I’m honest) and not conventional by mainstream standards but I found it entertaining.
4/5
I disagree about it being an empty experience. It's entirely a tone/character piece. The lack of obvious narrative allows for such closeness to these guys. We feel Max's emotion every beat of the way. I would have hated it if Jonze had tried to shoehorn some sort of quest in there.
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