Beetlejuice's Review of Where The Wild Things Are

I was raised on the book "Where The Wild Things Are" but it never once occurred to me that it might make a good film. My Mistake.


As a child I would fawn over this book, taking in the beautiful pictures and the simple, sweet story. The first time I had read the book, it was read to me by my mother and when I grew older I would read it to myself at night. I adored the book and felt a connection to MAX. When I heard a movie was coming out based on the book I naturally had to see it. I'm glad I did.

The movie is full of amazing visuals, hidden messages, joy, sadness, pain, and just about every other human emotion. I'm almost ashamed of how quickly I reverted back to the childhood me as I watched this film, eyes open and mouth agape in total awe at what was unfolding before me on the big screen. The film succeeds beautifully in making the viewer feel that child-like sense of wonder from beginning to end.

For me, The film struck a raw nerve that most movies are unable to hit. It transported me back to when I was a child and everything seemed simpler yet infinetly more complex. It was inevitable that by the end of the film me and most of the audience was in tears.

Where The Wild Things Are is not a film for children. They more than likely would be captivated by the creatures and vast landscapes that flash across the screen, but they won't understand all the big themes that the movie presents about growing up and holding onto the kid in each of us...I'd say read them the book instead as it will captivate them just as much as the film and likely make more of a lasting impact. The book helped shape who I am today and I believe that it is a MUST-READ for every kid.

The protagonist of Wild Things is a 9 yr old boy named Max (Played Brillaintly by Max Records) that is your typical young boy. He is filled with Imagination and raw, unbridled energy. One night, when he gets a bit too wild and bites his mom, he freaks out and runs away into a forest, where he finds a boat waiting to take him to the Wild Things.

The film's happy moments are balanced by somewhat depressing and sad ones as well. It knows when it needs to put the happy moments aside and replace them with sadder ones, knowing exactly what the audience needs and giving it to you when you need it.

The film shows great reverence and respect for the book that it is based off of, and beautifully elaborates on the themes and empty spaces found within it.


Where The Wild Things are is a beautiful film that gives us what we need most, a reflection of better days and what we gave up in order for us to mature. It will touch everyone in different ways and will be a different experience for every person that views it. I believe that it is an important film.

Wild Things is The E.T. of our era, and MAX our Elliot. It is the best film of the year.

I give it 5 well deserved stars.