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I’m not surprised that Kevin didn’t care for “Where the Wild Things Are.” I think there are a lot of people, both young and old, who have been conditioned to expect another type of movie entirely when presented with a film “based on a beloved tale for children.” If you have only seen Seuss adaptations starring comedians or Potter films that try to translate the book to film as closely as possible, a movie like this feels entirely too strange. Consider the fact that the book “Where the Wild Things Are” is only a few sentences long and yet the film is over an hour and a half. The makers of this movie have added a lot to the film, but nothing that could be considered commercial or irreverent. “Where the Wild Things Are” is an art house movie and that is something that a lot of kids and their parents aren’t ready for and weren’t planning on.

Keep that in mind when you start to hear word of mouth that doesn’t gibe with the rave reviews from critics.

I am not ready to rave, not just yet, but I can’t entirely dismiss the film either. Director Spike Jonze made a movie filled with beautiful moments and, while some times it feels like nothing is going on, there is a lot here to sink your teeth into. The goal was to present a nine year old’s view of a confusing world and remind the audience of what being a child can be like.

Max is living at home with a single mom and a teenage sister. He feels ignored and neglected and when he gets too wild one night and bites his mother, he runs away. Max finds a boat and sails to an island populated by giant monsters - the wild things. The wild things have their own issues, including fighting with each other and trying to be heard and not feel lonely. Max tells them he is their king, mostly to keep them from eating him, and they put all their hopes into his leadership, which is obviously faulty.

Max’s best friend on the island is Carol (James Gandolfini), a destructive beast who continues to drive his friends, particularly K.W. (Lauren Ambrose) away with his behavior. It is obvious to the adults in the audience that Carol shares a lot of bad behavior with Max and that he will drive Max away too.

Max Records is a revelation as Max, giving the most genuine performance of a child I can remember seeing. The voice talent around him, from Gandolfini to Chris Cooper, Catherine O’Hara, Forrest Whitaker and Paul Dano, are darn good too. You see the wild things as big, aching, misunderstood beasts, but also as aimless children with little to occupy their time but mischief and melodrama.

I agree with Kevin that this isn’t a movie for kids. There is no way that most kids will find this entertaining. They will be expecting something more hyperactive and pandering. For older kids, those who are interested in talking about possible meanings of things and character motivations, this is a solid introduction into viewing movies that aim a little higher. Ultimately, this is a movie for adults. One that wants to remind them of the raw feelings of childhood, the good and the bad.

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