First of all, anyone worried about this film staying true to the art of the original should know that author Maurice Sendak gave his full approval to director Spike Jonze, writer Dave Eggers, and their conceptual interpretation of his classic of childrens’ literature Where the Wild Things Are. This is not the Sendak book I remember most clearly from my childhood (I think I preferred In The Night Kitchen and Really Rosie), but one thing that stuck with me was the look of its creatures. The film definitely gets that right, even down to the wolf-suit onesie worn by the main character, Max.

Though we don’t see all of them in physical form, Jonze has assembled a formidable cast. James Gandolfini, Catherine Keener, Forest Whitaker, Lauren Ambrose and Paul Dano accompany pleasantly natural child actor Max Records (hey, who better to play a Max, right?) in a semi-psychological reading of the picture-book’s already loose plotline that takes off in a direction all its own. Using an overarching sort of dream logic, this is a film that speaks through images, and in fact works best in its moments of nonverbal storytelling. Jonze is a photographer and music video mastermind, and is most in his element when constructing visuals and matching them perfectly with music. While I’m on the subject, I should say that the original score by Karen O* and the Kids pretty much made the movie for me. Ms. O has crafted the best soundtrack imaginable to accompany a work that at times comes pretty close to a movie-length music video.

The viewing experience is truly dream-like; in turns silly, magical and sinister. Dialogue just isn’t the most important item here, and as in a dream, if you try to probe for too much information, you’ll miss the story. The interpretation hints at profound philosophical ideas, but only in fragments that are hard to hang on to. The almost too-naturalistic dialogue rings a bit hollow at times, and could have been used to better effect with a bit more structure. Max, shown as a kid with some emotional problems and obstacles of his own, encounters a world of fantastical characters who each have lessons to teach him about his life and behavior, but none that are overtly expressed.

As a whole, the world of this film may be too odd and fragile to hold the interest of absolutely everyone. I don’t think most kids would be entertained all the way though, and it may be a bit too surreal and frightening for very small children. But there are bits and pieces here and there that everyone can relate to. Despite the few instances where the story lags, there are still some really lovely cinematic moments in this piece that are worth the watch.

*of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs – if you don’t know them (and don’t have a problem with silver jumpsuits or spazzy onstage antics), consider checking out their 2004 concert film Tell Me What Rockers to Swallow from our music section. – [DVD] [Blu-Ray]

Adventure/Drama/Family/Fantasy

Rated PG

DVD Release Date: 3/2/10

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