Where the Wild Things Are

What I remember most about Maurice Sendak's book is the artwork. It was dark and maybe even a little scary. But I think that was the appeal. After all, there weren't many books about boys befriending menacing monsters with sharp teeth and horns. Spike Jonze's film nails the look of the book, but I can't say the same for the story. Frankly, I don't remember the story at all. Was it really this much of a downer? Maybe it was and that fact simply flew over my head during my formative years. But one thing is clear; Max is one disturbed kid. Just watch as he chases down the family dog in the opening sequence, all while wearing his wolf suit. There's all sorts of psychological issues on display here. But what I find interesting (and totally unconventional) is that his own fantasy world (and even his stories) are as imperfect as his reality. Themes of alienation and social awkwardness abound...and are never resolved. But maybe that's the point. The grass is most certainly not greener on the other side, regardless of where Max's imagination takes him. I'm still not sure if I like this movie. It certainly has stuck in my head the last few days, and that's usually a good sign. Maybe after another viewing or two I'll have it figured out. But I'm not sure children will get much out of it. While it's a movie about childhood, I don't think it's necessarily meant of children. Or maybe I'm selling the next generation short?