My family went to see the film adaptation of the classic book a few weekends ago. I was pleasantly surprised by Where the Wild Things Are, it was true to the book, as much as a 1.5 hour film can be to a short picture book. The additions to the story did not take away from the charm of the classic book, but added a new dimension. I cannot say it was great, but there are many redeeming things about the film.
Visually, the film has great beauty, the settings are filled with simple, natural beauty. The beauty of the film off-sets the sadness of the story. I read a quote in which the movie was compared to a Flannery O'Connor story, and there couldn't be a better comparison.
Unlike many children's films, Where the Wild Things Are is not uplifting, but it is comforting. Really, I do not think this is a children's movie, teens and young adults, would better enjoy the complexities of relationships. The film does a good job of expressing the despair that children (and adults) feel as they are thrust into relationship changes, particularly divorce. My own children liked it, but not loved it. They have no desire to see it again, though.
Best family show in a looong time! We love it--our entire family, teens, kids, adults! So much fun and such depth of the human spirit--and although not strictly accurate, it does justice to Alexander McCall Smith's beautiful and honorable creative mind!
