(Sundays at 4:00 pm on WOSU 89.7 FM)
MOVIES
Joyce: Max, played by Max Records, is wonderful as the out of control young child who is really "acting out" as the therapists would say and takes it out on his busy, stressed mother, played beautifully by Catherine Keener. He erupts, puts on his wolf-like costume or pajamas and runs out into the night, down the street and into a forest, where suddenly his fertile imagination comes into play and he finds himself in a tiny sail boat headed for a mysterious island, full of wild creatures.
Rico: The wild things seem as real as the humans. They are created from gigantic puppets from Jim Henson's workshop and their faces are seamless computer graphics. They simply look real. Happily, they are friendly - at least to Max, the little boy who finds them in his imagination.
Joyce: Although at first they consider eating Max, they decide against it and instead because of Max's bravado, make him their king. Which, of course, is pretty funny because they are so huge and Max is so little.
Rico: It's interesting that one of the lead monsters, voiced by James Gandolfini, is named Carol. An all star cast provides the rest of the voices. The puppets themselves are brought to life by other actors.
Joyce: Of course, most everyone knows this famous story, which is actually quite short, but is a favorite choice for both parents and kids.
Rico: Eclectic director, Spike Jonz , worked closely with author Maurice Sendak to get the film made. It may be a masterpiece . . . . or not. Depends on your take on it. It's interesting that a book with so few words was turned into an hour and a half film, with a lot of dialog.
Joyce: I found this film truly wonderful, the characters are wild, amusing, and endearing, just like the book intended. The puppets are fabulous.
Rico: I'm in awe of the accomplishment, but for now, viewing it once was enough. At least, Sendak is reported to be very happy with the film.
Joyce: I would bet even macho types would be won over by this one. What's interesting is that the rough and tumble adventures in the wild wood are so typical for a young boy's imagination, yet there are very quiet and touching moments to relish. As I said, it's endearing. ****
Rico: ***1/2
Film: Where the Wild Things Are
Director: Spike Jonze
Cast Includes: Catherine Keener, Forest Whitaker, Lauren Ambrose, Catherine O'Hara, Tom Noonan, Michael Berry, James Gandolfini
Genre: Adventure, Drama, Family
Running Time: 94:00
Rated: PG
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