My 8 and 13 did not like this movie at all. We all found it completely lame and bizarre.
Where the Wild Things Are
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Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
Sometimes-dark adaptation focuses on friendship, loneliness.
Themes in this movie include: family relationships, friendship, growing up
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 9 and Up
The good stuff
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Role models:
What to watch out for
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Violence:
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Sex:
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Language:
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Consumerism:
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Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
This review of Where the Wild Things Are was written by Sandie Angulo Chen
Parents need to know that director Spike Jonze's adaptation of Maurice Sendak's Where the Wild Things Are isn't appropriate for younger kids, even those who adore the book (there's a big difference between looking at a beautifully illustrated children's story and watching a live-action movie full of sights and sounds that will probably scare the average 4-year-old). The movie explores mature themes of loneliness, insecurity, and fear of change, both within Max's human family and the one he finds on his adventure. The island that Max lands on can be a scary and dark place, and the Wild Things themselves aren't above threatening (repeatedly) to eat Max, as well as becoming hot-headed and destructive (and when a Wild Thing gets destructive, it can be quite intense). The movie also has a slower, dreamier feel than many other kids' movies, and relationships and storylines aren't always neatly resolved. There's some mild language ("damn," "stupid") and a quick glimpse of Max's mom and her boyfriend drinking wine and kissing, but otherwise the PG rating is due mostly to Max's occasionally frightful time with the mysterious Wild Things.
Families Can Talk About
Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
- Families can talk about what makes Max scared and angry. Why does he get mad at his sister and his mom? What does he want from them? What does he learn about families from his time among the Wild Things?
- Each of the Wild Things has a personality, opinions, and concerns. Are the Wild Things symbolic of different character traits? Kids: Which Wild Thing was the most relatable?
- How does the movie compare to the book? How did the filmmakers change the story? Does an adaptation have to to translate exactly what's in a book to be faithful? How do you think the movie might be different if it were meant for younger kids?
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More on Where the Wild Things Are
What’s the Story?
Director Spike Jonze and co-writer Dave Eggers' adaptation of Where the Wild Things Are fleshes out Maurice Sendak's protagonist Max (Max Records) to provide a reason behind his wolf suit-wearing mischief. He's an imaginative kid with boundless energy. But when his mom (Catherine Keener) doesn't seem to have time for him, he snaps, tries to bite her, and runs away. Suburban woods lead him to a sailboat that heads straight to a mysterious island inhabited by Wild Things. Unlike in the book, each movie Wild Thing has a distinct name and personality: There's insecure Carol (James Gandolfini), sarcastic Judith (Catherine O'Hara), sweet Ira (Forest Whitaker), misunderstood Alexander (Paul Dano), wise Douglas (Chris Cooper), and loving KW (Lauren Ambrose). Max persuades the Wild Things not to eat him by claiming he's a king with special powers. At first ruling the island a joy -- "let the wild rumpus start!" -- but as time passes, Max begins to disappoint the dysfunctional monsters, and he eventually grows fearful that they'll realize he's just a boy pretending to be a wolf pretending to be a king.
Is It Any Good?
Usually, beloved children's books are adapted with a kiddie audience in mind, but Where the Wild Things Are isn't for the Happy Meal set. It's a leisurely paced, literary film that makes you reflect on the exuberance and sadness of being a child. The Wild Things are indeed a wild bunch -- they smash things and claim to have eaten all of their other kings -- but they're also a broody, sarcastic, touchy clan wrestling with jealousy (Carol hates that KW is friends with two owls, Terry and Bob), isolation (Alex feels ignored), and misunderstandings (KW wants everyone to get along). It's not all rumpus-making, sleeping in a pile, and dirt-clot fights for King Max.
Visually, the film is beautifully simple, whether it's a heartbreaking close-up of a teary-eyed Max or an expansive shot of the Wild Things' island. It's amazing how perfectly Sendak's monsters come to life and how perfectly newcomer Records plays the spirited and vulnerable Max. He truly shines, especially acting opposite Keener, Gandolfini, and Ambrose. And the excellent voice cast, who actually rehearsed together, makes you forget you're watching CGI-enhanced 9-foot puppets. The movie's evocative soundtrack, composed by Carter Burrell and Karen O. (frontwoman of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs) switches from playful to eerie to jubilant to frightening, and it's a spot-on accompaniment to Max's journey. This isn't a movie you cuddle with the kids over, the way you do with the book. It is, however, an artful, touching text on the magical but at times lonely nature of childhood.
Movie Details
Studio: Warner Bros., Director: Spike Jonze
Run time: 100 minutes
Theatrical release: 10/16/2009
MPAA Rating: PG for mild thematic elements, some adventure action and brief language
Run time: 100 minutes
Theatrical release: 10/16/2009
MPAA Rating: PG for mild thematic elements, some adventure action and brief language
Our Members Say
See all 185 member reviews
Most Recent Reviews
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I rate this title off for age 6 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Inappropriate language
I wouldn't recommend you even rent it, it's a waste of two hours.
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I rate this title iffy for age 8 and give it
Should remain unseen
**** Mild spoilers ahead**** This was one of my favorite books as a child and one of my least favorite movies as college student. To those who know Jonze, it's not surprise the way the film ended up. It's angst-ridden and filled with light easy-listening indie pop music. I'm not one for nostalgia but this film utterly failed to capture the spirit of the book. It seems like Maurice Sendak, who was involved in the making of the film, forgot what he wrote more than 35 years ago. The book had a story of adventure and freedom, while the film is overly-dramatic, filled with almost constant sadness. There's nothing wrong with a film departing from the book its based on, but this film is a poor one even in a vacuum. The constant sorrow in the film takes away from what could be a very touching scene of Max leaving the island. Because the characters are so sad throughout the film, there's no real change in emotion in the final scene. Jonze puts the monsters in constant conflict with each other, back and forth between love and hate and it gets tiresome very quickly. However it is incredibly beautiful and the animation/puppetry is stunning. Children will likely be frightened by the violent interactions and probably turned off by the slow pace and dialogue that will likely be over their heads.
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I rate this title off for age 17 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Negative role models
just dont waste 2 hours of your life watching this stupid movie
this movie really sucked...like i think this was the worst movie ive ever seen other then the wrestler i went because my friend had tickets to the premiere in toronto...but it sucked so badly i went to the bathroom 3 times just so i could escape the horridness of this movie
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I rate this title off for age 17 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate sexual content
- Inappropriate language
- Negative role models
Absolutely no way...
Not for my daughter for sure! Absolutely no way...
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I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
Questionable behavior
This movie was flat out strange. There is no other words to describe it. Why would a boy bite his mother then run away from home becuz he feels his supper isn't cooked on time?! The wild things are freakishly homely and all are snotting out of their nose. Even though this movie is meat for kids of the younger age I would think that if I had children that I wouldn't want them to think it's normal to bite ur mother, then go play with some physcho white trash animal things, then be home in time for supper. It was one of the worst movies I have ever seen and the boy's hair drove me insane. So yes, ideas are good.....however this one failed fit my simple taste. Simplicity is the key and this was way over done. The only part I liked was "I'll eat you up I luv u so." Otherwise for the rest.....I feel was a waste of money to go to the theaters in. So overall I'd say I thought it sux and was a total waste of money, watching, and a plain waste of time.
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I rate this title off for age 6 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Negative role models
What the Freak?!
I could jump right in about how much I hate this movie. But I won't, because I'm going to start from the beginning. First of all, my grade and 8th grade went out to see this movie, since we had all read the book in our early childhood. When it started, it was immediately depressing. It only showed the bad side of life, basically. The son and mother get angry at each other, resulting in the crazed maniac of a son to run away (and in the book the new place was in his imagination). So then he gets on this boat (I mean, what??) and is marooned on this island of the Wild Things. There were just plain creepy scenes while he was there, like the bones of their former king (and the stupid kid isn't afraid or gets too suspicious). Plus, Carol likes to destroy the huts for no reason, and the games they play are pretty bizarre. In the middle of the movie, when Max (the boy) begins to make plans to create advancements to the island, and they are building it, he and Judith get in the most idiotic argument ever. Then later everyone engages in a mud-clot battle, which was unnecessary and weird. I haven't even gotten to the two WORST parts. Okay, so, THEN Carol becomes outraged because of Max and his being king (they expected him to have magical powers, even though he is only a child, just another thing which is dumb as heck) that he rips out the bird dude's arm! Such a violent scene for a younger audience to watch! It was a little twisted because it started pouring sand, as if that could help any. Later Max escapes from Carol and is so desperate he climbs into KW's mouth (disgusting!) to hide from him. After Carol is gone he gets out, all soggy and everything... ew. Finally he manages to find his home again, where his mom says nothing but hugs him and stares at him weakly. The end. Okay. All I have to say now is to not spend your money on it in any way, PLEASE. And if you want to see this somewhat emo take on a children's book, watch it alone before you do watch it with your kids. Thank you.
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I rate this title on for age 9 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Negative role models
Theater on the screen, but too much fighting
Overall I loved the movie, quite theatrical. In the middle there is a lot of fighting that goes on and on, I though, it was a downer for myself and my 9 year old son. I don't need it too be sun-shiney but shortening the yelling would have sent the same message and been less negative..
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I rate this title iffy for age 12 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Excessive violence
DISTURBINGLY DARK, SCARY, VIOLENT, etc.!!!!
I was EXTREMELY dissapionted...after talking up the book and about how much I loved it as a child to my 8 y.o. daughter...I was SHOCKED to see howdifferent and DARK the movie was!!! If would have known just how dark, violent and scary the movie was... I would NEVER have taken my 8 y.o. girl to see it. Just WHO is this movie for???? Definately NOT for young kids!!!...and I'm not sure teens would want to see it. What really angers me about this movie is that NONE of the trailers/TV commercials let you know just how dark and scary it was!!! They DUPED the public and that's just DISGRACEFUL!!!! The very first part of the movie (the opening) was just SO SHOCKING AND SCARY that knew in the very first 10 seconds that it was a mistake... WHAT KIND OF PSYCHOLOGICALLY DARK fare like this belongs in family/children's movie based on a childrens book?!?!?!? This MIGHT be appropriate for a DEEPLY PHYSCHOLOGICALLY damaged young boy or girl who is being treated by a psychiotrist, but other than that...STAY AWAY if you have children. IF I were NOT comparing it to the childrens book, then I'd say it's a good deep movie for an ADULT!
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I rate this title iffy for age 8 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- My highlights are:
Not for kids, but a worthy endeavor
This movie succeeds in creating a meaningful and tasteful adaptation to a children's book (unlike just about all others adaptations). It is a good movie standing on its own. Unfortunately, you cannot watch Where the Wild Things Are without comparing it to the children's book. And when you do that, you realize the two have very little in common. The reasons why the book is so beloved is all but absent in the movie, replaced by much deeper and socially relevant issues. I took my kids (age 9 & 5), and, while they enjoyed it, they didn't love it, largely because they wanted the book, not such a deep, dark, and completely different kind of movie. I recommend the movie, but, as stated in several reviews, this isn't much of a kids movie.
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I rate this title off for age 2 and give it
just by the comertals i want to throw up
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I rate this title iffy for age 12 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate language
Dark, twisted and violent.
This was an incredibly dark, depressing and violent movie. It showed rage and unnecessary violence throughout the entire movie. I really wanted to walk out but hoped for the happy feel good ending. It did not deliver. The sweetest part of the pre-view was when one of the wild things said Oh how I love you so. Meawhile she also said I could eat you and ment eating him not in a cute cuddle way. It was one of the worst movies I have ever seen and completly innapropriate for the age group it targeted.
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I rate this title on for age 9 and give it
Filmed in a dark tone
The movie seems to be filmed in a very dark tone and it is amasing what the writers infered what happened from just those few pages in the book over all the movie was better than I thought and it will keep you thinking about the story for hours after the movie has ended.
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I rate this title on for age 9 and give it
Filmed in a dark tone
The movie seems to be filmed in a very dark tone and it is amasing what the writers infered what happened from just those few pages in the book over all the movie was better than I thought and it will keep you thinking about the story for hours after the movie has ended.
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I rate this title iffy for age 5 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
iffy for 5 and up
the movie is pretty much about growth its a wonderful movie but there is one scene where one of the monsters has a tantrum and knocks downs things and yells this would be scary for younger kids so be aware
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I rate this title iffy for age 5 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
iffy for 5 and up
the movie is pretty much about growth its a wonderful movie but there is one scene where one of the monsters has a tantrum and knocks downs things and yells this would be scary for younger kids so be aware
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I rate this title on for age 7 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Drinking, smoking, or drug use
- Negative role models
Why would anyone like this? It's sad, weird, lacks of story, has bad messages.
This movie was probably the one of the worst movies ever. It's terrible! I saw this with my friend, and he hated it too. A kid gets mad at his sister, wrecks her room, bites his mom, runs away, steals a boat, sails to an unknown island, becomes king of weird, giant creatures who live there, has a war, the wild things get mad, Max does the robot, Sails away, back home, where his mom isn't mad at all. There's the story. Dark, sad, weird, creepy, and bad. DON'T SEE THIS!!!
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I rate this title on for age 12 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Excessive violence
Think before you see...
I see that a lot of parents here are complaining about the movies violence and dark themes. What you need to know is that this movie is not for kids under nine, or anyone with a weak stomach. The movie is for adults, particularly those with troubled or depressed children, and the movie shows a very detailed, accurate, and intense view of the hardships these children face. The main character, Max, is a chronically depressed boy, who does not only unleash his anger very brutally, destroying other people's possesions, hurting himself, etc. The viewer can infer that these things have been going on for awhile. He also keeps grudges. In fact, the movies opening scene is of an angry Max chasing after and hurting a small dog in his rage. The scene is very intense, but also relatively brief. After that, it shows him building an igloo in the snow. You can also tell at this scene that his father was divorced with his mother,and Max misses him. We will examine this more later. Anyway, he sees his teenage sister and some of her friends, and challenges them to a snowball fight. But things get rough, and not only is Max hurt, his igloo is destroyed. Later, he goes into her room and, in a display of anger, trashes and destroys many of her valuable possesions, including a card he made for her for Valentines day. When his mother comes home from work he tells her what happened. He gets her attention by doing an odd sort of dance act, similar to the actions of many depressed children. He also tells her a story he made up, about a vampire and some building. This is obviously related to the snow scene, as you will be able to tell. At one time, it shows his room where there are many traces of his depression.(Two headed lego people, books and clothes strewn everywhere, etc.) He comes down for dinner, in his wolf costume, and is shocked to see his mother and a man, probably her boyfriend, kissing and drinking wine. Fearing that the man will replace his father, he gets angry, hurts his mother, and runs away from home. We now transition into Max's mind and imagination he finds a boat, and sails on to an island. On the island, he meets a very wild, destructive, and intense group of monsters called The Wild Things. They threaten to eat him, but he claims to be a great ruler from a distant land, and they grant him their king. As the movie progresses, the overall feel becomes very shaggy and sad. Max tries to make the place a sort of perfect realm, where nothing bad ever happens, but things soon go awry. One of the Wild Things, K.W., introduces him to two of her friends, who are owls. Notice how the Wild Things personalities are all parts of Max, with Judith being depressed, K.W. being selfless and inclusive, and Max's friend Carol, being very much like him. However, Carol becomes jealous of the owls, and becomes very angry, much like Max, and in one intense sequence, rips Douglas's arm off.(No blood is shown.) Fortunately, K.W. helps him escape. Soon, Max begins to miss his mother, and eventually sails off to his home. Carol realizes the error of his ways, and sobs as Max leaves. We exit Max's mind and return to the real world.Max returns home, and he seems to have been gone several hours. His mother welcomes him gladly home, and while she has been generally oblivious to his problem earlier, she seems to recognize it now. It can be infered that after the movie, Max gets professional help. With all this in mind, you must realize that this movie is very unlike the book, is very dark and intense, and is most certainly not for the same audience as the one for the book.
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I rate this title on for age 11 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Excessive violence
I wasn't a big fan of this movie. Apparently you love it or you hate it. I might not be "deep" enough to handle the "complex" messages or whatever, but I just didn't find it engaging. It was certainly interesting; I had no idea what was going to happen. But it eventually left me bored. Plus, I did not like the ending. This movie is a little complex for little kids.
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I rate this title on for age 11 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate sexual content
- Inappropriate language
- Drinking, smoking, or drug use
- Negative role models
not o.k unless 11.
it says if you run away youre parents arnt going to punish but love you even more. the mom has a b.f. over and is drinking. thay have a war and rip off a guys arm! he bites his mom.
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Ratings at a Glance
| 47% | of parents say it's too violent |
| 42% | of parents don't think the messages are positive |
| 30% | of parents don't feel there are good role models |
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