Where the Wild Things Are Review

I went and saw Where The Wild Things Are today with my roommate Janell. 

First of all it is certainly not a children's movie. If I would have seen this movie at a young age I would have been extremely freaked out. There is family drama, yelling, sadness, and other emotional scenes that even though you experience all of these as a child you shouldn't go see them in a movie. 

The movie provides a very real look into the hopes and fears we all experience as children. When we are young we see the world as a better place than it really is. Eventually you reach the age when you realize this isn't true, and for some kids (like Max in the movie) it is kind of a terrifying turning point. For instance, when Max learns that the sun will eventually die one day and destroy the earth you can see how frightened he is by this knowledge. I know I experienced the exact same fear when I first heard about the sun. As a child things like family, happiness, the sun, etc. are constants and you never even consider the fact that they might not always be there.

Basically, the movie is about growing up and the loss of original childhood innocence. Just like Carol in the movie, it is sometimes hard to accept the fact that things are going to inevitably change. Even strong friendships, love, and sometime family aren't constants. Fighting to hold on to these things isn't always worth it. When what seemed like true love or best friends at the time doesn't last you can drive yourself crazy trying to fight for it or hold onto something that isn't there anymore. Or you can learn (as Max and Carol do in the movie) to be grateful for what you have and love those you are there for you now instead of mourn the past.

I think this movie is about a child but geared towards adults. It helps us old folks remember how scary, emotional, and downright hard it can be to be a child. Of course it also reminds us of how much fun it was too! Sometimes the only things we need to make everything seem right with the world is a hug from our mother, a big bowl of soup, and a piece of chocolate cake. Running through the woods in an animal costume and howling with abandon can work too!