IMDb > Where the Wild Things Are (2009)
Where the Wild Things Are
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Where the Wild Things Are (2009) More at IMDbPro »

Photos (see all 65 | slideshow) Videos (see all 35)
Where the Wild Things Are -- The second theatrical trailer for Spike Jonze's Where the Wild Things Are, an adaptation of Maurice Sendak's children's book. In it, Max, a disobedient little boy sent to bed without his supper, creates his own world -- a forest inhabited by ferocious wild creatures that crown Max as their ruler.
Where the Wild Things Are -- Clip: What's your story?
Where the Wild Things Are -- A featurette for the movie Where the Wild Things Are.
Where the Wild Things Are -- Interview: Max Records "On why the Wild Things want him to be their King"
Where the Wild Things Are -- Young, mischievous Max is sent to bed without his supper, but when his bedroom turns in to a magical jungle landscape filled with strange creatures, he embarks on a wild imaginary adventure.

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Overview

User Rating:
7.2/10   29,137 votes »
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Down 9% in popularity this week. See why on IMDbPro.
Director:
Writers (WGA):
Spike Jonze (screenplay) &
Dave Eggers (screenplay) ...
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Contact:
View company contact information for Where the Wild Things Are on IMDbPro.
Release Date:
16 October 2009 (USA) See more »
Tagline:
There's one in all of us. See more »
Plot:
An adaptation of Maurice Sendak's classic children's story, where Max, a disobedient little boy sent to bed without his supper, creates his own world--a forest inhabited by ferocious wild creatures that crown Max as their ruler. Full summary » | Full synopsis »
Plot Keywords:
Awards:
Nominated for Golden Globe. Another 22 nominations See more »
User Reviews:
Redefining the adaptation See more (297 total) »

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Additional Details

Also Known As:
"Where the Wild Things Are: The IMAX Experience" - USA (IMAX version)
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MPAA:
Rated PG for mild thematic elements, some adventure action and brief language.
Runtime:
101 min
Country:
Language:
Color:
Aspect Ratio:
2.37 : 1 See more »
Sound Mix:
Certification:
USA:PG (certificate #45516) | Finland:K-7 | Ireland:PG | Canada:G (British Columbia/Quebec) | Canada:PG (Alberta/Manitoba/Ontario) | Portugal:M/12 | Japan:G | UK:PG | Switzerland:7 (canton of Vaud) | Switzerland:7 (canton of Geneva) | Germany:6 (f) | Australia:PG | Singapore:PG | Netherlands:9 | Sweden:7 | Philippines:G (MTRCB) | Brazil:10 | South Korea:All | Austria:6 | France:U | Argentina:Atp (DVD rating)

Fun Stuff

Trivia:
The open call for Max was huge. It took several months and thousands of boys auditioned from several countries worldwide.See more »
Goofs:
Crew or equipment visible: When Max says "Wow" when he sees Carol's world built from sticks, an earpiece is visible in Max Records' ear.See more »
Quotes:
[first lines]
Max:Hey, Claire. Wanna see something great?
Claire:[on the phone] Who else was there?
Max:It's an igloo! I made it.
Claire:Yeah, my brother.
Max:Hey, Claire!
Claire:I can't. We're supposed to go to my dad's that weekend.
Max:The snowplows left some snow across the street, and I dug a hole into it.
Claire:Go and play with your friends.
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Movie Connections:
Soundtrack:
All Is LoveSee more »

FAQ

Why did they change the names of the wild things?
A Note Regarding Spoilers
How closely does the movie follow the book?
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70 out of 118 people found the following review useful.
Redefining the adaptation, 17 October 2009
Author: moviemanMA from Massachusetts

Where the Wild Things Are, one of the most beloved children's books, comes to the big screen in one of the most highly anticipated films of the year. Spike Jonze, the man responsible for Being John Malcovich, Adaptation, and several Beastie Boys music videos including "Sabotage", brings the tale to life. I must admit, I have been anxiously awaiting this film for several months, something I don't like to do too often as it sets up for a potential major let down.

Well, that didn't happen this time.

We follow Max (Max Records), a boy who is lonely and misunderstood. His sister doesn't pay attention to him, his mother is busy with work and her boyfriend, and he has worries at school. All he wants is attention and to belong. One night, he finally breaks and runs away. He makes his way to the woods and to the waters edge. There he finds a small boat and set out on the open sea, leaving everything behind him.

He comes across an island and goes ashore. There he finds a group of monsters in turmoil. Max seizes his opportunity and confronts the group. He tells them that he is a great king and help them solve their problems.

I don't want to give too much of the story away because I feel like telling it would ruin some of the magic. This is one of the most visually pleasing films I have seen in a long time. Jonze filmed in Australia. We are given vivid landscapes of lush forests, arid deserts, and beautiful shorelines, culminating in an almost Lord of the Rings like experience. These spectacular settings would rarely be beaten in magnificence in another film, but here they come second to the unbelievable special effects used for the monsters.

There are seven monsters on the island. Carol, Ira, Judith, KW, Douglas, Alexander, and The Bull. They all have unique features and are of massive size. Jonze could have gone two ways here. He could have completely made them all CG or he could have gone Jim Henson and turned them into Muppets. Instead, he carved a third path and combined the other two options. Max is able to interact extremely well with the gigantic puppet/suits, but the faces are edited with computer graphics, giving them startlingly realistic features and expressions. Making these monsters any different way would have been disastrous.

Another key aspect of the monsters is giving them a voice. Jonze chose excellent voice actors with James Gandolfini, Forrest Whitaker, Catherine O'Hara, Lauren Ambrose, Paul Dano, and Chris Cooper. They each have their own personality that compliments their physical and emotional characteristics.

Aside from the monsters, I was very impressed with Max. He is asked to do a very demanding thing: be a kid. That sounds easy, but it is very easily messed up. I'm interested in finding out how much freedom Jonze gave Records in certain scenes that called for him to go "wild". I can imagine directing young actors is not the easiest thing to do, but sometimes you catch a break when you get a talented one.

Giving life to these characters is a spectacular screenplay by Jonze and Dave Eggers (who wrote Away We Go). Their writing speaks to both kids and adults, using language that is meaningful and easy to understand. The things Max goes through every child feels growing up: loneliness, fear, belonging, etc.

There is so much to love about this movie. It speaks to the heart. But before you head out with the whole family, heed this warning. Some parts of this film might be too intense for younger audience members. Certain scene involving the monsters might be a bit too overwhelming. Yes, these monsters are friendly, but they are monsters, meaning they are large, intimidating, and somewhat scary.

Where the Wild Things Are will satisfy, entertain, and open your eyes. Spike Jonze poured everything he had into this film and the wait was well worth it. I hope you will fall under its spell just as I did.

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Message Boards

Discuss this movie with other users on IMDb message board for Where the Wild Things Are (2009)
Recent Posts (updated daily)User
I've decided it must be 'cool' to like this movie... elevu
Autism? jewlvelan
I Love This Movie ShiningSeal
Any one else find Alexander and The Bull really cute? wolfmiester007
Did anyone else hate the kid in the movie? dustin1280
why are they all so SAD??! Frankenberry7
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