Where the Heart Is

Where the Wild Things Are isn't a movie made for children. It's a movie for the 20- to 30-somethings who grew up with Maurice Sendak's 350-word adventure. Director Spike Jones brings the the classic children's book to life in a way that is both visually stunning and emotionally affecting.

Max (Max Records) is a rambunctious, mischievous boy who feels scorned by his teenage sister, for letting her friends destory his ice castle, and mother (the always reliable Catherine Keener), for spending time with her new boyfriend. After a night of defiance, where he bites his mother, Max sets off on a journey, donned in his iconic wolf costume, to become king of the Wild Things.

Jonze's throughout the movie directorial choices are spot-on. He and and his screenwriting partner Dave Eggers deserve ridiculous praise for maintaining the tone of Sendak's story while injecting the film with original concepts. Jonze gives the brilliantly constructed Wild Things (designed with meticulous accuracy by Jim Henson's Creature Shop) names and personalities that add depth and heft to the story. He also showcases excellent judgment by handing the musical reigns to Karen O and Carter Burwell who turn in a score that is playful, melancholy, and entirely enchanting.

However, Jonze's direction would be nothing without the bravura performance of Records. The young star delivers the same type of spectacular performance that launched the careers of fellow child actors Dakota Fanning (I Am Sam), Abigail Breslin (Little Miss Sunshine), and Freddie Highmore (Finding Neverland). He carries the film, and watching him bring such a beloved literary character to life is remarkable.

Where the Wild Things Are is, without a doubt, one of the best films of the year. Not only will it touch your heart, but it will help you remember how to live and love life with reckless, childhood abandon.

Grade: A