Warner Bros, 2009. Based on Maurice Sendak's children's story.  Written by 
Spike Jonze and Dave Eggers. Directed by Spike Jonze. Starring Max Records,
Catherine Keener and the voices of James Gandolfini as "Carol," Paul Dano as 
"Alexander," Catherine O'Hara as "Judith" and Forest Whitaker as "Ira."

    By Stephen Pytak 

     Never read the children's book this crazy flick was based on, but I don't think
this twisted masterpiece is for kids (or the mentally challenged). 
     While it's got effects which would make Jim Henson smile, it's a very cerebral
film which treads into some dark territory. It's rated PG. But I think for all the on
screen violence, biting and rock throwing -- I mean, in one scene they pitch rocks
at birds, then one monster pulls another's arm off in a fit of rage -- it should be 
PG-13 at the very least. 
    Did I enjoy it?
     Sure. It was kind of fun and strange. But I understand completely why this
$100 million magnum opus wasn't exactly a box-office smash. It took chances 
(many of which I respected) and it's really geared to the art house crowd. It might
warm the hearts of fans of "Phantasm (1979)," "Donnie Darko (2001)" or a
few "Dark Crystal (1982)" geeks. But a family going to see this with their 
children at the IMAX might come out a bit fucked up.
     By the way, this review is R-rated. You've been warned.
     The film is about a boy named "Max" who likes dressing up as a wolf. He's
got a costume. Looks home made. When he jumps out to scare you, he's actually
a bit more frightening than "Jason" in the remake of "Friday the 13th (2009)"
He lives with his mother and older siblings. Not sure what happened to his 
father. Not explained. Max has a VERY  ACTIVE imagination. He lives in his 
own world. And he enjoys building forts -- an igloo or under-the-cover bed 
tents -- to hideaway from everyone. Yet at the same time, while he likes his
hideaways, he wants attention. Like all of us I  suppose.
     One night his mother brings home a date. Max is oblivious to all this. He 
wants time with mom and when she tries to ignore him, they fight, he bites her --
you heard me right -- then Hell breaks loose, he books it, out the door, into the 
dark, dressed in this home-made wolf costume.
     But the way, the film has sudden bursts of violence, all well filmed. It takes no
prisoners. It works on its own level. It isn't cliche. The first 30 seconds will rattle 
you. So will the biting scene.
    Anyway, while on the run, Max escapes into the depths of his imagination.
He crosses an ocean in a boat and comes to a realm akin to Skull Island. It's
inhabited by strange creatures who look like Muppet Show rejects. But these
freaks are much more lifelike than any Gelfling I ever saw. 
    On first blush, I figured these creatures, who have cute names like "Carol,"
"Alexander" and "Ira," were reflections of Max's soul. But after spending some
time with these ghouls, you start to realize they're pretty messed up. Made you 
wonder if Max was -- I'm serious about this -- mentally ill. Dunno. Not an 
expert on that.
    Like Max, these big critters enjoy building individual huts to live in. And 
when we meet them, "Carol," a big monster with stripes and horns, is destroying 
them, acting out. We never really find out why. He's a "Wild Thing." That's what 
he does I guess.
    These poor creatures are like Muppet rejects from 5-P who didn't take their
meds or something. They're maneaters and big and fierce. But they can't
function without some kind of leader or "King." They give the job to Max. Real
smart. 
     Max comes up with a plan to make everyone in this wonderland happy: "We're
going to build the perfect fort."
     Do they?
     Sure as shit.
     Then it all hits the fan. 
     The ending was strange. Not sure if Max learned anything from his adventure.
Not much is spoken. It kind of wraps up like David Cronenberg's "A History of 
Violence (2005)." It's very opened ended. That kind of ending worked better for the 
Cronenberg film. Here, it just leaves you feeling like 'ummmmm....o.k."
     But if you want a fun, strange, screwed up and disfunctional night out, go 
ahead, buy the DVD. Heck, buy the action figures. And don't forget your wolf
costume and crown. 
     "Let the wild rumpus start!" OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO-
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOWWWWWWWWW!!!!!!!!