Where the Wild Things Are

2009 Fantasy

Visionary director Spike Jonze brings Maurice Sendak's beloved children's book to the big screen with the help of hipster icon Dave Eggers, who teamed with Jonze to pen the adapted screenplay. A mixture of real actors, computer animation, and live puppeteering, Where the Wild Things Are follows the adventures of a young boy named Max (Max Records) as he enters the world of the Wild Things, a race of strange and enormous creatures who gradually turn the young boy into their king.

Director: Spike Jonze

Starring: Max Records, Catherine Keener,Mark Ruffalo, Steve Mouzakis, Pepita Emmerichs

Reviews

  • This is one of the year's best. To paraphrase the Wild Thing named KW, I could eat it up, I love it so.

    Lisa Schwarzbaum - Entertainment Weekly

    11 May 2013

  • Jonze has filmed a fantasy as if it were absolutely real, allowing us to see the world as Max sees it, full of beauty and terror. The brilliant songs, by Karen O (of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs) and the Kids, enhance the film's power.

    Peter Travers - Rolling Stone

    11 May 2013

  • As wish-fulfillments go, this is a movie lover's dream.

    Joe Morgenstern - The Wall Street Journal

    11 May 2013

  • Not since Robert Altman took on “Popeye” a generation ago, and lost, has a major director addressed such a well-loved, all-ages title. This time everything works, from tip to tail.

    Michael Phillips - The Chicago Tribune

    11 May 2013

  • Like the book, the movie blends a primitive quality with an imaginative artfulness. It also amplifies upon the story's gentle, sly wit.

    Claudia Puig - USA Today

    11 May 2013

Awards

  • Best Actress

    Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films (2010)

     
  • Fantasy Film

    Art Directors Guild (2010)

     
  • Best Film

    Austin Film Critics Association (2009)

     
  • Best Voice Performance

    Black Reel Awards (2010)

     
  • Best Costume Design

    Broadcast Film Critics Association Awards (2010)