Wow! This was not at all what I expected. This movie lost the fun that I have always had reading the book to my kids.
There is anger, sadness, depression, loneliness and bullying, but no fun and nary a happy thought. There is a slight attempt at fun when Max finally gets the attention he seeks from his sister’s friends in initiating a snowball fight, but this ends in sadness for Max as they win, and leave him in tears.
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These monsters are not so much scary to the very young as they are beyond their comprehension to understand the emotions they are depicting. The viewer next to me commented that the creatures were a psychologist’s dream. They often did not get along and were mean to each other.
The “Wild Thing” named Carol was quite selfish. I was especially upset by the excuses that were made when he went out of control and KW had to hide Max for his protection. It was reminiscent of the battered wife who says there is a “good reason” for why she is being battered and stays with her batterer.
I literally felt sick through most of the movie and my children — ages 3, 7, 10 and 15 — were either unimpressed or did not like it. My 3-year-old threw a tantrum before we left the theater, and it took most of the evening for the rest of us to get over the bad feelings.
I think the theme of this movie is too complex for children, needing an explanation of the inappropriate behaviors depicted. I found it boring at best, with little enjoyment.
Brenda Litwack is a Wasilla mother of four children.
If you have seen a movie recently and would like to write a review, send it to valleylife@frontiersman.com.
Comments
3 comment(s)jane doe wrote on Nov 4, 2009 9:59 PM:
So Sorry wrote on Oct 29, 2009 9:45 AM:
Not every movie is produced, written, or intended ti be the feel good movie of the year. "
Check reviews before going wrote on Oct 24, 2009 10:06 AM: