THESE FORUMS NOW CLOSED (read only)
Fun Stuff => ENJOY => Topic started by: Melodic on 26 Mar 2009, 18:27
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Oh God oh God oh God. (http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/news/where-the-wild-things-are-trailer.php)
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So very excited for this film. It's been a while since I read the book. I'm not sure if I remember the boat thing but whatever it looks awesome.
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Usually I am all skeptical about things from my childhood getting turned into movies but fuck if this doesnt look awesome.
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On the one hand, I trust Spike Jonze and I don't trust trailers . . .
. . . But on the other hand, judging solely from that trailer it looks like they got the Max's costume perfectly right and everything else unutterably, horribly wrong. Man I hope not. But if this turns out to be (as the trailer is strongly trying to convince us it is) another American "Everybody learns to love everybody else" film then I think I'm gonna puke.
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This looks awesome, even though the trailer I saw was hella small.
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It'll wind up being almost nothing like the book we all know and love, Anymore then the chipmunks really represented my childhood favourite... and to this day I still can't sit through the Garfield movie...
But I think I'll still go and see this, be cause the book really was just soo special to me.
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If I remember rightly the plot of the story was - kid gets sent to his room plays around in his monster costume for a while then finds a way out of his room to the beach where he gets in a boat and travels to the land of the wild things - he becomes their king. They sing, they dance, they play games, kid sails home - it was all a dream. I'm really not seeing how they're going to get a movie length plot out of this. Though from what I remember the monsters and the kid's costume all look pretty acurate so I'll probably see this.
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I'm wondering how much of this film is Jonze's. If it was all his it would've been released a year ago. There have been all sorts of stories of the original cut being too frightening for kids and reshoots and blah blah blah.
Which doesn't mean it'll be a bad film, but on general principle I'm against studios fucking with a vision. It's why the Weinsteins suck.
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I can't ever remember reading much of this book as a child, I wish I had read it more than once, but this movie looks great. Bonus points for an Arcade Fire song in the trailer.
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You know what other movie had an Arcade Fire song in the trailer? The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.
Make of that what you will.
That said, I am looking forward to seeing this. I will keep try by best to keep my expectations low, though.
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There have been all sorts of stories of the original cut being too frightening for kids and reshoots and blah blah blah.
Crap... I think this is another case of adults not realizing how children won't notice it being scary, when adults do. I mean, think about it. In the book, the monsters want to eat Max, doesn't that seem a bit scary? Maybe it will be worse when drawn out into a 5 minute song on the topic, actually, it will certainly be worse, but I was talking about worse in terms of scariness, but it still won't be too scary for kids.
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uh they managed to get the fantastical feel of it absolutely right so did yo maybe see a different trailer
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I saw a trailer that ended with something like all the monsters and Max standing in the sunshine taking in a grand vista with their fists in the air like they were all shouting "YEAH!" while the Arcade Fire built up to a rousing and heartstring-tugging climax and it scared the hell out of me.
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But if this turns out to be (as the trailer is strongly trying to convince us it is) another American "Everybody learns to love everybody else" film then I think I'm gonna puke.
Again, it's been far too long since I've read this book but isn't this basically what the book was about.
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It all depends on the tone of the film. The book was something that kids either loved, or it scared the fuck out of them (or their parents). If the film can perform a similar trick I'll be happy, but the trailer makes it look decidedly unambiguous.
Basically what I'm saying is that the book was a "dangerous" and "subversive" book. From what little we've been shown the film does not look like a "dangerous" and "subversive" film.
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If there is any ambiguity in the plot they won't put it in the trailer because the point of the trailer is to sell the movie to the parents who will be taking their kids to it.
The movie certainly looks like there are some differences from the book plot-wise, but that doesn't bother me. What amazes me is that it looks like somebody managed to successfully execute the feel of a Maurice Sendak book in movie form. If that is the case with the final product, this may wind up being my favorite movie of the year. And this is going to be a kick-ass year judging by what's already been released (Coraline especially) and the great-looking movies coming up like Observe and Report and seemingly everything premiering at Cannes.
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I thought the trailer I saw looked awesome, and it was the Arcade Fire trailer. It is such a short book, and some aspects are vague, that I think some liberties taken will be alright, as long as Max goes home and the wild things get mad about it.
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I just don't know, man. I liked the book, but I'm not all "OMG I HOPE THEY DON'T TOUCH THE SACRED PLOT TO THIS SACRED WORK BY THE SACRED MAURICE SENDAK!"
It just looks too precious for words. This is a bad thing.
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oh god oh god oh god oh god please don't ruin this please don't slaughter another childhood sacred idol please please please let this be as awesome as it appears it could be please please please please paleasapleasepahsdpfkhasjleafs
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guys i'll remind you that the plot of the book was literally "boy takes boat to magic land and, later, goes home"
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stop wetting your pants in terror everyone it looks visually marvelous and appears to hit notes of wonder and melancholy and it looks like it's going to actually turn max from a blank slate into a legitimate charcter
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Dudes.
Here is what is going on in this thread basically.
Dude is making what looks to be a very fun and impressive movie based on a book that is basically one of the better books for 4 year olds and people are saying that it needs to be more like the book which is for 4 year olds.
I mean, maybe you will have a valid complaint for Paul W.S. Anderson's upcoming Goodnight Moon but seriously, what the fuck, this movie looks crazy fun and excellent.
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They're also doing another movie based on a kids book called Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0844471/)
Andy Samberg, Bill Hader and Mr. T in one convenient package
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Dude is making what looks to be a very fun and impressive movie based on a book that is basically one of the better books for 4 year olds and people are saying that it needs to be more like the book which is for 4 year olds.
Actually it's the opposite of that, the book isn't just for four year olds and the movie looks sort of like it.
It feels like Garden State with monsters, by the trailer.
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I like the vibe that I'm getting from the trailer (heartstring-tugging and all) and I trust Jonze and Eggers to come up with a script that does the book justice. Because, you know, I expect they're going to have to fill out the story just a wee bit.
Basically what I'm saying is that I could watch the trailer on loop all day. Max! Giant, furry Wild Things! Sunshine! Boats! What's not to like?
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Okay, I saw this trailer at the theatre a few days ago and it looked so awesome that I STARTED CRYING. Srsly. It brought tears of extreme emotion to my eyes.
You know, I had never read this book until I had a baby sister to read it to, and for a while I had it memorized word for word, including character voices and the part where I would always break from my reading to tickle her ("...terrible claws!" *tickle tickle tickle*). That smile and the look in her eyes when she knows the tickling is coming and part of her wants to escape but the larger part wants to stay in my lap for the hugs that come after the tickling.... that is what that trailer makes me feel. I fucking cried.
p.s. I cried just now, typing that. SO STOKED FOR THIS MOVIE.
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yells are you sure you aren't pregnant
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no, i just miss my sister.
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New short video w/ new footage and commentary from Spike Jonez and Maurice Sendak whose apparently been totally on board all along:
http://movies.apple.com/movies/wb/wherethewildthingsare/wtwta-fte_h.640.mov?width=640&height=360
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Okay, I saw this trailer at the theatre a few days ago and it looked so awesome that I STARTED CRYING. Srsly. It brought tears of extreme emotion to my eyes.
Same here, my eyes watered SO badly. I was at the theatre and I believe it was before Up. My eyes were full of tears, turned to my girlfriend who simply looked at me and said "what's wrong?" Apparently she's never read the book, ever. I teared up for 9 as well, the Coheed in there was just incredible.
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They're also doing another movie based on a kids book called Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0844471/)
Andy Samberg, Bill Hader and Mr. T in one convenient package
Not to mention friggin' Neil Patrick Harris and mutha fuckin' Bruce Campbell.
Concerning the Where The Wild Things Are I agree what has already been said, the movie looks as if it's going to be greatness. Although if I was 4 and going to see this movie I would probably be terrified as fuck because goddamn the wild things look amazingly real.
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Saw the new trailer today with Harry Potter. Yeah, I teared up a little.
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They're also doing another movie based on a kids book called Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0844471/)
Andy Samberg, Bill Hader and Mr. T in one convenient package
HOLY FUCK I HAVE READ THAT BOOK
Although I don't remember any characters resembling the actors that are billed to be in it. I need to find that book again.
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HOLY FUCK I HAVE READ THAT BOOK
Although I don't remember any characters resembling the actors that are billed to be in it. I need to find that book again.
It's animated. Lulz.
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Man, you know what'd make this better?
If Will Smith was in it.
You could call it 'Where the Wild Wild West Things Are'
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Yeah, they retooled the characters a bit. Still one of my favorite children books.
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HOLY FUCK I HAVE READ THAT BOOK
Although I don't remember any characters resembling the actors that are billed to be in it. I need to find that book again.
It's animated. Lulz.
Based on a childrens book. I thought it was one of those horribly obscure picture books that no-one would ever know about. I guess I was wrong.
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Considering that Spike Jonze is set to direct it, and that the book itself is, ultimately, a feel-good book, I have serious concerns. Spike Jonze kicks ass, but are Adaptation and Being John Malkovich really feel-good movies? Hell no. They are weird, weird shit. I'm afraid that this movie is going to turn into an LSD trip for kids.
God I love being contrarian. Okay, Where the Wild Things Are isn't *exactly* a feel-good book, but it's damn near close to it. Anyone who is demanding something edgy and depressing from this film is sorely deluded about the source material. It's going to be weird but, because Mr. Jonze is directing it, I have high hopes that it won't be "whacky silly kids love the craziest things am i rite other tool movie producers lulz?" Based upon the trailer, it looks like a very accurate- and endearing- adaptation of the source material.
I swear, if they made a movie version of the Lorax there are idiots out there who would complain about it "not being true to the book" if the Lorax weren't addicted to heroin and beat up kids for their lunch money. Not everything is edgy and cool. Some books we remember fondly from our childhood we remember fondly because they were AWESOME, but not because they pandered to our loser 20-something moral codes, but because they were imaginative, entertaining, and structured so that a child could EASILY UNDERSTAND IT. Also, RAAAAGGGEEEEE.
I love everyone.
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If you haven't seen it yet....it's awesome (http://www.traileraddict.com/trailer/where-the-wild-things-are/feature-trailer)
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oh man...
SO STOAKED
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So, anyone seen it? Waiting till Sunday to see it with my girlfriend. So far the reviews for it are good, but they run the gambit from, "It's a terrible interpretation," to, "It's absolutely brilliant"
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Saw it, loved it, will buy the DVD. Reminded me greatly of Time Bandits and The Monster Squad. Really just imagine a melancholy version of the former to get where this one is.
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I heard it really wasn't appropriate for young kids. This true?
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It is presumably not appropriate for children frightened of monsters.
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Been hearing a lot of generally good but very few great comments on this one. Seeing it tonight with a ladyfriend. Will possibly post thoughts if they're not a simple 'meh.'
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I heard it really wasn't appropriate for young kids. This true?
I'm not sure if appropriate is the right word, but the degree that little ones will appreciate the movie may be varied. As long as they're above eight I'm sure they'll be fine.
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I have heard same the things you guys have heard, both about it and how good it is. I suppose I'll see it if I am going to the movies and don't know what to see.
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Saw it tonight. I really liked it. I would say, however, that I don't think it is in any way a kids movie. It's fairly unrelentingly dark. It's bleak and sad and full of loneliness and anger and bitterness and self loathing and misery. I think it's guaranteed to scare and confuse and sadden children. Yes, it's fairly magical and whimsical but it's also strange and kind of tragic. If anything, it's a very sad look at how the loneliness and angst Max experiences in his life is so profound that even in his wildest imagination he cannot escape it; it seeps in and corrupts his own creations. I can't imagine, considering David Egers wrote and Spike Jonez directed, that the movie was intended to show that the imagination may be powerful but it can't offer a genuine escape, even for a child, but nonetheless that's kind of what I felt it was saying in the end. So long story short, I liked it, found it fairly beautiful even, but would say absolutely do not go expecting anything resembling light children's fare. In fact, I would say don't bring a child to this movie at all.
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I think it's weird that a book that's considered one of the best books for children turns into a movie that isn't at all suitable for them. My girlfriend never read the book as a small child but we're seeing the movie tonight. Hopefully it will be nice.
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If anything I think this film was depressing. An awesome film, and a pretty good representation of the book, but depressing. I finally cried at the end and my girlfriend was pretty close to tears.
I can't say whether or not you should bring children to this. There were some moments that were kind of scary, but nothing that I think would make a kid run out screaming. I didn't hear any of the kids in the theater crying.
The one thing I didn't like about the film is the ending. It seemed abrupt and I was waiting for something more to happen. Even worse is that we didn't get to see the credits because of a movie screw up.
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I basically cried non-stop through this movie, and also after I'd seen it when I was just thinking about the movie. Not like, sobby-crying, I am not a huge sap, but this movie really, really got to me.
"Is it appropriate for kids?" is such a non-question/non-relevant criticism of a film to me. How obvious could it have been that this movie's audience was intended to be broader than the book? It captured all the tremendous fury that is involved with being a kid, plopped down in a world you don't understand and can't repair. I kind of agree about the ending, but I also don't feel there was another was of ending it.
Go see it!
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I watched this program (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lW7bzfKOK7s#t=8m25s) from age 8 to 12 (they aired just after children's TV).
That episode scared the living shit out of me as a kid. I had a weird thing about skeletons. It was still pretty frightening when I just watched it now.
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I wouldn't swim for weeks thanks to that show. Made summer vacation at day camp awkward.
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The way I viewed it, Where the Wild Things Are isn't a childrens' movie. It's a movie about a child, which is an entirely different thing. Moreso, it's a movie about growing up, which is to say it's a movie about the loss of childhood.
Yes, it's about childhood imagination, but it's specifically about Max using his imagination as a means of understanding what it means to be an adult. I'd be interested to hear what a kid who's about Max's age thinks of the movie, because it so clearly contains lessons about childhood that you can't understand until your childhood is behind you.
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I watched this program (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lW7bzfKOK7s#t=8m25s) from age 8 to 12 (they aired just after children's TV).
That episode scared the living shit out of me as a kid. I had a weird thing about skeletons. It was still pretty frightening when I just watched it now.
Pansies
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This doesn't come out til December 3.
Motherfuck.
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Yeah, and they're really inflating the hype balloon early on this one. Did you notice how a couple of weeks ago it was the cover story for all the Australian weekend papers' arts & review lift-outs? Usually that happens when a film's opening in a week or two, not a month or two.
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Well it was filmed in Victoria and is getting a bunch of good reviews already so I guess they want to get in on the hype before it's old hat. Still, I can't think of a valid reason for it to not be brought out here. I mean there is shit all for it to compete with at the moment.
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Guys, it's not depressing. I don't know if you were watching the last 15 minutes or so, but there is definitely a resolution, and it is not tragic. Non-verbal, subtle, really well done (to my mind), and at the very least OK if not full-blown Happy. As for kids, the edgy moments are on par with something like Coraline - maybe a little scarier. And I think kids would get something out of it. It struck me as being true to childhood in ways that very few movies are.
Plus, the island is Max's subconscious. Here's (http://adinakopinsky.blogspot.com/2009/08/where-wild-things-are-in-lacanian.html) a pretty good essay to that effect. An interesting interpretation of the ending to boot.
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Saw it this weekend. It's a pretty fantastic film.
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This just opened in Australia today, so I went and saw it. Just got back about half an hour ago.
The end - Max leaving the island, saying goodbye to the wild things and returning to his mum - was lovely and poignant, with a strongly implied sense of leaving childhood, or at least early childhood, behind, which echoed beautifully with the opening of the film, which was also great and showed clearly without ever over-doing it how everything in Max's life is changing except himself. I thought these two bookends to the film were fabulous.
The problem was in the great big long middle of the film, basically everything on the island up to all the wild things saying goodbye to Max. This never really engaged me emotionally at all, much less to the extent that the parts described above did, and in fact I grew quite bored of it - which is not good in a film that's just over one-and-a-half hours long (very short by contemporary standards). My main problem with the film, though, was pretty much exactly what I feared it would be: there was no real sense that the wild things were actually wild. Sure, they engaged in the odd bit of consequence-free destruction and child-like play-fighting (and yes, I know there's a point being made about the wild things' behaviour, and Max's own behaviour, and how they're a reflection of his own childishness); but there was no sense of genuine danger in the film. Remember, it's based on a book which initially met with outrage from many parents, who thought children might actually find it terrifying. The wild things in the book really are wild and animal like and they crown Max as their king because he frightens them. In the film they're basically the cast of Friends in giant fur suits. Apart from occasionally referring to eating people, they're soft and cuddly and feel like the kind of people you might meet in an inner-city coffee shop talking about what's on their iPod.
Basically the film seemed to me like a real missed opportunity to make something genuinely strange and unsettling, which I think would have made the lovely bittersweet scenes at the end all the more powerful. Disappointing.
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I really enjoyed this movie.
I see some of the weaknesses Inlander pointed out, but I didn't mind it as much.