Is the movie ‘Where the Wild Things Are’ too scary for kids?
Spike Jonze’s movie adaption of the classic book “Where the Wild Things Are” was No. 1 at the Box Office this weekend and brought in $32.5 million.
We have the book, and I have actually talked with Maurice Sendak once for a story. He was lovely, but I was never a huge fan of the book. I’m just not that into the movie, and I think it would be scary for many kids.
Here’s a story from Entertainment Weekly on the issue.
From the Seattle University Spectator:
“In a recent Newsweek interview, Maurice Sendak was asked what he would say to concerned parents who feel the new film adapted from his children’s book “Where the Wild Things Are” may be too scary for children.”
“ ‘I would tell them to go to hell. That’s a question I will not tolerate,” Sendak said. “If they can’t handle it, go home. Or wet your pants. Do whatever you like. But it’s not a question that can be answered. …‘ ”
“The film is scary. Really. Freaking. Scary. For those who aren’t familiar with the story, it follows the adventure of a young boy who runs away from home after a particularly terrible tantrum and finds himself (after a very long boat ride) in a land full of giant monsters who enjoy being just as terrible as him.”
So I guess my instincts are right from the trailer, however The New York Post is reporting that it’s Gen Xers and Gen Ys that are filling the audience.
Did you see the movie? Did you take your kids? Was it too scary? Was it entertaining? How old is the right age to take to see the film? Is this really a movie for adults?
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77 comments Add your comment
lmno
October 19th, 2009
8:47 am
My kid loves scary things. I will take him.
He had a great time at the Little 5 Points Halloween Parade and got his picture taken with the scariest of the people there.
I have always enjoyed horror movies, so I guess he got it from me.
DB
October 19th, 2009
8:50 am
Gee, Maurice, nice way to respect your audience. *NOT*
At least, with a book, it can be read different ways — you can read it to a child in a silly voice, to take away the grimness, or you can read it in a portentious, scary voice, to scare them — or some combination of the two, as best fits your child.
With a movie, it’s all or nothing, and you have to make a split decision as to whether or not you’re going to be dealing with nightmares or giggles for the next week or so.
(Personally, I always hated the book . . . :-) )
Vork
October 19th, 2009
8:59 am
I seem to remember this same argument when Disney released, “The Lion King.” And overprotective helicopter parents were all up in arms about how violent and scary the part where Mufasa dies was.
Get the @#$% over it or don’t go see it. It’s as simple as that. End of story.
Terry
October 19th, 2009
9:10 am
What is wrong with this Sendak freak? As a grandparent who was seeking a answer I wouldn’t take my 4 year old kid to this jerk’s movie if it was the most entertaining thing on the planet.
mom in decatur
October 19th, 2009
9:16 am
With a response from the Author like that there is no way I would take my children if they were older to see this. (they are 2 and 2 months right now) In fact I will make sure to never buy this book with an attitude like that.
Jesse's Girl
October 19th, 2009
9:19 am
Sendak is notorious for being a douche bag…..however…I loved the book as a child. It allowed me to live vicariously though the boy. How many of us argued with our parents horribly and threatened to run away?! I think many are overlooking the moral of the story. Having said that…I have never read this book to our kids. I always let them choose what to read at the library and this one just never came up.
lmno
October 19th, 2009
9:24 am
Sendak’s remarks actually make me want to see the movie more.
Austin
October 19th, 2009
9:26 am
People need to get things through there head. This movie is for people who were born or grew up in the 80s, period. Its not for kids at all. DONT take your kids. Bitch all you want, Maurice said what he said because kids arent his target audience. if your not 20-30 years old right now, this movie is not for u.
lmno
October 19th, 2009
9:53 am
“Its not for kids at all. DONT take your kids”
Well, I disagree. I think kids get it too. Its a great story that anyone who is growing up or has grown up should be able to relate to it.
Anne
October 19th, 2009
10:00 am
It is not that the movie is that “scary” it is that it is NOT this heartwarming, family film they say it is. I saw it this weekend with a 12 year old, 17 year old and another adult. While I liked the movie, there are serious issues raised that parents need to be ready to discuss. It is funny in spots, but it is not an epic adventure like a Harry Potter, or Star Wars. Max is a troubled little boy with issues he is facing about being abandoned, not listened to, frustrated and just plain mad. You will cry more than laugh, and be challenged especially as a parent, or if you are a child of divorce, or someone raised by a single parent. I would NOT recommend taking small children to this film.
A
October 19th, 2009
10:03 am
Just wait for Toy Story 3 next summer!
Andrea
October 19th, 2009
10:08 am
My son is a teenager (13) and he LOVED it. He thought it was great. I enjoyed it as well. The author is known to be a jerk and I am sure he amped up the antics to help promote the movie. Anything that will create a buzz could potentially translate into dollars.
one4all2nv
October 19th, 2009
10:13 am
Sendaks right, don’t water down a movie and make it cute just to please an overprotective parent. It is not what the story is about. Why not remake the Godfather for kids too? Seriously, if your kid can’t handle it don’t take them. Duh.
Elaine Ess
October 19th, 2009
10:24 am
why did the mom fall asleep at the end?
Julia
October 19th, 2009
10:32 am
Greatest children’s book ever written. If you didn’t care for the book don’t see the movie. As for respecting the audience… Great art doesn’t abide to audience whims.
JATL
October 19th, 2009
10:33 am
First of all -Sendak wrote the BOOK -he didn’t make the movie although he was certainly consulted a bunch. Not taking your kids because you don’t like what he said is silly. We took our 3 1/2 year old yesterday. IMNO -he also LOVED the L5P Halloween Parade (it is awesome)! He is really into skeletons, monsters, ghosts, etc. and we all love the book. He’s very good about saying when he thinks something is “scary for him” but also good about knowing that it’s pretend. Basically we were all a bit bored at the movie. Before some of you who think you’re too cool for school start acting like I’m a complete philistine -yes, I thought the puppetry and setting were wonderful, and I love indie films, quirky storylines and character studies, but this was slooooooowwww. It was particularly slow for a child. I think teenagers might enjoy it -or preteens. I don’t think it’s too scary at all for kids above 6. Below 6 I would use my judgement about your kid -you’re the one who knows how easily scared they are. With about 15 minutes left, mine announced he wanted to go home, and we didn’t blame him. I have to say I was disappointed.
I will say this for Mr. Sendak and others, the book IS a children’s book! It’s actually a very simple children’s book. We’re not talking “Alice in Wonderland” or even “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” here. I am not a helicopter parent, and I really can’t stand those who are and get riled up over the least little scary thing around kids, but I think due to the fact that it’s a simple children’s book, many expected the film to be a little more interesting for kids. The scare factor doesn’t bother me -it’s just boring! The thing I found interesting and that my boy seemed to enjoy was the first part where he’s having issues at home and is tearing around his house and the complexities of his family relationships that are pretty sad.
My 3 year old also made the comment after we left that it was “scary for him”, but he wasn’t scared in the movie and has had no fall out from it.
Joe G
October 19th, 2009
10:33 am
” ‘Where the Wild Things Are’ is *not* too dark, too complex, too strange or too scary for children. It *may* be too dark, too complex, too strange or too scary for parents.” -MovieBob, http://www.escapistmagazine.com/videos/view/escape-to-the-movies/1001-Where-the-Wild-Things-Are
The book’s been continuously in print since 1963, and sold almost 20 million copies in that time. Clearly there’s something in it that speaks to every generation, not just Xers and Ys.
ljd
October 19th, 2009
10:34 am
It’s rated PG, not G. Doesn’t that say all you need to know? You don’t bring young children to a PG film and expect it to be appropriate for them to watch. That’s why they rate movies in the first place!
jaiman
October 19th, 2009
10:36 am
The whole audience let out a disappointing sigh at the end of the movie… not because it was touching, but because it was such a disappointing film. I would not recommend taking kids to see it either. I went with my college team mates and we all liked reading the story, but the film was simply horrible. None of the characters were actually likeable either.
mary
October 19th, 2009
10:44 am
My husband and I took my 13 year old. Yes, it would be too scary for smaller kids. But it lacked any suspense and excitement to really be considered truly frightning. Our complaint was that it was too lame and boring. The preview was more entertaining.
My son read the book in school and said it wasn’t like the book. No limbs were torn off and the boy wasn’t swallowed by any of the monsters. That part was more gross than scarey.
I actually was tempted to walk out due to boredom. I was more upset over the waste of my time
than the waste of the cash for the tickets, well at least the popcorn was good. So if Mr. Sendak
wants to make a “kids” movie with supsense and a good moral, he should have worked with the director of Bridge to Terribithia instead of telling parents to go to hell. This film is the cheapest quality Indie film I’ve ever seen and I happen to love Indie films. Usually they have great actors and likable characters. The kid was a spoiled brat and the monsters looked more like the Banana Splits, in fact the muppets are scarier looking and much more lovable.
Mary
October 19th, 2009
10:58 am
I loved the book and really loved the movie. This is NOT a kid’s story and I wouldn’t take kids. It’s for grown ups who can identify with emotions that are terrifying and scary for kids. For people who loved the book as a kid, and for the parents who loved reading it to them…..this is for them. As for the person who asked why the mom fell asleep at the end? She’d been up all night worried about her kid and needed him to be close in order to fall asleep-just like the wild things. DUH.
HB
October 19th, 2009
11:12 am
It was never one of my favorite books and I’m not particularly interested in the movie, but I have to say, I do like Sendak’s comments. I mean really, how do you answer that question? Say “no, it’s not — take your kids”? Apologize for the movie’s scariness? It’s a ridiculous question that implies the movie’s creators’ have some sort of obligation or responsibility to make the movie not too scary. He’s right — see it, don’t see it, take the kids, or don’t — it’s up to you. The film makers have taken a financial risk in putting their point of view of the story out there but aren’t complaining that some parents will choose not to go (and the risk could pay off by making even more money by pulling in young adults instead), so really, what else is there to be said?
Christa
October 19th, 2009
11:19 am
I took my 5year old to see this movie on the weekend, he thought it was great & wasn’t scared at all. He loves the book as well. I personally do not like the book and felt the movie was a waste of $40.00. However its not the first time I’ve felt that way about a movie and I’m pretty sure it won’t be the last. :)
ME
October 19th, 2009
11:40 am
i was scared of the book when i was little because of the angry eyebrows on the monsters. i questioned why my childhood friends like it so much.
now that i’m older, i appreciate the book for its honestly. i feel the same about the movie. it felt honest and i saw myself in max, both the childhood version of me and adult.
i can totally understand why parents would not want to take their child to see this movie. though i think it’s one of the best movies i’ve ever seen, the images are questionable. but i think each parent needs to think about their own kid and not all kids. some kids can take it and appreciate it without fear, while others will not. if i was little, i’m not sure if i could handle it. i also didn’t take my lil one b/c i’m not sure how he would process it.
in the end, i still think this is a magnificent movie. maybe not for you or your child right now, but maybe in the future.
Bagel
October 19th, 2009
11:45 am
Seeing as it’s an indie movie it’s obviously not for everyone. And it’s not for every kid, While in the theater I heard many scared kids who wanted to leave but I also heard kids coming out saying they loved the “wild things.” Overall I feel the target audience was the adults who had read this as kids. And for the people complaining about the characters…really? They are supposed to be horrible monsters! What do you expect? They are all parts of ourselves that we don’t like….fear, loneliness, anger, ect. I think the movie was wonderful, I also think it was a little deeper and darker than some tend to go.
DB
October 19th, 2009
11:53 am
@Julia: I’m sorry, but when your audience has made you rich by buying your books, you don’t then turn around and insult them. It tends to be off-putting. Art is art, but it also engenders opinions. As an artist, you may not agree with those opinions, but you don’t bite the hand that has fed you very well.
They weren’t telling him how to write his books/movie, etc. They expressed a concern. There are 20 other ways he could have answered that question/concern without coming off as an ass.
Kris
October 19th, 2009
12:07 pm
My wife and I took our 4 yr old yesterday. I honestly thought there were a couple of sequences that were actually violent and very threatening. I think it would be fine for kids a couple years older than our son. At the beginning of the film the monsters surprise the kids in the audience as they appear mean and threatening and turn out to be good playmates. But the sequence when Carol is honestly angry, out of control and trying to eat Max is too much for younger children. Our son normally likes scary movies, has always loved halloween. After that sequence, he was crying, afraid to look at the movie screen and generally miserable the remainder of the movie. He was not the only child crying either! After watching the movie, it is clear it was made for an adult audience to give them a chance to be introspective into thier child’s behaviors and to flesh out a story that we all remember. Now seeing Sendaks comments above, thats an eyeopener. He won’t benefit further from me!
Meme
October 19th, 2009
12:11 pm
Wow! This book has always been a favorite of mine. However, the fact that they made a movie out of a short picture book was (I think) a mistake. I am sure that things had to be added to make it longer. My grandkids don’t see anything but G movies so it would be a while before they could see it. I am really surprised at the author’s remarks.
April
October 19th, 2009
12:34 pm
Terrible frightening movie for little kids. This film is a very sad and emotional tale. I would recommend that children under the age of 15 not to see it. I left very disturb by the film and walked out only after 45 minutes of it. I hope the ending was uplifting compared to what I witnessed. I think little kids will be frightened and any children with parent loss issues will be disturbed as well. I wanted the movie to be FUN and Happy, not mean, destructive, and so untimely sad. But I did think that James G. did a great job as Carol’s voice.
Whatthe h*
October 19th, 2009
12:38 pm
It’s obviously not a “children’s movie” and for that, I will forever be eternally grateful. Like all wonderful Art, it makes you feel… something. You bring your own to it. I think it happens to be Wonderful for pg aged kids, we don’t give children enough credit… Hats off to Spike Jonez, Dave Eggers and Maurice Sendak..They get it!
My family Loved it!
Robin
October 19th, 2009
12:40 pm
Fright factor is determined by the individual. The viewer needs to be honest with themselves. If the movie is too scary then the viewer needs to make an active choice, stay and be afraid, or leave and perhaps be irritated at ‘having” to leave but unafraid. This movie was not for very young children as it presents the darker side of the human condition.
The movie did get to the gist of the book… took longer to do it but still the message was very similar. People do love others so much they want to eat them up but they also want a warm dinner and comfort when they move beyond the gnashing of teeth and back to a smile.
-R
Lauren
October 19th, 2009
12:46 pm
Austin, the book was written in 1963. What on Earth gives you the impression that it’s only meant for people in their 20’s and 30’s? Let me guess – You’re in your 20’s or 30’s?
sabs
October 19th, 2009
12:49 pm
I took my 7 year old autistic boy to see the movie. He loves the books, loves Max.. identifies with it, and he actually like the beginning. He identified with how angry Max was.. and how sad. But the relentless sadness of the movie was too much for him. The movie changed a very fundemental part of the book, the core really. My son was sad, and crying because he didn’t want what happened to the Monster Family to happen to his family.
Movies based on Children’s Books.. should be.. friendly for children.
And the Author is a world class jackass for his comments. Especially considering he wrote such a simplistic children’s story in the first place.
Teri
October 19th, 2009
12:50 pm
I went with my 17 year old daughter and her boyfriend on Friday and we thought it was terribly scary and awful. During the first minute of the film I leaned over and told my daughter it’s a good thing you’re not little because if you were, we’d be leaving, and she said, yeah right? We three agreed it was full of violence and angry wouldn’t recommend.
Vork
October 19th, 2009
12:59 pm
Um hello “PG” rating….DUH!!!
John
October 19th, 2009
1:02 pm
Terrible movie for kids and not interesting for adults. There were quite a few scenes (minus the profanity) where it was Tony Saprano as Carole in a tirade complaining about his family, breaking things, and feeling sorry for himself. It really felt like scenes from the Sapranos at points. I made the mistake of assuming it was for small children.
FCM
October 19th, 2009
1:03 pm
I never saw the appeal of the book to a child. I have a very old paperback copy from being a child. It has amazing artwork — none of which ever bothered me as a child or adult.
Both my children said they had had the book read to them in Kindergarten and loved it.
The movie, however is appealing to me. Probably as an introspective thing.
My kids want to see New Moon. I have not decided yet, though I have read the book multiple times and will be seeing the movie (sans kiddos) over Thanksgiving. I would think New Moon to be more and less scary than this movie.
Sheila
October 19th, 2009
1:18 pm
My 21 yr old son is a film student who likes ALL genres and has seen a huge variety of films over the years. He took his girlfriend and her 14 year old sister to see it Saturday and told me that it was one of the most sick, twisted movies he’s ever seen. They managed to sit through the entire thing, but all left feeling disturbed by it, the 14 yr old in particular. Definitely not for kids.
MoviesIlike
October 19th, 2009
1:24 pm
wow, i think the movie is too much for little kids, i think there is a lot more going on than monsters screaming and playing around. Its too much of a drama-and not even a good drama. I had a really hard time sitting through it-and wanted to walk out various times. There’s nothing worse than a movie about a braty kid, and the bratty monsters he meets.
lakerat
October 19th, 2009
1:30 pm
@movieIlike
So what you are saying is that seeing this movie is like being tied down and forced to read all of the countless mindless diatribes motherjanegoose has posted on this blog?
Tyree
October 19th, 2009
1:48 pm
@lakerat. +1 Thank you.
Phil
October 19th, 2009
1:52 pm
Don’t take your precious little snowflakes. Wrap them in cotton and keep them away from the sharp edges that the world will present them. Kids are as sensitive as people think they are. Their minds are not as fragile and the minute amount of scary in the film won’t hurt them. Quit raising pansies.
Jim Judy
October 19th, 2009
1:58 pm
Our full content parental review found that some of the material could be scary or unsettling for the youngest of kids, but that can vary from child to child. More info here: http://www.screenit.com/movies/2009/where_the_wild_things_are.html
DecaturNative
October 19th, 2009
2:00 pm
I took my 6 year old this weekend…she totally got it… I got it too..I need to go back to therapy.. lol
Cuz
October 19th, 2009
2:47 pm
When are they going to make “Green Eggs and Ham” a movie. That is my favorite childhood book. Of course this would be pretty hard to top.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DPy2alWEZ-U
Larry
October 19th, 2009
3:06 pm
I did not find the movie the least bit scary. I loved the book when it came out and I have read it to all my children. My 21 college senior son went Friday and called me to tell me I had to see it, My wife did not care for it, but then again, she never liked the book. I am going to buy a copy as soon as it comes out on DVD so I can watch it over and over again.
CatKitty
October 19th, 2009
3:06 pm
I loved the book as a child and loved the movie even more. Especially because I think all of us can identify with one of the monsters at some point in our lives. I took my 9-year old daughter and she loved it too. I read that book to her as a young child and she still got the movie. And it’s not for young children–the PG rating alone should tell you that. But in the end I was left with a feeling of hope. Max went back home; Carol felt love (and remorse) and the monsters seemed to be trying to get along. But the movie, like the book, is all based on interpretation.
Bagel
October 19th, 2009
3:06 pm
Ok take a look at this article, I feel it makes some good points.
http://www.cafemom.com/dailybuzz/toddler/7853/Where_the_Wild_Things_Are_Author_Tells_Worried_Parents_to_Go_to_Hell
zee
October 19th, 2009
3:27 pm
Well Terry, here’s a clue…..it’s rated PG!!! You shouldn’t be taking a four year old to it, period end of story.
Do parents even think to look at the rating anymore? Or do you just take your kids b/c they want to see it? You are the parent, if they whine and cry when you tell them no…TOO BAD, it is your decision to make, not theirs!
EW
October 19th, 2009
3:38 pm
Book is nothing like the movie.
Chris
October 19th, 2009
3:41 pm
I liked it. It’s an artsy – fartsy adaptation and will probably at least be nominated for the Academy Award for Best Adaptation. It’s a book/film with a theme and a message – if you expected it to be a fun kid’s film you didn’t read the reviews. It’s not made to be a film for kids. It’s made to be a film about childhood – and not everybody’s childhood. It’s about the childhood of those kids who feel lonely, sad, and left out. Not the popular/happy kids. This doesn’t make it a bad movie – it makes a movie that didn’t meet your expectations.
Target audience is the Gen X & Yers, despite the books age. The characters (namely the monsters) were developed to mimic the attitudes & struggles that that demographic has – think like RENT.
Finally, if you left before the movie was over – don’t offer anyone your opinion on the film because your opinion is for naught. I’ve read several people on here saying that they left and some people very quickly. So you didn’t get any resolution – of course you hated it. That’d be like saying the New Testament is depressing – that guy dies! So you quit reading because it was depressing when the main character died.
HW
October 19th, 2009
3:41 pm
I took my 8 yr old son yesterday to it, in IMAX no less, and he enjoyed it with no issues or ill effects. The humanization of the voices and whimsical nature of the characters help gentle ease viewers into the wild things’ world. When things turn darker later in the movie, there are about 2-3 uncomfortable minutes, but nothing more than they’d encounter in some Disney movies like “Fantasia” or “Little Mermaid”.
I’d cut it off at 5 or 6, IMO, but above that (especially for little boys with big imaginations), I’d say take em. PG is about right for the rating.
Sug
October 19th, 2009
3:46 pm
Zee we take them because they rule the roost. We do whatever our kids want us to do.
Thank you for the wonderful parenting advice. I’m gonna guess you have 0 children…….
JATL
October 19th, 2009
3:53 pm
To zee and all the others who just can’t believe any of us would take a small child to see a PG movie -here is a list of other PG movies (why, I don’t know) that I guess you think we should be flogged for taking our small children to see. My kid LOVED both Madagascar movies at age 2, but I guess I should have shielded him from them and blindly followed the MPAA’s advice. The MPAA, by the way, is a bunch of political-minded, helicopterish fools for the most part who want to make all movies rated “R” if someone smokes in them! These are also the same smarties who will allow a PG-13 if only one F bomb is dropped, but if two or more are uttered then it’s an automatic “R”. It’s ok though if that same PG-13 movie has lots of violence or sexual material in it.
PG movies:
Madagascar and Madagascar 2
Kung Fu Panda
The Ice Age movies -3 now
Happy Feet
Bolt
The Incredibles
And there are more -these are just some more recent ones. Clearly all of us with small children should be roundly chastised for taking our kiddies to such flagrant adult fare! I can’t imagine WHY I would have imagined WTWTA would somehow be a child’s movie since it’s a PRESCHOOLER’S book!
Sue
October 19th, 2009
3:57 pm
When I was about 3, my mother took me to see Gremlins. Don’t know what she was thinking. When my husband was about 5, his mother took him to see Poltergeist. His mother’s reasoning was that E.T. looked too scary. Anyway, I read Where The Wild Things Are as a kid and the movie can’t be as bad as the other 2 mentioned!
NativeAtlantan
October 19th, 2009
4:06 pm
This certainly answers our questions. Sounds like my wife and I (both 30) would enjoy it, but definitely not our 3yr old.
It’s s shame they don’t make G rated movies anymore. Growing up in the 80s there were plenty of them each year. Now? Any?
hp
October 19th, 2009
4:07 pm
It is not scary. My 10 year old and I went to see it and neither of us were scared at all. Talk about making a mountain out of a molehill. See it or don’t, but don’t blame it on fear. It’s more sad than scary anyway.
BCC
October 19th, 2009
4:16 pm
I took my five year old son to see this. I found it to be a simple movie and he enjoyed it as well. For all of the comments that claims it was scary, PLEASE! There are parts in the Harry Potter movies that is more suspenseful and scarier. The themes in this movie can be related to real life problems that we all face and I guess for some people, that is too scary.
Kim
October 19th, 2009
4:23 pm
PG rating, followed by: “I made the mistake of assuming it was for small children.” You parents, SIGH.
JATL
October 19th, 2009
4:25 pm
*KIM* -please read my above post -oh and one my 3 1/2 year old LOVED and is asking Santa for for Christmas: *UP -rated PG*
I so agree that it’s NOT scary! Like I said in my original post -my child said afterward it was “scary for him”, but he didn’t act like it during the movie -he was just bored. Today, he doesn’t think it’s scary. It’s not. It is boring.
FCM
October 19th, 2009
5:21 pm
We were discussing Diary of a Wimpy Kid last week. It has been made into a movie and will be released April 2, 2010.
Beezus and Ramona will be in theatres March 19, 2010.
Books often make good kid film fodder.
Tom
October 19th, 2009
6:15 pm
Looking forward to going to see the film. Loved the book as a kid.
Not deterred by any Sendak quote. Think it’s too scary for your kids? Don’t take them. Think horribly about the author because he said what he did? Don’t go see it. It’s quite simple.
This is blown out of proportion.
Vork
October 19th, 2009
9:23 pm
@lakerat
Your comment at 1:30pm was spot on….For The Win!!!
motherjanegoose
October 19th, 2009
11:33 pm
FYI…I am betting that the Lakerat post is not the real Lakerat…hmmm
Lakerat may not agree with me most of the time but she is gracious enough not to spew hateful comments.
Unfortunately, I have met children’s authors ( in person) who are IMHO not very pleasant people. I do not know what is up with that.
I always try to be polite to those who are interested in my published materials.
No one is forcing anyone to read my diatribes…I had a great day in Alaska and NO ONE was forced to attend my three workshops ( today) that were packed full with those who do appreciate someone who has authentic ideas. Once again I will focus on those who are paying me….night all!
Maureen
October 20th, 2009
2:02 am
As a child I adored the grimm brothers tales but when I looked back as an adult I was mildly shocked at how grim they really were. My point is…a child see things quite differently than an adult. I think kids will love ‘Where The Wild Things Are’.
Maureen Hume. http://www.thepizzagang.com
Vork
October 20th, 2009
7:20 am
Why is it that when somone is just being brutally honest about someone else the person being spoken about always thinks it is hateful?
I see it as constructive criticism. Get over it motherjanegoose.
Becky
October 20th, 2009
8:15 am
Vork, sadly that happens on here quiet a bit..SOmetimes, I don’t know if the people are being really hateful or if they just don’t express themselves correctly..I include myself in that last line..
motherjanegoose
October 20th, 2009
9:13 am
Getting ready to make the trek back to Atlanta….it’s 5:15 a.m.
IMHO when blog imposters or those who ALWAYS rant on other posters spew hateful comments, those folks are not sharing constructive criticism.
Those who continue to complain about Theresa, like you Vork, may find that you are simply on the wrong blog.
When those who know me personally, as my new clients here, share comments…I choose which comments are valid. Even criticisms are accepted if they are purposeful.
Off to the aiport….
Vork
October 20th, 2009
10:05 am
No offense motherjanegoose but I think that in my short amount of time on this blog I have made considerably more contributions to it, in FAR fewer words, than you have in the lengthy amount of time you have been here. I’m just saying.
mrph.kev
October 20th, 2009
12:53 pm
First – thoughtful parents need to hear others’ opinions of movies, books, etc., before they expose their own children because ratings conform to strict guidelines and are not the final say. There are plenty of PG movies that are appropriate for younger audiences, a call made by parents on an case by case basis. So enough with the “ratings as final say” bunk.
Next, Maurice Sendak is a children’s book author? I so admired his work until I heard his comments posted here. Does he have children? Has he told his 6 year old to “go wet your pants” or “go to hell” if they were scared as he’s advised the would be viewing public to do? I’m used to separating the art from the artist since so many are less than personable. But a children’s book author telling the children off… c’mon! I’ll stick with my interpretation of the book and spare my kids Sendak’s belligerence.
BTW Coraline – excellent film for my (then) 5 and 8 year olds. Scary, fantastic, engaging… a piece of fine film making. Oh yeah, and good story.
T. Rolle
October 20th, 2009
1:33 pm
This is a great film to go see while on mushrooms (or another psychedelic of your choice.) I took my son and niece (5 and 6 years old respectively) and we all had a great time. I ate a few caps before taking them to the theater and was in full trip about 15 minutes into the movie. I felt like I actually went to where the Wild Things were! Then, by the time I was coming down I realized we were halfway through a different movie! I think it was Paranormal Activity. The kids were crying at this point and others around us were getting upset so we high tailed it outta there without ever having to pay for the 2nd movie (haha suckers!) What an experience, would recommend to anyone with a good imagination!
LovedWildThings
October 20th, 2009
1:57 pm
This book has been a classic since 1963. My grandparents read it to my parents, my parents read it to me, and I will read it to my children. I completely disagree with Austin’s comment about how you’ll only like it if you grew up in the 80’s… as if that’s when the book was written!!
I loved the movie, but I wouldn’t recommend it for YOUNG children. I think the themes are overall too serious for a 2 year old, but older kids who can understand what’s going on, it’s great. As for adults, the movie is phenomenal!
Andrea
October 20th, 2009
11:31 pm
My two and a half year old adores this book. And even if this is not considered a “kid movie,” he is just excited to see the actual Wild Things in the movie. To me this movie is no different than movies we watched as children. The Never Ending Story could be considered a depressing movie. Also Willow, and even Narnia have depressing parts in them. And is Horton Hears a Who, or How the Grinch Stole Christmas close to the book? NO! So what’s the big deal with that? My son and I have been watching previews online, and on HBO, and he could not be more excited to see this film! Now granted, I do not think I will taking him to the theaters to see this due to the loudness and the darkness in the movie theater experience. So parents, if you wondering like me should I take my child who loves this book to see the movie? Do what I’m going to do, wait three months when it comes out on DVD. Then preview it before you let your child watch it. If there are parts that are too much for children, well then that’s what the forward button is for!!
Andrea
October 20th, 2009
11:39 pm
LovedWildThings- I agree with you on the whole concept thing. Although I do consider my toddler smart, I am realistic enough to know that he will not understand the depth of the movie until he is older. However, my son does not get the concept of Jurassic Park. But he LOVES to watch the dinosaur parts of the movie. And anyone who will call me a bad parent for letting my two year old watch Jurassic Park, we fast forward through the scary parts (such as T-Rex and the goat, or the Raptor eating the hunter.) So all he’s sees are these magnificent creatures who he “wows” at. I want my child to be enthralled by giants, not terrified of them.
Where the Wild Things Are « I Am Agonistes
October 21st, 2009
5:29 pm
[...] is (or was) potential for Where the Wild Things Are, but it comes up way short. The trouble with the plot is that … there really is no plot. This [...]
Bucknut
October 24th, 2009
1:56 pm
Wow…lots of whiners on here, I bet all the people who thought this was a horrible, boring, sick movie are some of the same people who praise the likes of “Transformers 2″ Get a clue.
Amy
October 30th, 2009
11:46 am
We went. I have a 12 year old boy, and 10 and 7 year old girls. I don’t think any of them found it scary. And honestly, it didn’t look scary…the imagery is dark but not scary. My kids have watched the Harry Potter films from a young age, and had very little problems. What it is, though, is emotionally raw in many bits. My 12 year old, probably liked it but won’t admit it. My 10 year old LOVED it, with the sadness and all. But, these are older kids with a little more emotional maturity under their belts. My 7 year old, liked most of it, but cried her heart out at some parts. Not because she was scared, but because she was sad. I think kids between ages 5-7 will have a more sensitive/sad/emotional reaction….but there is a good chance a lot of that would completely go over the heads of younger kids that that. The child in the movie is of an age that is similar to my daughters, and has similar feelings, so I feel she was just really relating on an emotional level to the movie. It’s ok to be sad once in a while, and we were able to talk a bit about that with her. I would take them to see it again, but would ask the 7 year old if she wanted to see it again….I think she will have a different perspective in a year or two.