tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5633073330174423544.post2124154367179379244..comments2023-02-28T05:27:00.195-05:00Comments on The Sun's Not Yellow: Where the Wild Things AreJoel Bockohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11238338958380683893noreply@blogger.comBlogger12125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5633073330174423544.post-52280844159454472542010-03-17T10:36:55.529-04:002010-03-17T10:36:55.529-04:00I'll definitely check it out, Sam - yes, the c...I'll definitely check it out, Sam - yes, the critics seem to have been divided. Interestingly, most of the twentysomethings I know loved it while older and younger generations seem to have been more divided. The sensibility definitely speaks to my age group, for whatever reason.<br /><br />Dialogue was a little on-the-nose and as I said in the review, there were a number of flaws in the film but because it had that intangible something that so, so few films have I'm inclined to think it might be great. Of course I might be wrong and on a repeat viewing fault it more for its drawbacks.<br /><br />It just seems so different from other movies, which prejudices me in its favor, for good reason I think: so many classics-to-be (particularly cult ones) start by being different.<br /><br />Hopefully, this one's a little more "magical" than Indian in the Cupboard!Joel Bockohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11238338958380683893noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5633073330174423544.post-25135536336037273802010-03-16T19:27:39.026-04:002010-03-16T19:27:39.026-04:00This was a good movie, I thought, but my reaction ...This was a good movie, I thought, but my reaction was similar to what Sam said about how all of that psychobabble on the island got irritating after awhile. I was hoping for a film that would be as majestic as <i>A.I.</i> Instead I got a movie that's basically one long lecture by Jonze about why it's bad to play God and why horseplay is dangerous, and this reminded me way too much of something like, say, <i>The Indian in the Cupboard</i>. Ouch.Adam Zanziehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14524618281515322239noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5633073330174423544.post-59846548721657624062010-03-16T13:11:42.058-04:002010-03-16T13:11:42.058-04:00Joel, I did actually write a full review on it her...Joel, I did actually write a full review on it here, and there were some excellent comments I recall, with Dan Getahun's a particular stand-out:<br /><br />http://wondersinthedark.wordpress.com/2009/11/04/spike-jonzes-where-the-wild-things-are-a-complete-misfire/<br /><br />The critics were divided, but there were more positive, I'll admit. As I said, I di dlike certain aspects of the film, and it was often visually sublime, but they flubbed the ball on the most important ingedient here: the screenplay. Yet, I accepted AVATAR for precisely what I reject here with WILD THINGS, and I suspect my life-long veneration for Sendak's Caldecott Medal winner is prejudicing my view substantially.Sam Julianonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5633073330174423544.post-19575333377976220112010-03-16T12:23:52.627-04:002010-03-16T12:23:52.627-04:00I'm sure I might pick one but I might do a sep...I'm sure I might pick one but I might do a separate post of runners-up!Joel Bockohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11238338958380683893noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5633073330174423544.post-56609235226433349192010-03-16T11:19:09.304-04:002010-03-16T11:19:09.304-04:00MovieMan,
Thanks.
I look forward to seeing what...MovieMan, <br /><br />Thanks.<br /><br />I look forward to seeing what you choose.You can pick more than one if it's too difficult to narrow it down.Stephenhttp://checkingonmysausages.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5633073330174423544.post-19893133247711003742010-03-16T11:08:21.276-04:002010-03-16T11:08:21.276-04:00Stephen, that sounds great. I don't what I'...Stephen, that sounds great. I don't what I'll pick, though! I'll have to give it time to think it over.<br /><br />Sam, I knew you didn't like the movie but wasn't aware you had such hostility towards it! I'll have to go back and check out your thoughts (I think they were in a Monday Morning Diary - or did you write a review?). To me Wild Things has all the earmarks of a wildly unique film which is misunderstood in its own time, gains a cult following, and eventually is remembered better than the more acclaimed/popular movies of the year - that I'm actually not sure how the critical reaction/box office was overall for this movie.<br /><br />Like it or dislike it, you have to acknowledge it isn't like much else out there. I always value that.Joel Bockohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11238338958380683893noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5633073330174423544.post-233759447287223232010-03-16T09:42:35.868-04:002010-03-16T09:42:35.868-04:00"The film is best judged not as an adaptation..."The film is best judged not as an adaptation of the book or even an echo of it, but a sort of sideways tribute to it. It's very much its own beast."<br /><br />Absolutely. And it fails in that realm.Sam Julianonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5633073330174423544.post-38069808869278529692010-03-16T04:19:34.442-04:002010-03-16T04:19:34.442-04:00MovieMan,
I was wondering if you would like to co...MovieMan,<br /><br />I was wondering if you would like to contribute to a new project at my blog to choose one's favourite image in Cinema and create a gallery and in so doing an indirect portrait of the blogosphere.<br /><br />It would be cool if you could provide a link here or there to a screenshot and maybe say why you chose it.<br /><br />Thanks.Stephenhttp://checkingonmysausages.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5633073330174423544.post-59235391448798632412010-03-16T00:55:47.824-04:002010-03-16T00:55:47.824-04:00The film is best judged not as an adaptation of th...The film is best judged not as an adaptation of the book or even an echo of it, but a sort of sideways tribute to it. It's very much its own beast.Joel Bockohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11238338958380683893noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5633073330174423544.post-56600811671282773322010-03-15T20:44:41.666-04:002010-03-15T20:44:41.666-04:00I am no fan of this film, and my five kids were la...I am no fan of this film, and my five kids were largely indifferent with as per our theatrical screening. But there were things I did like about it like the sublime visuals, the opening lead in at the home, and the astonishing performance of young Mr. Records. The score was engaging too. But the psychobabble on the island, which disavows the awe an dmystery of the book, leaves one scratching their head, and it all segues into tedium before long.<br /><br />You put a very spirited and beautifully written defense here:<br /><br />"Wild Things exists both as an aesthetic experience and a meditation on resonant themes: a combination most great narrative films employ. The screenplay, by Jonze and novelist David Eggers, sensitively "updates" Maurice Sendak's classic - respecting the power of the original while setting out on its own ground, and thus avoiding both of the traps most high-profile 00s adaptations have fallen prey to. At its core is a simple, eternal story: that of a child watching his innocence and exuberance slowly dissolve into the melancholy mists of pre-adolesence...."<br /><br />but for me Sendak's book was noted for word economy and the power of visuals alone. The film filled in the gaps, and that is what back-fired here.<br /><br />This is a great review, no doubt about that Joel, it just isn't a film I can issue any love for. I also look forward to J.D.'s upcoming review!Sam Julianonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5633073330174423544.post-82041419831373823302010-03-15T16:31:06.042-04:002010-03-15T16:31:06.042-04:00Thanks, J.D. Please drop a link when you review it...Thanks, J.D. Please drop a link when you review it - and review it soon! I'd love to read that piece.Joel Bockohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11238338958380683893noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5633073330174423544.post-51900955155210298462010-03-15T11:18:29.651-04:002010-03-15T11:18:29.651-04:00Well said! I have to say, I've been on the fen...Well said! I have to say, I've been on the fence about this film as I love the book dearly but your review as certainly piqued my curiosity, esp. the mention of the world that Jonze has created having a handcrafted feel. I'm glad that he's downplayed CGI in favor of real, tangible material. I think this was my greatest concern with this film but I am really intrigued to see it. Thanks!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08164105442273577128noreply@blogger.com