Overall rating 
3.1 / 5
3.1 / 5
Open Ratings Snapshot
Rating breakdown 433 reviews
5 Stars
107
4 Stars
102
3 Stars
57
2 Stars
53
1 Star
114
Dialogue 
2 / 5
2 / 5
Special Effects 
4.5 / 5
4.5 / 5
Art Direction 
4.5 / 5
4.5 / 5
Acting 
4.5 / 5
4.5 / 5
Story 
2 / 5
2 / 5
Camerawork 
4 / 5
4 / 5
240 out of 433(55%)reviewers recommend this movie.
Overall rating 
3.1 / 5
3.1 / 5
Open Ratings Snapshot
Rating breakdown 433 reviews
5 Stars
107
4 Stars
102
3 Stars
57
2 Stars
53
1 Star
114
Dialogue 
2 / 5
2 / 5
Special Effects 
4.5 / 5
4.5 / 5
Art Direction 
4.5 / 5
4.5 / 5
Acting 
4.5 / 5
4.5 / 5
Story 
2 / 5
2 / 5
Camerawork 
4 / 5
4 / 5
240 out of 433(55%)reviewers recommend this movie.
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Ratings summary
Overall rating 
3.1 / 5
3.1 / 5
Open Ratings Snapshot
Rating breakdown 433 reviews
5 Stars
107
4 Stars
102
3 Stars
57
2 Stars
53
1 Star
114
Dialogue 
2 / 5
2 / 5
Special Effects 
4.5 / 5
4.5 / 5
Art Direction 
4.5 / 5
4.5 / 5
Acting 
4.5 / 5
4.5 / 5
Story 
2 / 5
2 / 5
Camerawork 
4 / 5
4 / 5
240 out of 433(55%)reviewers recommend this movie.
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Product ReviewsReview This Movie
Overall rating 
3 / 5
3 / 5
Uh...
PostedOctober 17, 2009
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from NYC
It was too dark for my taste. Yeah, true, the book was a little savage, but it was a picture book, and the lack of detail is what made it more suitable for children.
In the book the adventure that Max had came from his imagination while he was confined to his room with no supper. What movie Max imagined and his overall behavior was over the top for a child of his age.
Didn't like it, found it depressing.
No, I do not recommend this movie.
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Overall rating 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Really good
PostedOctober 17, 2009
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We saw this with my 4 year old son last night as it was his birthday. He was a bit scared at times but generally he really liked it too and had no lingering nightmares... We really liked it too, The characters were unbelievably similar to the book.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating 
4 / 5
4 / 5
Thought-provoking movie
PostedOctober 17, 2009
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from Woodbridge, VA
I thought the movie was thought provoking and
addressed the issues of loneliness and anger that children often deal with at different stages of their lives. The visual effects were stunning and the monsters were believeable for the audience as well as Max. The little girl sitting next to me in the theater seemed frightened by some of the dialogue, but watched most of the movie. It ended in a winsome and sad way with the monsters feeling the loss and grief of losing Max.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating 
3 / 5
3 / 5
good movie stellar music!!
PostedOctober 17, 2009
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from RI
Overall this was a fairly solid interpretation of the book. The movie was a bit darker than I had anticipated but the book itself isn't really all that whimsical either!
After seeing the movie I immediately came home and read the book again and was astounded at how much thought the story writers of the movie had to put into the filler content.
Lastly I would like to comment on the musical content of the movie which was put together very very well and in my opinion fit the storyline they were intending to portray very well!!!
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating 
3 / 5
3 / 5
Active Spectator
PostedOctober 17, 2009
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from Newport Beach, CA
While watching the movie I was trying figure out what the heck was going on. There wasn't a typical goal that all characters tried to reach. (i.e save the world, the princess, or win the cash) It was a series of wacky events.
After leaving the theater and thinking about the characters, their personas/weaknesses, I liked it. As a fellow movie-watcher told me, "The story isn't literally fed to you. You have to think ." If you are going to watch don't expect a cut and dry story. As we all know, the book is very short. They just really expanded the themes. I wouldn't take kids to see this film, maybe 12 and up.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Touching
PostedOctober 17, 2009
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I really enjoyed this movie. It made me laugh out loud and it also made me cry. It was an absolutely wonderful movie and I recommend that everyone watch it!
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating 
4 / 5
4 / 5
It kept our attention
PostedOctober 17, 2009
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from kalamazoo mi
I felt the movie had a good plot, and a positive ending
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Great Modern Adaption
PostedOctober 17, 2009
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from Kansas City, KS
Now - like many I grew up with the book. If you are looking for an exact replica then don't go see it. No screenplay is going to be like the book. I thought it was better. I think they made the story line relate to most children in our population today being raised in single parent families. I love how they show Max as a kid who has volatile emotions and no real way to explain his feelings. I think it was a very good modern adaption. Additionally, it elicited an emotional response from my 6 year old, it was made so a small child can understand the emotional range and the logic of the circumstances.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Wild With Heart
PostedOctober 17, 2009
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from Los Angeles, CA
Please, do yourself a favor and go see Where the Wild Things Are. It's beautiful in style and substance. This was my favorite book as a kid, and clearly still resonates with people. If you want to be challenged a bit to get vulnerable and see the world through a child's eyes, go see this spectacle. Yes it deals with real emotions and not pure escapism, and yeah it evokes tears, but from joy just as much as sadness. Also, consider that Maurice Sendak himself gave this film his blessing and adores the interpretation of his work. As a fan, a human, and artist, I found it deeply moving, inspiring, compelling, and just plain magnificent! But don't take my word for it... :)
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating 
2 / 5
2 / 5
Not for my kiddies
PostedOctober 17, 2009
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Took my 3 granddaughters, ages 9, 7, 5 to the movie. The 9 year old said she liked it but the other two were not interested. The 5 year old was falling asleep in my arms. They did not get it and neither did I. I'm sorry we were so excited to go and then were disappointed!
No, I do not recommend this movie.
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Overall rating 
1 / 5
1 / 5
Warning: Nothing like the book
PostedOctober 17, 2009
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from Columbia, MD
I was thrilled to take my kids to see a movie based on a book we all enjoy. The commercials made the movie look like fun. WRONG!! Someone, somewhere should have said this movie only uses the name of the main character, a few lines and the title from the book. Nowhere in the book did I ever think Max was so angry and sad. His rage was so real and disturbing! My 13 yr. old son was a wreck! He wanted to leave after 20 minutes. I assured him it would get better - wrong!
As an adult, I appreciate the psychological elements of the wild things being part of Max's character; however, as a mother expecting a fun movie I wish I had been warned!
No, I do not recommend this movie.
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Overall rating 
3 / 5
3 / 5
Disappointed: Missed the Magic of the Book.
PostedOctober 17, 2009
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from Flagstaff, AZ
I took my children to a movie based on a beloved children's book. Since when is it ok to swear in children's movies and to use the Lord's name in vein? The characters in the book would not have done this. Like most movies released lately, I would recommend it to my adult friends, but would strongly caution its content for children. Childhood is an age of innocence, why is Hollywood so bent on destroying it?
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating 
4 / 5
4 / 5
Breath of fresh Air
PostedOctober 17, 2009
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I couldn't figure out how they were going to turn this short book into a movie, or how they would live up to the purity of Maurice Sendak's story. Pleasantly surprised is the reaction I had after watching this touching story of love, loneliness and redemption. Very interesting Euro style to the movie.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating 
1 / 5
1 / 5
Perplexed
PostedOctober 17, 2009
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from Northern Virginia
As my favorite children's book growing up, I was excited to watch this movie. My fiance and I wondered when all the aspects and intricacies would come together and we'd understand the movie, but unfortunately, this never happened.
It was interesting and artistic, but left us perplexed and shaking our heads as we left the theater wondering where the last hour and 40 minutes of our life went and how we could get it back.
It's been 23 hours since we left the theater and we're still shaking our heads.
No, I do not recommend this movie.
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Overall rating 
2 / 5
2 / 5
Should Have Waited For DVD
PostedOctober 17, 2009
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from New Orleans, Louisiana
I did not like the movie. I took my 4 and 9 year old boys to see it. By the time the boy reached the land of the wild things I was having to try and keep my 4 year old still and quiet. He was completely bored. My 9 yr old liked the movie, the ending was sad and he was crying. I did not realize I was taking my children to see such a dark, depressing story with an ending that leaves you feeling blah.
No, I do not recommend this movie.
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Overall rating 
1 / 5
1 / 5
downer
PostedOctober 17, 2009
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from Virginia Beach, VA
I was really excited to take my family to see this movie. My son really loves the book. However, we were extremely disappointed in the film. I thought the interpretation was horrible. It could not have been more depressing. Everyone in the film so to have suffered from bipolar disorder. Overall a huge let down!!!!
No, I do not recommend this movie.
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Overall rating 
5 / 5
5 / 5
An incredible emotional reflection of childhood
PostedOctober 17, 2009
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from Los Angeles, CA
Having grown up with Maurice Sendak's original, I went into this film with high expectations. I was pleased. It evokes the extreme emotions and ups and downs felt as a child in a world that is confusing, but extraordinary. Max makes his own sense of his life through a world of wild things, and uses his imagination not only to play, but come to a peace and understanding. If you can relate to Max, you will enjoy this movie.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating 
4 / 5
4 / 5
Almost Perfect!
PostedOctober 17, 2009
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from Orange, CA
I would say that this movie was almost perfect. It pretty much had everything that you would want from a movie like thrilling characters and amazing surroundings. My only problem with the movie were the really dark tones that the director used. Parents need to be warned that this isn't a typical children's movie and should not be fooled by the cartoon trailers before the movie. I think a parent needs to be present with the child, so they can both experience the movie and then talk about what they thought after the film is over. Other than that I would expect this movie to be accepting some major awards come early next year.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating 
1 / 5
1 / 5
NOT WORTH Your Time & Money!
PostedOctober 17, 2009
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from Atlanta
Where the Wild Things Are"- is not worth your time & money! Very disappointed & Not Age Appropriate! My four year old literally covered his ears throughout the movie! My six year old doesn’t even want to read the book anymore, because the movie is so violet with a lot of screaming and obliterating! Advice… stick w/ the book to keep your children’s imagination fresh & alive! The movie would just confuse them!
No, I do not recommend this movie.
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Overall rating 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Absolutely Loved It!!!
PostedOctober 17, 2009
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from Palatine, Illinois
I was hopeful yet skeptical. Where The Wild Things Are fittingly resides on my mind's, Shelf of the Sacrosanct. I am almost always disappointed when a favorite book is adapted to film; this movie is a rare exception.
I took my 17-year-old daughter on opening 'day'; a midnight showing on a school night. We relished being the only parent/teen duo in the theatre.
We both L O V E D the movie! We laughed; repeated favorite lines; I wept. The storyline was clever; the cinematography, interesting; and the characters, genuine.
The movie helped me to recall, though they are few, I do indeed have beautiful memories from my childhood. And now, I have another.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating 
4 / 5
4 / 5
About kids, but not really FOR kids.
PostedOctober 17, 2009
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from Mesa, AZ
I wasn't sure what to expect from this movie, as I had read interviews and articles about Sendak urging Jonze to "be dangerous" with the film. I knew it would be good, and it really, really was. I'm not sure I would take really young kids to see the movie -- it was pretty freaky in some parts. That's part of what I loved about it; it was about children, but not FOR children. From the freaky parts to the adorable parts, from Max's stressed-out mom to his rocky stint as King, the movie's emphasis on imagination as an important factor in a person's formative years really hit home for me. I would consider this film appropriate for anyone age 10 and up who has ever had to learn a hard lesson in his or her life.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating 
4 / 5
4 / 5
Artistic, but not for young ones
PostedOctober 17, 2009
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from Minnesota
My three year old loves this book, so we decided to try taking her to the movie. She has never been in a theater, so it was her first time. She loved watching the trailers on the website. She did very well through most of the movie, but lost all interest by the end. I don't think she had any idea of what was going on.
As an adult, I thought the movie had beautiful cinematography. It was very artistic, and true to the way that children interact with each other--trying to figure out all the ins and outs of social politics.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Great movie!
PostedOctober 17, 2009
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from Omaha, NE
My girlfriend and I went, both really enjoying the book growing up, and we were not disappointed. It was comical, sad, a tad bit scary, and just a joy to watch. Curious to how the movie would have enough meat to capture the audience because the book leaves a lot to your imagination, we were surprised how the story played out. It was well worth the time and money to see in the theater.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating 
1 / 5
1 / 5
Disappointing
PostedOctober 17, 2009
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from Chesterfield, Missouri
I was really pumped up when I saw how excited Tom Hanks (producer!) was about it. I bought it hook, line, and sinker. I neither like the book or the movie. My children ages 9, 10, and 12 years of age did not like this movie. The beginning of the movie where Max is going on a boat to the Island of the Wild Creatures is a bit cheesy. It is obvious that corners were cut to contain costs using a little model boat. (In this day an age, more could have been done on the graphics…..it was just too painfully obvious by the cheapness of the model with the water.)
I feel the story along with the creature characters is for adults or mature teenagers. Story is possibly of more interest for someone majoring in Psychology or behavioral medicine.
No, I do not recommend this movie.
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Overall rating 
1 / 5
1 / 5
Well done, horribly written
PostedOctober 17, 2009
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from Orange City, FL
This was well directed, acted, and packaged but the writing was just terrible. The child in the movie, Max, is incredibly whiney and aggravating from the very beginning of the film. 5 minutes into it you are completely done with him and yet you have to spend another hour and a half with him. Then at the end of the movie to punish the kid's horrible behavior the mother welcomes him back home with milk and a piece of cake with no apology or consequence. This movie stands as a huge example as to why our children are weaker, lazier, and dumber than any of the past generations. Parents have stopped punishing children in the same manner as past generations and the result shows.
No, I do not recommend this movie.
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Overall rating 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Wonderful Movie
PostedOctober 17, 2009
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from Iowa
Loved every minute of this movie - it was a wonderful interpretation of the original children's book. I do think that it will be more enjoyed by adults like myself who remember growing up with this story than by small children.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating 
4 / 5
4 / 5
It was good but,
PostedOctober 17, 2009
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from Columbus, OH
I had been so excited for the movie since I saw the previews for it back in March, and after last night, even though I liked it, somehow I still feel like it felt a little weak. The movie was missing something....a story line. There was not much of one.
The whole movie was an experience that had to be seen in the theatre. Any adult that had read the book as a child will feel like a kid again watching this movie.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating 
1 / 5
1 / 5
One of the worst movies of the year
PostedOctober 17, 2009
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from Los Angeles, CA
This is a truly awful film. No real story or characters to care about. It's overly long and dreadfully slow. Watching it is worse torture than water boarding. Do yourself a favor and read the original children's book instead.
No, I do not recommend this movie.
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Overall rating 
3 / 5
3 / 5
Better for older kids
PostedOctober 17, 2009
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from Olathe, KS
I enjoyed this movie, much more than my 3.5 year old did. The ideas were much heavier than she was able to understand or become interested in, and the monster's tantrums frightened her. However, I would watch the movie again with her in a few years and I think we would both enjoy it.
We went with anoher 3.5 yr old girl, who's reaction was the same as mine.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Lovely
PostedOctober 17, 2009
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from Laramie, WY
This film was a beautiful example of cinematography. The source material was very brief and Jonze was able to create something wonderful from it without betraying the simpicity of the original story. Childhood is not the innocent time that many adults seem to believe that it is. It is complicated and hard to express your emotions and sometimes even you are a litle scary. Perfection.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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