Not sure what I expected of this movie, other than I love the book. It was interesting to see how the writers portrayed the various relationships & characters. It was obviously a way for the boy to look at his own behavior and learn important lessons, in how he relates to the wild things and the world. Do not think most children will understand this movie - the situations that Max is in are pretty intense and the movie did drag at times. Older children will enjoy it but little children may be scared of the creatures that are often times very violent. The scenery is beautiful and brutal.