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Amanda Film Review - Where The Wild Things Are (2009)

From 15th December 2009

I don't think you ever realise how many metaphors regarding adult life are in children's entertainment until you re-watch the films/TV shows/books you used to love when you were young. And this all became apparent to me when I went to see 'Where The Wild Things Are' Friday. (Release date - 11th December). As many people my age my childhood revolved around Pokemon, Disney and Power Rangers. Although you may find the odd adult joke in any one of those shows it is no where near as explicit as 'Where The Wild Things Are'; My favourite children's book.

It has definitely been one of the most loved children's books for 46 years. And now it is on the big screen. Filled with a lot more plot, beautiful CGI scenery and creatures and a lot deeper meaning. Definitely a film for adults to get lost in as well as children.

Spike Jonze, the director, is best known for his cult films such as 'Being John Malkovich' and 'Adaptation' (I would recommend both of these films if you like surrealism) so his decision to direct a children's film was truly a shock to the film industry. However he has added his usual quirky style to the mix making this film hypnotic and incredibly trippy.

The film revolves around a little boy called Max. The most interesting thing about Max is that he has an amazing over-active imagination. This is made apparent from the beginning of the film where he is playing in the snow. He tries to turn everything in to a game or some heightened parallel universe. Imagining his bedroom is a rocket ship flying over boiling lava is an easy task for Max.

Despite this, Max is lonely. Very very lonely. It seems the only people he feels any connection to is his sister Claire and his mother. Both of which have no time for him. Claire is too busy socialising whereas his mother is too busy working. Within the opening 10 minutes it is also revealed that Max's mom is dating another man that Max doesn't approve of. It is never revealed what had happened to his father. He is either dead or unwilling to communicate with his children any more.

Due to all of these reasons Max becomes frustrated and ends up lashing out at his mother. He is sent to bed after an intense argument. In order to cope he imagines a place far far away. Wearing his wolf costume pyjamas Max physically runs away from home however he runs towards a world in his imagination. A place where the wild things live. Upon meeting them the audience is soon made aware of the beasts sadness and loneliness. I feel that this parallels Max's emotions but also the emotions one goes through when growing up.

Instead of eating Max, like the wild things usually would with intruders, they soon realise that Max shares their same pain and make him their king, hoping that he will magically solve their problems.

Simple in plot and structure but amazingly deep in heart and meaning I feel that this film is for anybody that likes analysing films but also for people who enjoy mythical stories and adventure. This film is for adult and children alike. Definitely worth a watch.

AMANDAS SEAL OF APPROVAL. :)

Amanda beats New Look

From 15th December 2009

Amanda Film Review - Garden State

From 25th November 2009

Garden State (2004)

It only seemed right to start this reviewing films malarkey with reviewing one of my favourite films. Hopefully I will convince a few of you to watch it and maybe even convert some into becoming Garden State-ettes as I shall call them for the time being, it's only temporarily I promise, I will let you know as soon as I figure out a catchier name for Garden State fanatics. Which could take a while if I'm honest. I'm not the wittiest of people.

Garden State is definitely a must-see-right-now-or-Amanda-will-glare-at-you-in-an-intimidating-manor film for all you Scrubs fans as it is written, directed and stars Zach Braff. That's a whole lot of Braff in one film, no? But it works beautifully. It only makes me want to see more ZB projects and hope he directs some more films very soon.

So what's it about I hear you ask? The film is centred around the thoughts of Andrew Largeman (Braff) who is a highly medicated small-scale actor returning to his home town of New Jersey for his mothers funeral after nine years without family contact or communication. Garden State is very personal to Braff as he was suffering with deep depression when writing this film. He admits himself that the character of Andrew was very much a self-reflection for him. "When I wrote Garden State, I was completely depressed, waiting tables and lonesome as I've ever been in my life. The script was a way for me to articulate what I was feeling; alone, isolated, 'a dime a dozen' and homesick for a place that didn't even exist."

Due to Andrew being so highly medicated from a young age he feels numb and realises that he never had time to understand his own emotions when growing up. So in order to begin his journey of self-discovery he makes a life changing decision to completely abandon his meds. And this is when he meets Sam (Natalie Portman) an epoleptic, compulsive liar with an extremely sweet and fun side. Together they embrace their pain and help each other deal with their inner-conflicts. This is definitely one of the most quirkiest, realistic and most beautiful love stories.

Garden State was initially an independent film with little budget and little promotion. It was sent to many film festivals in order to get the exposer it deserves which paid off as it was the official selection of the Sundance Film Festival and it also won 'Best Film Feature' at the Independent Spirit Awards. Another winning feature of this film was the soundtrack picked out by ZB himself which won a Grammy award. It is full on acoustic, hypnotic and indie rock music. Probably one of the best film soundtracks I have come across next to: The Last Kiss, 500 Days of Summer and My Sisters Keeper.

The slow paced narrative of this film and the quirky situations make characters seem lot more believable and true-to-life. This goes against most conventions of a typical Hollywood film which I find very refreshing. The dialogue is filled with inspiring quotes and funny one liners which provide the comic release for the audience as this film explores deep within the human condition. Garden State is truly a film most people can relate to as the issues of isolation, love and self discovery are prominent.