Where the Wild Things Are... for kids?

jcm

jcm

Cathlete
Quick question for those who may know - my daughter (9) was supposed to go on a class trip to the apple orchard. Due to bad weather, I just got a note they are all going to this movie instead. Due to a little one at home, I can't go with them. This movie looks excellent, but I understand it's a bit brooding and heavy, and really meant for adults. My DH is super sensitive and a deep thinker. Not sure I'm comfortable having her see this w/ out me there. Especially since questions may come up, which I obviously can't answer if I'm not there.

Any opinions would be really helpful. I know it's a classic book and all that, but seriously - a light trip to the apple orchard and now a switch to THIS? I don't know...

Jen
 
We took our daughters, ages 6 and 8, to see this movie on opening day. We loved it. My take is that it is a re-telling of the story that we know so very, very well, but the movie had enough depth and emotion to appeal to adults. It did really bring up that feeling of being a kid and not knowing how to express emotions...heck, I sometimes want to scream like that sometimes now! My 8 year old cried a little at the end, but she has said goodbye to a student teacher earlier that day and the goodbye scene spoke to her. But she was over it almost instantly. The little one didn't seem traumatized by anything!

I have no idea if any of this helps you and your situation. I want to see it again, but the kids have expressed no interest in seeing it again soon as they often do with animated kid films.

Aimee
 
My kids school (K-8) was initially planning on grades K-6 seeing it. We received a notice yesterday saying that only grades 3-6 will be going since the reviews were not totally favorable towards the younger audience.

HTH!?!

ETA: found out today that none of the grades are going!
 
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I saw it and let's just say it is not your typical "Fun For The Whole Family" type of movie. There were moments of laughter, but it is no where near a Disney movie or a Dreamworks movie. It is also not a feel good movie. There is no cursing or sexual innuendos, and no blood. At some points in the movie I thought to myself that in real life I would recommend that that child get some professional counseling - kid's got issues. However, I am an adult and a kid may not look that deep.

You know your kid better than anyone and you know what they can or cannot handle. The movie won't traumatize anyone.
 
Thanks for the input! I sent the permission slip back today NOT giving her permission to go. If they were a little older and had been talking about literature/movies/emotions or something that would seem like an appropriate thing but ... We'll probably see it when we can see it together.

Makes me wonder how closely the teachers looked into this! Jeesh.

Jen
 
My understanding is that the movies stays true to the book - which we all loved as children and for good reason. It doesn't all have to be Disney and feel good "family" movies. Sometimes making kids think about the darker side isn't a bad thing.
 
Morningstar - I agree w/ making kids think about darker things sometimes. I just would want to see it w/ her so I can answer questions. Actually I got a note from the teacher - after parents expressing concern - and teachers finally looking into it - they aren't going.
 
My husband and I went to see this movie last weekend. He loved it, even cried a little at the end, and appreciated all the psychological mumbo jumbo stuff. I was so bored I wanted to leave. I just felt uncomfortable and wanted it to end. I didn't care about any of the characters, and the wild things were annoying, not to mention hairy ;)
I think it is probably best suited for children 10 and up, but adults will get the most out of it. I wanted it to be lighter--it was way, way too heavy for me.
 
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