So, I finally went to bed around 630 or so this morning (see post from earlier today) and was up around 830am. Today was Karen day. We went to Einstein Bagels for breakfast and got what we deserved: shit on a plastic tray. We knew what to expect, we went anyway, we deserved it.
First up was “Where The Wild Things Are” at the Aventura AMC which Liz was going to attend with us, but she was detained with some unspecified top-secret government project so we went without her. I must remind you from my previous posts that, at first, I was angry they were going to ruin another childhood memory, and then after I begin to see previews, I changed my mind and grew hopeful and excited. I went in with High Hopes, something that is dangerous as hell.
It started, and for the first ten minutes or so I had this rapidly sinking feeling of “oh, shit, they really have ruined a childhood memory” followed by “I bet those mediocre reviews were right” and such. While I’ve not read any of the reviews purposely, they have been mixed by all accounts. About fifteen minutes in, I was sure this was going to suck. First, though, a brief kudos for Max Records, who plays Max; he deserves an Oscar for his performance. Seriously. No matter what you think, this kid is phenomenal: he nailed it flawlessly. He looks like Max, acts like Max, talks like Max, he is Max. He’s the Max I remember from my childhood. Perfect.
The all-star (voice) cast is enjoyable. And once Max enters that world, the movie becomes magical, and amazing. And damn near flawless. Is it totally true to the book? No. Neither was Lord of the Rings as Peter Jackson saw it, but there were few detractors there and there should be none here either. This is that good. It is visually awe-inspiring, emotionally draining, dark, scary, happy, and every other emotion. It is not a children’s movie by any measure, but it’s a movie about all children. There are many metaphors, perhaps allegories. The adults will get that. The kids will like this film but it’s not for them and yet it is. You will become emotionally involved with Max and his adventures. You will be angry at his petulance, marvel at his ingenuity, and feel many of the emotions he does — and be repelled by others. But you will understand.
In spite of the irritating opening, I am going to give this movie a perfect 10 out of 10. This will definitely be one of the top twenty movies I’ve ever seen. This is LOTR class film making. This film will be the next Wizard of Oz. That film was also not for children but about children. This movie will be a classic. You can etch my prediction into granite tablets: that’s how sure I am.
I did spot two minor continuity gaffes, and this isn’t a spoiler unless you’re one of those rare people who hasn’t read the 368-word book. The monsters are still calling Max “King” but in one quick scene KW (I believe) calls him “Max” except she doesn’t know his name yet. The only other gaffe I spotted is minor: the dirt spots on his costume and his face move about.
After the movie was over — Karen cried near the end, BTW — we texted Liz for the next part of our adventure, but she bailed on that for the same top-secret government project she was still working on. Liz had previously Twittered about an art exhibit at the Museum of Art in Fort Lauderdale (part of the Nova Southeastern University) and the photo below caught my eye and made me want to go.
Click on the picture to go to the original
I really enjoyed the exhibit, and that piece was definitely my favourite but there was some other really good pieces too. As in any exhibit, there were some sucky ones too. And on the way out, you will find Christ. (If you go, you’ll know what I mean.) This really reminded me of a gallery at the Tate Modern and it really helped make the day just a little better than it already was.
Afterwards, it was close to dinner time, and we ended up at Big Louie’s Pizza (or some name close to that) in the same strip mall as John’s beloved RadioActive Records.
I also found out that Apple does business leases on MacBook Pros. So there may be a new Mac laptop in my company’s future instead of a Wintel after all. This pleases me.
I am really, really tired but am holding out for 10pm or so before I go to bed.