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Widescreen: 'Where the Wild Things Are' and 'Law Abiding Citizen'
'Where the Wild Things Are' – fun for kids young and oldBy Paul Hall
Special to the Times-Mirror
Max (Max Records) is not feeling very special. He adores his big sister, but she is starting to grow up and doesn’t want him around anymore. He loves his mom, but she is going on with her life, dating and the like. Max feels all alone. One night, after he has gone too far and bitten his mom, he runs off to his own fantasy world.
Max is quickly recognized as the King. He must learn to adapt and lead a group of oversized characters who each have their own distinct personalities. What Max quickly finds out is that there are problems that everyone has to deal with, and not always with easy answers. Everyone wants attention, everyone wants love, and everyone just wants to be noticed.
The importance of family is really evident in this film. Director Spike Jonze has made a joyful land that really drives home some solid messaging to kids young and old.
I was particularly impressed with James Gandolfini as Carol. He is perfect for the role and I hope this helps him get even more work outside of the typical Soprano-esque role.
I had a great time in Max’s world, and learned a lot from his many friends. "Where the Wild Things Are" contains great messaging, wild characters and good dialogue. This and more lead to a film that is pure trippy childhood fun.
'Where the Wild Things Are'
B
Warner Brothers Pictures
Director: Spike Jonze
Cast: Max Records, Catherine Keener; voices of James Gandolfini, Paul Dano, Lauren Ambrose
Rating: PG for mild thematic elements, some adventure action and brief language
Run time: 94 minutes
Revenge -- how sweet it is
Clyde Shelton (Gerard Butler) doesn’t realize that the door he is about to open will change his life forever. Although Shelton can identify the culprits, hotshot prosecutor Nick Rice (Jamie Foxx) won’t take any chances to blemish his 95 percent conviction rate and cuts a deal. It's a deal that will see only one of the two pay for the crime, while the other walks free in a mere three years.
"Law Abiding Citizen" is done well.
We get a pace that doesn’t slow down and one of the biggest collective gasps that I have heard in a long time.
That said, this isn’t without its faults. The gruesome early film killings will turn some crime drama fans' stomachs – that part feels more "Saw" and less "CSI." It's hard to throw any sympathy to any of the characters with their behavior.
Harsh but real, this is a good film in the genre – case closed.
'Law Abiding Citizen'
B
Overture Films
Director: F. Gary Gray
Cast: Jamie Foxx, Gerard Butler, Leslie Bibb
Rating: R for strong bloody brutal violence and torture, a scene of rape and pervasive language
Run time: 108 minutes
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