March 10, 2010 THE VILLADOM TIMES II • Page 15 Classic Sendak book transferred to the screen by Dennis Seuling “Where the Wild Things Are” (Warner Home Video), based on the classic children’s picture book by Maurice Sendak, is an example of a movie that enriches, rather than diminishes, its source. Max (Max Records) is the younger of two kids in a single-parent household. His mother (Catherine Keener) loves him, but is overwhelmed by his penchant for being at the center of all kinds of chaos, whether ambushing teenagers with snowballs, wrestling with the family dog, trashing his sister’s room, or being jealous of her new boyfriend (Mark Ruffalo). After he is reprimanded for his behavior, Max sets sail in a small boat across the sea to the Land of the Wild Things, a place inhabited by odd, otherworldly creatures who spend their time without leadership or direction in rough-and-tumble activities. Max loves the place, convinces the Wild Things he should be their king, and leads them on an unrestrained rampage. The most interesting thing about “Where the Wild Things Are” is that it is a liveaction movie with puppetry and elaborate costumes rather than computer generated images. Director Spike Jonze has fashioned a visually beautiful film that captures -even surpasses -- the imagery of the book, which has an enormous following. The film will delight anyone who remembers the book. For teens and adults, the movie might be too juvenile and simple, but for young kids, it will be a joyous excursion into fantasy. Adapting a picture book with little text has its challenges. Sendak incorporates a message about the value of controlling one’s anger and distinguishing between rules meant to protect and those that are meaninglessly applied. The ending lacks the feel-happy quality of most kids’ films, and will probably create more questions than it will answer. Perhaps these are topics for discussion between parents and their kids after the movie is over. The Blu-ray Combo Pack includes Bluray, DVD, and digital versions of the movie, Max (Max Records) and one of his new friends in ‘Where the Wild Things Are.’ and over an hour of special features including the short “Higgelty Piggelty Pop!” with the voices of Meryl Streep and Forest Whitaker; an HBO First Look; and eight webisodes. The movie is also available in a single-disc DVD edition. “Make Way for Tomorrow” (The Criterion Collection) is a 1937 portrayal of family, aging, and the generation gap, (continued on next page) 25 N. Spruce St, Ramsey (min. order $20) (min. order $20) ����������������������������������������� ����������������������������������������� ������������������������������ ������������������������������ ��������������������������������������� ��������������������������������������� Chinese Gourmet Family Dining ��������������������������� 20% Off Any 15% Off Any Pickup Order Dine-in Order (In the Walgreen Center - formerly Terri’s) Major Credit Cards Accepted - $20.00 minimum 201-327-3232 e’re Back! W ����������������������������� ������������� �� ������������������� Better! The Best Got ��������������������� ���������� State Line Diner - Restaurant 201-529-3353 375 State Highway 17 North, Mahwah Open 24 Hours, 7 Days Join Us For Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Now Serving Cocktails, Espresso & Cappuccino $ 00 On $10.00 and over. With this coupon only. One Coupon per table. 5:00 to 9:00 pm only. Off 1 $ 00 VT On $20.00 and over. With this coupon only. One Coupon per table. 5:00 to 9:00 pm only. Off 2 Brown Rice Sushi No Carb Sushi Roll Featuring: VT ������������������ ���������� ������������ �������������������� ������ ����������������������������������������������