Who knew that two of my favorite movies from 2009 would be purportedly created for children by auteur directors? Spike Jonze’s “Where The Wild Things Are” and Wes Anderson’s “Fantastic Mr. Fox” are based on children’s books but have appeal to all audiences and maybe are even better suited for older children and adults than the youngest set.
A quirky, funny, bittersweet look at the lives of a fox family, replete with father/son issues, husband/wife issues, and quasi-sibling rivalry, this film will make you laugh, gasp, and feel sad. The animation is beautiful and painstakingly created, and it’s directed wonderfully with all of the feel of a comic heist movie, yet in a heartfelt way.
It might be a little too dark for kids under 6 or so, but anyone else with a soul should appreciate this touching adaptation of a classic book. It expands on the story and even departs considerably from the Roald Dahl feel and rhythm, but that wasn’t a distraction or a negative feeling. It just felt like its own story, or maybe the real story upon which Dahl’s short tale was based.
I give it five out of five cussin’ stars.
Enjoy this post? Try these:My review of Alice in Wonderland (Spoiler Free)
My review of The Time Traveler’s Wife (Spoiler Free)
My review of Avatar (Spoiler Free)
Twitter: Amanda234
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I cussing loved it
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Twitter: karensugarpants
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The kids and I liked it. Them more than me. But I wasn’t bored, just weirded out a bit.
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It’s on my list, for sure.
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I do very much want to see this and WTWTA. Just haven’t gotten to them. I am glad to see though that I will enjoy them. I don’t get to go see many grown-up movies anymore so I really have to pick and choose. Kids flicks though, I am becoming an expert. I am very glad to see they are making real movies with appeals to children and adults. Pixar is still the bar and they have mastered this art better than anyone else. To me, Up was an amazing motion picture with so much real emotion and yet the children didn’t fully get it. I say fully because they are learning real emotions from it, they just get consumed with Dug. The movie though, is fantastic, at least in my opinion.
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Also, if you liked the first Boondock Saints movie, the new one is quite fun. Not as good as original, only because of Dafoe, but still a great fun ride.
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Holy crap, is it good. Saw it last weekend. It’s been a long time since I’ve grinned during an entire movie.
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Twitter: Kapgar
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Katie and I saw this last night and cussin’ loved it as well. We tend to think of it as Chicken Run meets Ocean’s 11 with the style and quirkiness of The Royal Tenenbaums (for good reason on the last bit, obviously). Who knew Wes Anderson’s dry wit, single-direction camera work, and odd lighting would translate so well into animation.
One of my top films of the year as well.
I haven’t seen Where the Wild Things Are yet, though.
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Fantastic Fox (fantasy) film finds favor from fans. Fabulous.
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Twitter: poppycede
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You thought Where the Wild Things Are was that good? I’m still a book fan, the movie was just a’ight, and Mew’s Halloween costume was THE BEST.
I haven’t seen this movie yet, but have heard a looooot of good about it. Probably won’t get to see it until DVD/HBO, though.
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The movie involves foxes? You spoiled it for me.
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That was one of my FAVORITE books when I was a kid.
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Well… I’ve never even heard of it… must be under a rock? Thanks for the heads up, though. I’ll check it out.
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Haven’t seen Wild Things or this one, but will try to see both over the holidays!
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I am so happy to hear it! I read an article in the New Yorker and it sounded like it would be awesome. Love the director & the author. But so many times I am disappointed. If I am this time, I will blame you.
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Isn’t this story written by Roald Dalh? Charley And The Chocolate Factory?
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