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WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE Has A New Release Date! But... What Will We See?

WHAT WHAT? by Kurzinski Valentine	Feb 27th, 2008 06:15:11 PM
in the butt.
i'm worried as fuck! by bob oblaw	Feb 27th, 2008 06:17:35 PM
it's makin me sick!
Who wrote this? Spike Jones himself? by moondoggy2u	Feb 27th, 2008 06:19:41 PM

Oh, and judging by that weird video by moondoggy2u	Feb 27th, 2008 06:20:41 PM
that has been making the rounds lately, I can see why many would want this thing scrapped and redone.
FOURTH! by irrelevntelefant	Feb 27th, 2008 06:21:01 PM
FRAK!
SIXTH? DOUBLE FRAK! by irrelevntelefant	Feb 27th, 2008 06:21:27 PM

I know someone in post-production by Mr. Gunderson	Feb 27th, 2008 06:25:16 PM
on this and he's on hiatus because they totally stopped work for now. Hopefully they can get it together because he seemed optimistic about the film.
i haven't seen it but... by robot_parade	Feb 27th, 2008 06:30:56 PM
i'm with you, cinemaniac. hate the haters, love the lovers. passion is ten million times more important than what appears on a lunchbox, even when it's not appreciated. if there's a petition, i'll sign it.
WTF? by Bernard Black	Feb 27th, 2008 06:31:08 PM
Did the studio watch any of his movies before they moved forward on this? Did they really expect The Grinch ? And really, what's wrong with a great movie that they'll be able to sell for decades instead of a crap movie that will be forgotten after 3 weeks?
Yes by The Pusher	Feb 27th, 2008 06:34:36 PM
I haven't seen any test footage or screening of this, but based solely on this letter, I'm willing to support whatever this person wants to do. Jonze's "Where The Wild Things Are" sounds like a movie I would absolutely love, and it kills me to know that it exists and I might never ever get to see it. So, I don't know about anyone else, but count me in.
Who wrote this letter? by LoneGun	Feb 27th, 2008 06:35:14 PM
It sounds very much like someone connected to the project, not just an appreciator of the film but someone personally involved. Either way, this is one passionate plea. I think, the studios should recognize that Spike Jonze has a unique style of filmmaking. If they were bold enough to produce his film from the start, they should stand behind him to the end. That said, it's always easy to side with an eccentric director. Perhaps Jonze did not deliver the film he said he would. Who knows?
Fuck the studio execs by slone13	Feb 27th, 2008 06:39:28 PM
They're the reason this industry is in such shambles as it is.
SAVE OUR SPIKE!!!!. by Brians Life	Feb 27th, 2008 06:42:42 PM
Moondoggy, you're either an idiot or 14 years old or both. Spike Jonze is one of the most creative film makers of our time. EXECUTIVE DOUCHEBAGS...don't let the opp for a timeless classic slip so that you can join the Mercedes club. Yeah, it's not THAT simple, I know...but still, there's some one out there that's making the decision.
Let us see Spike's version! by odysseus	Feb 27th, 2008 06:43:02 PM
The studio made a decision to hire him; they should live with it. If it's everything this writer says it is, the movie sounds too special to be buried. If it truly is a wild thing... then set it free!
RE: Leaked footage by Mr. Gunderson	Feb 27th, 2008 06:45:55 PM
Wasn't that proven like a week ago that that footage was a test and that it in no way resembled the finished product? I believe this very site had a statement from Spike saying so.
Brian's life by moondoggy2u	Feb 27th, 2008 06:49:58 PM
To be perfectly honest, I couldn't give two shits about how good a director Jonze is, the fact is that video clip that was released/leaked was an absolutely uninteresting mess. Sure, they got the look of the main critter so that it greatly resembles his 2-D incarnation, but the environment bore no resemblence to the children's book and the acting and pacing made the whole thing seem more disturbing and dull than entertaining. Oh, and as for being an idiot, that's fine--call me what you will, but I wasn't the only one who questioned the direction in lieu of the source material.
Well, I hope that is the case, Gunderson by moondoggy2u	Feb 27th, 2008 06:52:54 PM
I've been on here a lot more regular than normal these past couple of weeks, but I guess I missed Spike's statement. I do recall, however, that a lot of rumors were flying around that the leaked footage was actual footage from the film. Do you have the link to Spike's statement?
moondoggy by Mr. Gunderson	Feb 27th, 2008 06:56:29 PM
Can't find the link for this site because their search engine suck bu here's the story on Filmdrunk http://www.filmdrunk.com/post. phtml?pk=1171
It's Not Footage... by TheRealMoriarty	Feb 27th, 2008 06:56:46 PM
... from the actual film. It was a pre-shoot test done to determine how they'd do the monsters, a test to show to the studio. But I sort of disagree with Spike when he says it's "nothing" like the movie. This reviewer said it best... that clip catches a tone that is definitely present in the film as it exists right now.
Damnit, Mori... by Mr. Gunderson	Feb 27th, 2008 06:59:12 PM
I wish we could hear your thoughts on the film, especially given the state of the film, we keep getting these small tidbits of an opinion. Understandable but frustrating.
Thanks, Gunderson, and Moriarty by moondoggy2u	Feb 27th, 2008 06:59:50 PM
Well, if that is the tone of the film, as the reviewer intimates, then its all wrong with the book. In the book, the creatures were smiling and happy. In that test footage, it just seemed creepy...kind of like Donnie Darko or something.
Does Spike seriously not have final cut? by Bungion Boy	Feb 27th, 2008 07:00:06 PM
Or creative control? He's Spike Fucking Jonze! I figured that whatever he shot, whether the studio liked it or not, would not be able to be changed. This pisses me off. My friend saw this and said it was one of the strangest, most unique things he'd ever seen.
weirder and frakking weirder by newc0253	Feb 27th, 2008 07:02:05 PM
one week we get 'test footage' that is distinctly lo-fi and naturalistic. it's also very charming in its own way but very much at odds with the very stylised look of the book. next week we get a note from Mr Jonze saying it's just test footage. now we get this passionate rant against the corporate suits messing with Jonze's artistic vision. three things occur to me: one, this production seems troubled. two, i'm happy to give Jonze the benefit of the doubt. i've never seen a film of his that wasn't ten kinds of clever. three, if that wasn't test footage, though, it may just be possible that Jonze disappeared up his own ass with this one and the suits are right.
Moondoggy...which would you rather? by Brians Life	Feb 27th, 2008 07:03:07 PM
Serious question...if there was no middle ground would you rather a WTWTA made for adults or kids? Also, sorry for the sharpness...not my usual bag. Been a rough week at work. Peace?
Also, in the test footage... by moondoggy2u	Feb 27th, 2008 07:04:00 PM
why was the kid wearing the bunny suit instead of a wolf costume? I never did understand that one.
Also Moondoggy... by Brians Life	Feb 27th, 2008 07:04:41 PM
...ah, it's already been pointed out, but also that is not only NOT a scene from the movie...but also not a set (it was shot in Griffith Park here in LA) and not the kid who's in the movie and not the suit from the movie.
no worries, Life by moondoggy2u	Feb 27th, 2008 07:05:19 PM
I would have it made for kids. My reasoning is that the author made a children's book and not a more cynical, slightly disturbing novel.
Moondoggy...again... by Brians Life	Feb 27th, 2008 07:05:28 PM
Spike Jonez said last week that the kid in the test scene is wearing a Lamp costume they bought real cheap.
"In the book, the creatures were smiling and happy" by newc0253	Feb 27th, 2008 07:06:10 PM
yes, but to give Jonze the benefit of the doubt again, i don't think a free adaptation of the book precludes taking some significant liberties in order to catch the spirit of the thing. also bear in mind the book is really short. anyone spinning that thing out to at least 90 minutes would have to supply plenty of exegesis.
Moon...than I greatly respect your opinion... by Brians Life	Feb 27th, 2008 07:06:51 PM
...but I don't think you're gonna like this movie for any reason. From what I've heard it's more disturbing and adult, but not at all graphic or anything so kids can still watch it. I'm expecting the reaction to be something like HAPPY FEET only better....if that makes sense.
Yeah, I didn't know that it was just test footage by moondoggy2u	Feb 27th, 2008 07:09:00 PM
I guess I didn't get the memo. Still, for me, the tone of that footage is what proved most problematic; it was just all wrong. If the film really is like that, I can see why studio execs might balk.
Damn fine review! by SkinJob69	Feb 27th, 2008 07:09:29 PM
Sounds like they really made something that respects and transcends Sendak's book. Gotta see this!
The Book by TheRealMoriarty	Feb 27th, 2008 07:09:43 PM
It's a book about a temper tantrum. Whatever else it is... whatever we attach to it in our love of the images or the art or the design or our memories of hearing it as children... it's a book about a child having a tantrum and then returning to his mother's embrace when it's done. And one would hope that, whatever version the final film takes, it would honor that primary theme. Personally, I'd love to know what Sendak thinks of it.
Kids by The Funketeer	Feb 27th, 2008 07:11:20 PM
Nothing like taking a classic children's book and making the movie for adults. Lord knows there's so much quality fare out there for children right now. They don't need a good movie.
I desperately want to see this by red_weed	Feb 27th, 2008 07:11:49 PM
Please let them spend time to work on fx for spike's cut and not re-shoot the whole thing. It sounds just like the kind of film i love
Power to the People by jleft	Feb 27th, 2008 07:12:08 PM
And there it goes... no longer a virgin. After 6 years of keeping track of this site I've found a page that I can't stay away from . Everyday it gets harder for me to understand why it is we are lead by the least amoung us. The future is such a long way off . Seems to me that the 90% of the planet that isn't tuned in are getting furthur & furthur out of tune . This is really making me sad.
Hey, that's alright, Life by moondoggy2u	Feb 27th, 2008 07:13:30 PM
I'm not exactly the target audience for this thing anyway, children's story or no. All I'm suggesting is that the "suits" might actually have a legitimate reason for disliking Jonze's direction, especially when you consider the idea that the suits may have been under the impression that they were adapting a children's book so that they could successfully market the film to, you know, children...
Sad by Bob of the Shire	Feb 27th, 2008 07:13:47 PM
Sounds like the studios have no idea how to sell this. And that's exactly the problem with Hollywood these days, films are made based solely on their marketability. I understand the need to make money, but when you're worrying more about the trailer for the film than the film itself, you've got a problem. Hopefully Spike can wrangle control of this film back and get his vision released. Even if it is terrible, I'd rather see his unique mess than another cookie-cutter kids flick.
Kids or adults by Mr. Gunderson	Feb 27th, 2008 07:14:31 PM
A good movie is a good movie. Neverending Story scared me when I was a kid every time I watched it... and I loved it. I think you try to make a good movie, not a good KIDS movie.
"you’re not the center of the universe" by Yeti	Feb 27th, 2008 07:16:46 PM
Sounds like this movie should be required viewing for all of generation "Y" and everyone born since.
It seems to me most kids stories are a bit disturbing... by SkinJob69	Feb 27th, 2008 07:17:08 PM
even the Disney films. Why should this one be different.
Bob by moondoggy2u	Feb 27th, 2008 07:19:29 PM
It might be that Jonze didn't know how to direct this. After all, he is the one that is taking a children's story and slapping a disturbing, adult tone on the thing. On the other hand, if it turns out management is halting production just for the sake of fart jokes, than I'll be on the side of Jonze.
Kill this abomination by Liberty Valance	Feb 27th, 2008 07:22:11 PM
This is why you don't make a feature out of a 48 page kids' bedtime story and put some twisted misanthrope in charge of it. This "spy" (cast/crew member) describes it as "startlingly dark, adult and deep" that "isn’t a movie for children." I'm sure that's exactly what the movie execs wanted when setting out to adapt one of the most beloved childrens' books of all time. Fuck Spike Jonze and all this blind allegiance to him.
"Blind Allegiance" by Brians Life	Feb 27th, 2008 07:24:03 PM
How is that possible when we're WATCHING movies!?! That's just bad writing. Go home before Jimmy Stewart pretends he shot you!
The Cat in the Hat movie was an abortion. . . by Uncle Stan	Feb 27th, 2008 07:26:29 PM
. . . despite the source material being one of the top ten works of American literature. Screw you, Pynchon!!
Might as well shit in my mouth by Gozu	Feb 27th, 2008 07:28:39 PM
I was looking forward to this for SO LONG. Jim Henson + Spike Jonze + Monsters = awesome. To be fair, it's a problematic book to adapt into a movie because it's really just about a kid who plays with monsters. But everything I hear about it makes me believe it's a fine little movie that the suits are going to fuck up beyond recognition.
They can't totally re-do this... by SkinJob69	Feb 27th, 2008 07:30:29 PM
look at all these folks doing voice work: Lauren Ambrose ... KW (voice) Forest Whitaker ... Wild Thing (voice) Catherine Keener Catherine O'Hara ... (voice) James Gandolfini
And Tom Hanks & Maurice Sendak are producers by SkinJob69	Feb 27th, 2008 07:33:15 PM
Would they have let the production go too far off track? Doubt it.
Maybe Sofia Copolla got to him... by Brians Life	Feb 27th, 2008 07:37:04 PM
...and included a WILD THING voiced by her. It's called "Dad?" and it's name is simply her line reading from the end of GODFATHER III. This would set up WTHTA 2 in which "Dad?" leaves the Forest and uses her father's entertainment connection to make bad movies that French Audience's boo.
I, for one, loved the test footage. by Kid Idioteque	Feb 27th, 2008 07:41:43 PM
This is one of the few books that suck with me from my childhood, even though I haven't read it in probably 15 years. I say fine if the studio wants to fuck with it, but they better release Spike's version at some point... completed.
*stuck with me from childhood by Kid Idioteque	Feb 27th, 2008 07:42:31 PM
Wow, that sounded terrible.
Cap'n Jack by Beldo84	Feb 27th, 2008 07:50:34 PM
A budget of $75 million might have something to do with it? But I think the people saying the execs might have a legit point are being silly. The best kids movies are the ones that were a little scary and a little over our heads when we were children, but we ultimately were able to gather what they were about: Willy Wonka, Watership Down, The Princess Bride, Neverending Story, E.T., Pinnochio, Big, etc.
Watership Down kicked my childhood ass by SkinJob69	Feb 27th, 2008 07:56:17 PM
Pretty darn violent as I recall. Very mature, philosophical content as well. Wouldn't mind seeing it remade for today's youngin's
Honestly? by waggy	Feb 27th, 2008 08:03:05 PM
I thought the studio was crazy from day 1 for giving this thing to Spike. I love the guy, and was excited to see how the movie turned out, but seriously, they should have known from the beginning that he was not going to turn in a kiddie movie for the masses. I'm disappointed by this news, but not the least bit surprised. Just compare the BO's of Alvin and the Chipmunks and Being John Malkovich (and if you think any other factor matters to the studios here, you're being naive)
Good Ol' Fashion Internet Power by ryandowneyjr	Feb 27th, 2008 08:11:46 PM
The internet has a resonance. I think I read in an interview on CHUD that execs DO read these sites and we DO influence decisions. This sounds like a movie that we can all believe in, that will have a resonance like the Iron Giant or Toy Story. These were simply kids movies but they had a vision - much like THIS has a vision. We believe in Bird and in Pixar to deliver because they understand what childhood is really all about. Not like 90% of the shite that comes out. Not A Sharks Tale, not Robots, not the Grinch or Cat in the Hat. These movies are exactly what the studio want but are footnote joke in the history of children's films. If they play it right, if they believe in the vision then WTWTA will become a classic that will resonate for decades. We will buy DVD's and Special Editions and books and merchandise for our kids and our grandkids, smiling as we know the amazing thing we're bestowing upon them.
Okay...so what are WE gonna do about it? by Brians Life	Feb 27th, 2008 08:13:38 PM

I really believe in Spike by Kloipy	Feb 27th, 2008 08:14:16 PM
even though it was test footage, what this guy wrote really touched my heart. I see this movie as being something special and Spike is a great person to bring it to life. I know a lot of people said 'it's not like the book' but seriously the book is pretty short and if we can get something that can go beyond the book I think that's wonderful. This is I guess just a special movie to me as I love WTWTA. I really hope we get something with depth instead a bunch of WT's farting and making stupid pop culture referrances. It's like the live action version of Peter Pan that came out a few years back. It was still fun, but it had an undercurrent of sadness throughout and one of the most true feelings about love and growing up than we get with most of the hollywood bullshit. I really hope that we can get something better with this movie and I hope Spike can stay on board and keep the vision intact
This just got elevated to the status of MUST SEE by gruntybear	Feb 27th, 2008 08:17:06 PM
Jesus. If those four examples of what this movie embodies are at all accurate, ("as you wish", etc.) this very well could be a contender as one of my all-time favorite films. I'm very impressed when someone swings for the moon with something other than million $ FX. Even if this comes up short, the attempt will be worth seeing. My expectations are now amped. Please, please, please good sirs, give us Spike Jones' original vision unadulterated.
And I was invited to that screening by s0nicdeathmonkey	Feb 27th, 2008 08:22:04 PM
really wish I could have gone.
GOTTA LOVE STUDIO HUMPING by THE KNIGHT	Feb 27th, 2008 08:24:21 PM
they sign off on a director and a script and then want to hump him, and the film in the ass!
Oh God.... by Gungan Slayer	Feb 27th, 2008 08:25:45 PM
they're going to turn this into a complete suckfest...I can already see it happening. Bob of the Shire, I agree with when you said that studios these days don't know what the hell to do with these types of films. If it's a bit off, or a 'strange,' nonconventional film, the studios freak out. Sigh. This really is sad to hear, I was looking forward to seeing this.
Cinemaniac1979... by Scorecard	Feb 27th, 2008 08:33:53 PM
is a little TOO emotionally involved in what could be...
Sounds like the Wolfman. by hamslime	Feb 27th, 2008 08:35:01 PM
These studio types must think that we got too spoiled in 2007 and our standards may be raised as a result. So I guess it makes sense that they would sabotage any movie that reeks of quality. You gotta keep the bar low if you want to clear it. As for kids, as long as there are monsters in it, they will watch it. If adults like it too, you've just expanded your audience. Something to keep in mind. The Dark Crystal is still selling DVDs, how many copies of Garbage Pail Kids: The Movie are getting moved?
Sounds like the Wolfman. by hamslime	Feb 27th, 2008 08:37:27 PM
These studio types must think that we got too spoiled in 2007 and our standards may be raised as a result. So I guess it makes sense that they would sabotage any movie that reeks of quality. You gotta keep the bar low if you want to clear it. As for kids, as long as there are monsters in it, they will watch it. If adults like it too, you've just expanded your audience. Something to keep in mind. The Dark Crystal is still selling DVDs, how many copies of Garbage Pail Kids: The Movie are getting moved?
moondoggy2u...you need to read the book again by bacci40	Feb 27th, 2008 08:42:40 PM
those "happy smiling monsters" are very close to grimacing and snarling, as they represent the inner turmoil of a child's rage...if spike has chosen to change the tone of the story into what it is like to be a child left alone, so be it...but as mori pointed out, the heart of the story is the personification of a child's temper tantrum...which is why this book is so beloved by both children and parents
"Needless to say, this isn’t a movie for children" by leobloom	Feb 27th, 2008 08:43:09 PM
That's why a studio would want to reshoot this. Who's the audience for a movie based on a children's book? CHILDREN! Nicely played Jonze.
SCREEN IT - SAVE IT by The Internet	Feb 27th, 2008 08:43:11 PM
If poeple from this production really are writing to/reading this page... SET UP MORE WTWTA SCREENINGS. No matter what state the film is in FX-wise - if you're confident you've got a classic in the works - screen it. Screen it for people who can look past whatever rough edges the FX may have - film schools, conventions, festivals, whatever - people who will appreciate what you're aiming for. Don't ask the studio - just get it out there. Immediately. Fuck the studio - they apparently already want to flush your movie - what more can they do? Claim some interns stole the film + set up screenings without Mr. Jonze's approval. Prove to the studio that this film has an audience. Hardly anyone gets to see half-finished FX movies - anyone truly interested in film would be interested in that opportunity for novelty's sake - if nothing else. Make this thing a legend before the studios bury it. ps - I'll sign any petition that'll help a Spike Jonze movie get finished. The man is a genius. He at least deserves the benefit of the doubt.
SCREEN IT - SAVE IT by The Internet	Feb 27th, 2008 08:45:26 PM
If people from this production really are writing to/reading this page... SET UP MORE WTWTA SCREENINGS. No matter what state the film is in FX-wise - if you're confident you've got a classic in the works - screen it. Screen it for people who can look past whatever rough edges the FX may have - film schools, conventions, festivals, whatever - people who will appreciate what you're aiming for. Don't ask the studio - just get it out there. Immediately. Fuck the studio - they apparently already want to flush your movie - what more can they do? Claim some interns stole the film + set up screenings without Mr. Jonze's approval. Prove to the studio that this film has an audience. Hardly anyone gets to see half-finished FX movies - anyone truly interested in film would be interested in that opportunity for novelty's sake - if nothing else. Make this thing a legend before the studios bury it. ps - I'll sign any petition that'll help a Spike Jonze movie get finished. The man is a genius. He at least deserves the benefit of the doubt.
Sounds like the Wolfman. by hamslime	Feb 27th, 2008 08:49:29 PM
These studio types must think that we got too spoiled in 2007 and our standards may be raised as a result. So I guess it makes sense that they would sabotage any movie that reeks of quality. You gotta keep the bar low if you want to clear it. As for kids, as long as there are monsters in it, they will watch it. If adults like it too, you've just expanded your audience. Something to keep in mind. The Dark Crystal is still selling DVDs, how many copies of Garbage Pail Kids: The Movie are getting moved?
come on WB by darthnoodle	Feb 27th, 2008 08:49:34 PM
don't fuck this one up! Trust Spike Jonze. sure you may not make as much money as you would with some pedestrian piece of shit, but you will be making a movie that will last for years. sometimes art does trump commerce. you've been generous to directors such as kubrick, arronsofsky and foreman. add spike jonze to that list and give him carte blanche. if you must, make a direct to dvd sequel that is as stupid and inane as your executives seem to be.
Studio Execs GOTTA EAT!!! by BGDAWES	Feb 27th, 2008 08:50:18 PM
Seriously though, I hope Spike's vision makes it to the screen; I fucking loved that test footage. I wouldn't mind if the whole film was like that.
I hear Renny Harlin is free... by kikuchiyoboy	Feb 27th, 2008 08:51:18 PM
Seriously, drop these execs off on an island until this movie is released. This is truly unsettling. WTWTA is one of my all time favorites and one of my all time favorite directors got to film it. They better leave their grimy hands of this thing. Who knows how the movie turned out, but that's the beauty of Spike Jonze. Viva La Jonze!!!!
why does the mother have to be a single parent? by bacci40	Feb 27th, 2008 08:55:07 PM
and why does max need a sister? or this is all just to fill out the story, and does it allude to a concept that a single parent is just not very good at discipline?
This year's Golden Compass by performingmonkey	Feb 27th, 2008 08:56:36 PM
I wonder if the studio regrets fucking with Compass now? I know a lot of Dark Materials fans didn't even go see it because of the news that the end was cut and other things had been fucked with. Northern Lights/The Golden Compass is one of the best fantasy books ever written and the movie we ended up with felt like an abomination (not Abomination, he's from this year's turd Hulk)
LOL The Internet by Gungan Slayer	Feb 27th, 2008 09:02:30 PM
I love you're post/idea. LOL
Bacci...single parents ARE bad! by Brians Life	Feb 27th, 2008 09:07:05 PM
Where have you been man? All cigarette smokers are thugs. Only underage teenage skanks and losers that need to grow up smoke pot. White women that work at magazines all have horrible romantic lives. Muslims are all suicide bombers and there are NO black people that wake up before 2pm. Israel is always correct. America is "too hot" to be heroic right now. Welcome to "The Way a Hollywood Exec Thinks 101"
The studio needs to grow some fucking balls by Kid Idioteque	Feb 27th, 2008 09:08:42 PM
and market it as a movie for adults. How about that? A movie for thoughtful adults but also appropriate for children. There is a market for a deep kids' films. Try something original, Warner Brothers. Not all kids are Hannah Montana fans. Just most of them. And I swear, this would be a huge hit with the college demographic, which I myself am a part of.
find a link to the test footage here by nooneimportant	Feb 27th, 2008 09:08:50 PM
www.1337news.com come check us out! ninjas only please
Well, I just looked at the pages of the book by moondoggy2u	Feb 27th, 2008 09:09:45 PM
And guess what? The creatures are all fuzzy, smiling happy creatures. In fact, it appears that is what makes the kid dissapointed/disgusted with them in the first place. Yeah, the book is about the kid's tantrum and the use of his imagination to escape punishment (but eventually learn his lesson), the wild things are all these happy, smiling critters.
AGREED! by captainalphabet	Feb 27th, 2008 09:10:03 PM
save the film!
Three times! Sorry about that. by hamslime	Feb 27th, 2008 09:10:48 PM

And after rereading that book and rewatching footage by moondoggy2u	Feb 27th, 2008 09:11:04 PM
There is a deffinate and noticable change in tone.
Am I the ONLY ONE who LOVED the leaked clip? by PVIII	Feb 27th, 2008 09:15:37 PM
I feel like I'm taking crazy pills here. Even if it was only a test, I thought it was fantastic...
Some of you People are idiots by BrightEyes	Feb 27th, 2008 09:15:45 PM
READ THE BOOK! The book had a very dark and sad tone, and if you ever read it you would know that, buy the book, read it then talk about what the book is or isn't. LET SPIKE's VERSION COME OUT!
I'm glad Spike made it different from the book! by PotSmokinAlien	Feb 27th, 2008 09:16:31 PM
Jesus Christ people, when I have kids i want them to read the fucking book since it is a classic work of art, it's not like i'd be like, 'hmm, how best to introduce my kids to one of my favorite books when i was little? Better pick the movie, since i don't have to teach them to read to enjoy it and they are otherwise identical.' Fuck that. I'd bet the reason Sendak himself is involved is because they didn't try to make some fucking cartoon facsimile of his work. and The Internet, that is the best idea i've heard all day.
Why is kids v. adults even a question? by Larry of Arabia	Feb 27th, 2008 09:16:55 PM
The absolute best children's movies are for both. I don't want a dark adult movie from this books. I also don't want a watered down Cat in the Hat thing. I want to see the very best. I want to see something like ET, Dumbo, or Millions. A children's movie that brings fear and joy and can resonate with parents. This is what test screenings are for. If the reports are correct and children did run out crying, remember this is a preK - K book, the movie failed. We can only hope that the right middle ground is reached instead of the studio panicking and making it into bland kiddie crap. It's an almost impossible target to hit and I wish them luck.
I hope that Spike Jonze's vision makes it to the screen... by JackIsLost	Feb 27th, 2008 09:18:21 PM
I would only add that it is very easy for people with no stake in the success of this film to INSIST that the studio release the film as is. It would be brave, surely. But a studio can only make so many $75 million no-money makers before they have to close up shop. Please bear that in mind...
Kid Idioteque by PotSmokinAlien	Feb 27th, 2008 09:20:21 PM
'the college demographic' to studio suits is Van Wilder. 'hipsters' is closer to the moronic pigeonhole they'd pick for something like this... and they're afraid of 'hipsters.' too fickle.
JackIsLost by PotSmokinAlien	Feb 27th, 2008 09:21:20 PM
go back to hollywood
you dont even have to buy the book. by moondoggy2u	Feb 27th, 2008 09:22:44 PM
they've got the pages all layed out online. Just google it and it comes up. Bright Eyes--since I'm one of the idiots, I'll clarify this whole debae we're having. I'm not arguing that the book didn't have a dark tone. I'm simply arguing that it didn't have the weird, donny darko/disturbing tone that Jonze seems to have dreamt up. Also, I am suggesting that if the movie isn't intended for children, but rather, adults, then a studio that bought the rights to the children's book with the intention of making a children's movie might be justified in their trepidation. I'm not saying they're right or wrong. I'm just saying that there are two sides to this issue.
Jonze's film wouldnt be profitable with college kids... by leobloom	Feb 27th, 2008 09:22:45 PM
they'll just download it. Oh but what if Weezer provides the soundtrack?? Then it really would be a memorial to lost childhood and how everything gets worse as you grow up. ("Beverly Hills, that's where I wanna be?" cringe).
NEEDS MIKEY BAY TO TAKE OVER ASAP. by TomBodet	Feb 27th, 2008 09:22:59 PM
Put in: Giant Robots, Explosions and Steve Buscemi. THEN-you'll have yer movie. Yessier. Spike Jonze will be the dude on the left w/ the stogie.
Why bother? by krack	Feb 27th, 2008 09:24:08 PM
I'd like to get all worked up about this and rant, but in the recent past, I've watched Transformers be ruined, Lucas wreck the Star Wars universe, GI Joe about to go down the toilet, and now the Justice League 90210. All the stuff I cared about as a kid were completely disrespected, why should I care about this one more than the others? Now, if you'll excuse me, I've got to go watch Lucas stick Bigfoot and vampires (SPOILER) in the next Indiana Jones.
No, I LOVED the leaked clip.... by Brians Life	Feb 27th, 2008 09:24:47 PM
...which wasn't a CLIP at all, but test footage. I loved the clip though...fucking great. I don't want an adaptation of a 20 page book in which a kid goes to his room for chasing the dog....I want something a little twisted. HELL, those were the BEST kids movies. Dark Crystal and The NeverEnding Story....those are the one's that stick with you.
I agree, Larry by moondoggy2u	Feb 27th, 2008 09:25:43 PM
Also, why is it that those of us who are suggesting that a studio could be justifiably nervous about their 75 million dollar investment are considered idiots.
Leobloom.... by Brians Life	Feb 27th, 2008 09:25:50 PM
...college kids don't listen to Weezer anymore.
I NEED this movie by afacewithaview	Feb 27th, 2008 09:26:33 PM
I have been looking forward to this from Day One. Based on this plea, it is everything I was hoping it to be. With the new release date, it seems almost ceartain that there will be definite changes to the film. I'm trying to be optimistic and hope that they find away to keep the emotions, themes, and the maturity of this cut and make it a little less scary. Of course, I would love for them to release it as it is right now but that doesn't seem to be an option. Whatever changes are made I hope it is able to widen thier audience without losing its gut.
THIS GENERATION'S "MAGNIFICENT AMBERSONS!!!" by leobloom	Feb 27th, 2008 09:27:08 PM

Brian's Life by moondoggy2u	Feb 27th, 2008 09:27:39 PM
Uhh, I work at a university. Trust me, the kids are still listening to Weezer.
I GET why the studios nervouse.... by Brians Life	Feb 27th, 2008 09:28:02 PM
...I'm sure they were thinking marketing would pay for itself w/ the Burger King toys and cool stickers for Trapper Keepers they can sell...so are my reasons for hoping that Spike gets his way this selfish...YOU BETCHA! I just wanna see a good movie...Spike has delivered one of them everytime.
Bigfoot? been done. CHEWIE! by TomBodet	Feb 27th, 2008 09:28:46 PM
Anyways...
Some college kids listen to old weezer, not new weezer by leobloom	Feb 27th, 2008 09:28:53 PM
then again not all college kids listen to anything specific.
Hell, they're still listening to Green Day by moondoggy2u	Feb 27th, 2008 09:29:14 PM
I can't even begin to fathom why.
This year's LITTLE MISS TOUCH OF EVIL by leobloom	Feb 27th, 2008 09:29:30 PM

WILD THINGS GOTTA EAT! by El_Pollo_Diablo	Feb 27th, 2008 09:31:59 PM
C'mon... you knew it was coming.
"uhhhhhhh" by Brians Life	Feb 27th, 2008 09:32:12 PM
Moon, don't do the "I'm more informed than you" Uhhhh at me...give me more respect than that. Of course they're listening to Weezer, just as they are the Beetles, Dave Matthews and a ton of college mainstays....but I was refuting a specific point in which some one stated that college kids would flock to this movie if it had a Weezer soundtrack. Do college kids enjoy Weezer enough for it to be the "BANNER COLLEGE BAND" into which all other college kids will follow?! And congrats, I've worked at 6 Universities this year....and I'm not kidding.
UHG...hate Green Day!!!! by Brians Life	Feb 27th, 2008 09:32:59 PM
there is little that makes me more mad than when some one calls Green Day "punk"
B Life, did you really think i thought weezer by leobloom	Feb 27th, 2008 09:38:05 PM
should do the soundtrack? C'mon, man. Read between the lines and never read any TB literally.
Brian's life by moondoggy2u	Feb 27th, 2008 09:38:21 PM
Give me a break. You've been copping an attitude all evening, kiddo, and the moment someone calls you out on it you turn this into a case of mine is bigger than yours. Believe me when I say that i am less than impressed by Internet Rambos and have little interest in your purported university experience. As for the poster that made the weezer comment, I think he was being a bit facetious, but considering where you've speaking from this evening, I'll understand if you're a bit hard of hearing.
'the Beetles' by PotSmokinAlien	Feb 27th, 2008 09:39:45 PM
give me a breek dude!
Judging from... by PotSmokinAlien	Feb 27th, 2008 09:41:40 PM
how happy and fulfilled Moondoogy and Brian's Life seem, I hereby vow to never work at a university ever in my life
Can we focus here people? by TheSplinter	Feb 27th, 2008 09:42:37 PM
One of the great works of child literature is about to be ass-raped by people who can't see past their own noses. I read this book to my kids all the time and truly enjoy that there are several pages where it is nothing but amazing drawings. The book is about imagination and how a child who can't express himself in anything other than a rage can come to grips with the changing world around him. While we all have to grow up, or try to, we still get stuck in those situations where we get pissed off, want to throw on the wolf suit and get back to the primal-scream tantrum stage we tried to leave behind. With Spike Jonze in charge and with the Henson puppets on board, we may have something close to the feel of the book. Too dark and scary for kids? Try to watch The Dark Crystal and not think, holy shit, we saw this as kids and didn't piss ourselves with fright. The most resonant stories from our youth revolve around dark things in life. Can't we demand that this movie stay true to the artist's vision? Especially if Sendak is on board? What I want us to do is stop bitching about college music and fucking focus on the shit that is being pulled on this movie. I don't like to get involved in talk backs too often, but dammit- this one is important. In fact, I am going to go right now and read this to my kids. Good night.
nor should you, pot by moondoggy2u	Feb 27th, 2008 09:44:40 PM
I have a life-long love for Guiness, so I'm satisfied ;)
FUCK THIS! JONZE IS THE MAN! by Proman1984	Feb 27th, 2008 09:45:18 PM
DON'T YOU FUCKING MESS WITH HIS VERSION!
Giving you a break... by Brians Life	Feb 27th, 2008 09:49:07 PM
Sorry brother, but typically mine is bigger than yours. And how much of an "attitude" have I been coping? Despite your non interest, I work in reality TV, did a University Tour this year w/ 2 shows...get past it. Where am I speaking from? Los Angeles? PotSmokinAlien ...yeah, you got me on that one. Fast typing is no excuse for that. I can play Norwegian Wood on guitar if that makes up for it all!?! Facetious? You think? (get it) He was making a sarcastic comment w/ intentions of negativity regarding the movie which is part of the subject. Am I wrong? No, Leo, I didn't think you were serious and the fact that you asked makes me think if there is just something fundamentally wrong with the way I speak on the internet.
speaking of good kids movies: MILLIONS by PVIII	Feb 27th, 2008 09:50:33 PM
I'd make my kid watch THAT great movie.
Ergh. Its gone. Its a disaster and its all over... by Tourist	Feb 27th, 2008 09:50:35 PM
...Just let it die. Bury it and let it surface on shady bootlegs years from now. EVERYTHING this guy says gives the studios every reason to completely retool it. You dont sink hundreds of millions of dollars into a childrens property, that would be stacked to the gills with merchandising opportunities so that a handful of hipsters can get a kick out of it, while, as this dick himself says, children scratch their heads and wish they were somewhere else. Now, I'm not complaining about the film, Im in the handful of hipsters who loves this shit, but be reasonable, its alot of money for someone else to flush down the toilet so we can get our shits and giggles. I'm just confused that they greenlit this in the first place. I've read peoples opinions of the script, I've seen the Proof Of Concept, I've familiar with the people working on its previous efforts, did the studio really have no clue what they were getting into? Did they think that Everything would magically change at some point and morph into an Alvin And The Chipmunks flick? One things for sure, this is gonna have some kick ass Brazil like stories coming out of it.
This movie is...somewhat pretentious dribble by TallBoy66	Feb 27th, 2008 09:53:12 PM
Maybe not, but that review made me roll my eyes after awhile.
Oh good lord. You're one of THOSE people. by moondoggy2u	Feb 27th, 2008 09:54:30 PM
You know, its funny, but omnibus and I were just talking about you, and those like you, just a few weeks ago. All of six universiies this year, hmm? A whole tour? I've got to hand it to you, Brian, you sure are an expert when it comes to campus life.
Wow. by hawktownboonies	Feb 27th, 2008 09:55:57 PM
I discovered this site when I was a junior in high school. Seven years later, though I visit the site usually twice a day, I have never, until now, felt the need to create a username, much less post a comment. After reading each and every comment in this talkback, I just get more and more fucking pissed off. Not at those making the comments, maybe not even at the studio(s). Many people are caught up in the "right/wrong" issue of the studio v. Spike. What really fries my ass in a goddamn skillet is the fact that our community, this huge group of "inconsequentials", cares about this film more than those ultimately in charge of its fate. What a sad fucking state of affairs. Assuming Spike did deliver a film completely different in tone from what the studio had expected, I will still always prefer an interesting failure (doesn't sound to likely) to a goddamn "Horton Hears a Who" (judging from today's review). I had planned on this speech being eloquent, epic, and affecting, but I'm just too sick to go on. You guys rock.
moondoggy by Beldo84	Feb 27th, 2008 09:56:15 PM
The studio can be nervous, but they knew what they were getting into for two reasons: a) they hired Spike Jonze to direct, b)They approved a script by Jonze and a well-known, offbeat writer (by Hollywood standards, at least) in Dave Eggers. Dave Eggers for chrissake! Do you honestly think they expected for the guy to make "Sky High"? Or even "Labyrinth"? These people should not be whining, they got what they paid for. If they couldn't see that what was going to come of this wasn't an after school special featuring Jim Henson workshop creatures, they are borderline retarded and don't deserve their jobs in the first place (what a shocker, right?)
Never claimed to be... by Brians Life	Feb 27th, 2008 10:00:32 PM
...you said "Uhhh, I work at a University"....and I said "I worked at 6". That was all. I don't know who Omnibus is, but hold on....I can do this too... Oh, you're one of THOSE people that calls one of MY people one of THOSE people. How good for you. Me and McGullicutty were just remarking over juice and tea the other day how sorry we feel for people like YOU. For some one with no interest in my "portported university experience" you sure filled a post with comments on it. BOOSH!
B-Life... Im curious to know what you actually do... by Scorecard	Feb 27th, 2008 10:02:32 PM
...Because over the the Justice League talkback, you're a comic expert... and you mention you're 27.... and here you've apparently worked in 6 University's in the last year - What do you do? Are you a Professional Dungeon Master?
People keep bringing up... by Tourist	Feb 27th, 2008 10:06:42 PM
...Flicks like The Dark Crystal, The Neverending Story, Watership Down. These were all films I LOVED as a child. I also enjoyed my singing and dancing dreck too probally, but these were the ones that stayed with me and affected me the deepest. They also scared and upset me. The best work for children has to. It has to show them something outside of the comfortable world most of them know. The test footage, and reactions, reminded me most of the classic childrens film The Snowman (for those who aren't familiar with it http://youtube.com/watch?v=pon B8Hd_lG4). The issue here is...well, they WERE childrens films. Dark, upsetting, movie, challenging CHILDRENS films. This letter flat out states that its not a kids film. Thats its strictly for the adults. What is the fucking point then? If I was the studio, and you had taken an expensive property that was alwawys intended for kids, and excluded them as some kind of perverse stunt, I would be pissed too. Unless thats how you sold it to me in the first place. Maybe this guy is just really bad at wording his plea, but I cant see shit like this helping Spikes cause. Which is a shame, because I really want to see this film and had sounded so promising. Oh, and don't bag on the Garbage Pail Kids Movie too much. Its an interesting abortion. Much like this film will probally end up being.
The reshoot will have a rapping wild thing by mr.brownstone	Feb 27th, 2008 10:08:10 PM
mark my words. I pray they release Spike's film
Scorecard... by Brians Life	Feb 27th, 2008 10:08:43 PM
...i work as a Set Dresser. I do mostly reality television w/ the non-union feature here and there. I WISH I was a professional dungeon master...but I've never played D and D, but my friends JUST intoduced me to MAGIC, so now I'm hooked to that. I was at like 24 schools last year for interviews for some reality shows....we ended up shooting at 6 of them. All on the West Coast.
Maybe Spike can take a shot at... by Tourist	Feb 27th, 2008 10:08:49 PM
...Some other Briggs classics, like When The Wind Blows. Just take out the nukes and soviets and put in a-rabs and chemical warfare. Kids will love it. No, they will. I did as a kid.
Though, Scorecard, like EVERYONE in LA... by Brians Life	Feb 27th, 2008 10:09:34 PM
...that is my "make money" job and not what I wants to do.
Yeah, Beldo, that is an excellent point by moondoggy2u	Feb 27th, 2008 10:12:24 PM
And really, I have to agree with you. How could the studio not understand? This, of course, begs the question that if they did know what they were getting into, why the change now? Is it possible that Jonze handed them something different than what was promised/implied? Or is it just another case of studios being short sighted? Normally, like most everybody here, I would assume that it was the latter, but consider the following: As you said, the studios hired Jonze. Ergo, they hired him for his distinctive style. The script, as you also pointed out, is written by, well, weirdos. It would seem to me that they were going for weird and offbeat, but perhaps, and this is just me spitballing, Jonze delivered something even weirder and more disturbing than what was desired. In other words, Jonze may have taken the bit between his teeth and run wild. Of course, this is all conjecture. In the end, considering the mixed reaction from us nerds in reguards to the test footage and the supposed rumors of children running screaming from the test screening, the studios might be justified in their tampering. Then again, maybe they've pulled a complete 180 degrees and are simply recouping perceived losses. It just seems a bit overly dramatic to jump to a conclusion since there are at least two distinct and probable possibilites. Even this letter from Harry's new "spy" can be used to reinforce both possibilites. Until there is more information, it seems a bit premature to simply assume the studios are mistaken.
Tourist by Beldo84	Feb 27th, 2008 10:19:27 PM
First of all, you're taking this guy's word for it that this is not a children's film. We don't know what context he's speaking in. He might not consider it a kids' film because they don't make kids' films like this anymore. Or maybe it's because he enjoyed it so much and on a high level. However...Did he ask any kids what they thought? No. We're getting second hand accounts of people saying their kids were crying and upset. I cried in The Witches (the scene of them taking their masks off scared the shit out of me), didn't mean I didn't love it. Likewise, I watched The Simpsons when I was a kid and fucking loved it. I highly doubt adults watching it at the time thought kids would get much enjoyment out of it, but they did. Now I'm an adult and love it even more than I used to and it's on a whole other level. Why couldn't Where the Wild Things Are be the same way? (Hope this post made some sense, apologies for my rambling)
You're right moondoggy, but... by Beldo84	Feb 27th, 2008 10:26:10 PM
I agree that the studio has a right to get cold feet if the test screenings with kids aren't going well, but again, what did they expect? I can almost picture Jonze in a meeting with studio heads saying over and over "this is not going to be a kid's film. I think kids will enjoy it, but this is not pandering to them." And the studio nodding, and cut to a year and a half later, and they're shouting at him, pulling their hair out of their heads "I thought you were making a kids film! The kids hate it!" and Jonze just shaking his head. I'm coming around to agree with you...Jonze was also naive if he thought he could get out of this thing unscathed.
That's funny, beldo by moondoggy2u	Feb 27th, 2008 10:27:47 PM
Cause you're really convincing me to side with you a bit more. Oi--I really am terminally contrary.
It could be the same way... by Tourist	Feb 27th, 2008 10:27:47 PM
...But this dick says its not. Like I said, I'm taking issue with his letter, not the film, which I highly anticipate. Just like The Witches was an exellent and exciting childrens film that was also darker and more unusual than crap like Surfs Up, this could be a sad and disturbing, yet highly entertaining childrens flick. But letters like this just put nails in the coffin by reinforcing the retarded mentallity that dark material is for adults, and stupid cat in the hat crap is for kids.
Witches, Watership Down, Secret of NYHM... by Brians Life	Feb 27th, 2008 10:36:42 PM
...these are the movies I remember. The ones that stuck where the one's that didn't underestimate us as children. Tourist, you raise a REALLY good point, in that alot of people have just assumed there is a static notion of what kid's will enjoy. Somewhere along the way the masses assumed that everything had to be as tolerant and sensitive as Shrek.
Who's to say, esp. at this point, that this movie is NOT.... by Brians Life	Feb 27th, 2008 10:38:47 PM
...for kids. Just because it's not watered down nonsense, doesn't mean it's not going to be compelling for children. Look at HAPPY FEET (which I really liked)...I felt that was a movie that a kid couldn't just watch...he'd HAVE to think about it. There were questions in it that needed answers. Lessons about morality and self worth....
Which studio is putting this out? by Kurzinski Valentine	Feb 27th, 2008 10:44:42 PM
The fans should attempt a 'Jericho'-esque campaign, but instead of sending peanuts, they send millions of small boxes of their own steaming, fetid shit. They'll never see it coming.
Kids tolerating by Beldo84	Feb 27th, 2008 10:45:36 PM
It is pretty amazing how skewed the entertainment industry is in thinking that kids only enjoy sanitized sitcommy crap with all the rough edges smoothed out and shined. Do people not realize what kids read every day? Scary Stories by Alvin Schwartz. Judy Blume books. Bridge to Terabithia (speaking of films smoothing out the edges). Harry Potter! And those films do a hell of a business too last time I checked. Do they think darkness only applies with the Harry Potter brand? So maybe the film will appear to the 9-12 year olds instead of the little kids. Is that really so bad?
yep by ragingdrunklove	Feb 27th, 2008 10:46:17 PM
this guy should know that creativity and passion are dead in hollywood. but seriously, fuck hollywood.
Jonze or no, this will never top the ultimate kids movie by moondoggy2u	Feb 27th, 2008 10:50:47 PM
Which, as everyone knows, is Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger. And if you're looking for life lessons, I can think of none more useful than this: when encountering giant wasps, duck a hell of a lot lower than 1 foot.
I miss.... by RodJohnson	Feb 27th, 2008 10:55:18 PM
...this movie already :(
I'm pretty much on the fence abou this one by Lyghthouse	Feb 27th, 2008 10:58:10 PM
It reminds me a little of the last time WB pulled this "reshoots" thing with the Exorcist prequel. Everyone got into a hissyfit about Paul Schrader's cut being thrown out for Renny Harlins, but then we found out that BOTH versions sucked. I love Spike Jones as a filmmaker, but great filmmakers can make great miscalculations. I for one don't think Where the Wild Things Are should make children cry. I don't think it should be dark and disturbing. Does that mean I want a crappy happy go lucky flick? No, of course not, but it should still be a movie appropriate for kids. Sure, movie geeks might eat this shit up and call it a great film, but great movies like ET appeal to all audiences and not just film lovers and movie geeks. So forgive me if I don't automatically call this movie a masterpiece merely because Spike Jones has directed it.
So... by Pendejo Joe	Feb 27th, 2008 11:04:28 PM
Posting this passionate letter is great and all... but what's going to be done about it?
Please release this now by S.Lowrey	Feb 27th, 2008 11:05:21 PM

Well, Pendejo Joe, first, we'll form a committee! by moondoggy2u	Feb 27th, 2008 11:05:36 PM

Lyghthouse by Beldo84	Feb 27th, 2008 11:07:41 PM
There's a difference between a film that makes children cry, and one that is "dark and disturbing." The word "disturbing" isn't used, he says "dark" and "adult." There's plenty of childrens' films that have already been listed on this thread that would fit in that category and yet, are still beloved by children the world over. A movie doesn't have to pander to kids to be appropriate for kids, and this guy (one man's opinion, btw) said nothing about it NOT being appropriate, he simply said he felt it was adult. Kids enjoy all sorts of things deemed "adult"...in fact, most kids I've encountered hate being condescended to, and they'd rather see something that they don't quite get. Again, maybe the film isn't for 4 and 5 year olds. They might not get the "Cars" market, but they might get the "Harry Potter" market, which is just as good one would think.
So long as AT SOME POINT... by Brians Life	Feb 27th, 2008 11:08:19 PM
...we get to storm a castle.
You shall know us by our Velocity: Great book. Dave Eggers rocks by Stormwatcher	Feb 27th, 2008 11:10:33 PM
Plain and simple. Read that book then his more famous one, A heartwarming......., This movie sounds great. I can imagine them wanting to sell merchandise though and thinking to go in another route. Too bad.
I hate to be a cheeseball and quote a movie... by Beldo84	Feb 27th, 2008 11:12:43 PM
But I think back to that line in "Donnie Darko" when Donnie and his girlfriend have created the viewfinder that shows nothing but happy images, and Noah Wyle replies did you ever stop and think children might need darkness? That it might be part of their natural environment? There's nothing wrong with darkness, folks.
I like committees... by Pendejo Joe	Feb 27th, 2008 11:14:40 PM
This is going to be the best save-a-potentially-poignant-mo vie-from-stupid-studio-execs ever!
I'm watching ACROSS THE UNIVERSE.... by Brians Life	Feb 27th, 2008 11:19:36 PM
...and I'm having trouble believing how bad this movie is. Like REALLY...I wrote this movie one night before I went to sleep drunk.
Guys, stormin' a castle... by Brians Life	Feb 27th, 2008 11:21:08 PM
...seriously. I'm sure MGM has one, they've got that hideous building in Century City. Let's storm a fucking castle already!!!
Perfect Movie? by U-Stu.com	Feb 27th, 2008 11:21:55 PM
This sounds like it could be a perfect movie as far as I'm concerned. I go into movies wanting to be entertained and my emotions to be shaken. I saw Shoot 'Em Up not looking for deep philosophical undertones but to have stupid fun and see things I know are impossible but have always imagined would be cool to do. The studios barely gave it a chance and sadly the audience didn't give it much of one either. WTWTA deserves much more than a chance but a push from movie-lovers because it sounds like and has the foundation of an emotional heart-warming movie that could appeal to a lot more people than my previous example. Studios need to realize this kind of movie should NEVER be made to appeal to someone who wouldn't enjoy the source material. This shouldn't be made to persuade anyone to come and see it but to give the people that would see it anyway more than their money's worth and move them in ways that only film can. This one is not for fans of WTWTA but for fans of the emotions you experience while reading the book... the appreciation for life and imagination.
So wait.... by Pendejo Joe	Feb 27th, 2008 11:28:01 PM
We're forming a castle and storming a committee?
Decisions by the same people that made The Invasion and The Exor by AFriend	Feb 27th, 2008 11:32:03 PM
What great decisions those were. Made a whole lot of money for the studio. Ya, lets gut the film we green-lit, the one that was exactly like the book we grew up w/, melancholic, strange, scary, and wondrous, b/c we're scared that the film won't feel like a big dumb live action Shrek money machine, a movie that will sour more and more w/ time, lets spend twice as much to make the big dumb shrek so we can maybe make a fast buck, just so we can cover our ass and justify our job, and b/c we're a bunch of philistines. We must try to recreate something like all the other successful films. Never mind, the most successful films are new and different and cutting edge. THAT'S RISKY!!! So lets spend TWICE as much money to make something dumb and simple and safe but will likely BOMB anyway. Let's make something that's nothing like the book, b/c the book sucks in the same way that spike jonze's film does. That's why no one read it and liked it. That strategy worked so well with the past successes like The Invasion and The Exorcist prequel. Let's all go out and do some coke and get blow-jobs. I'm tired of blowing myself nightly.
happy feet made me think too by slappy jones	Feb 27th, 2008 11:33:49 PM
it made me think "what the fuck happened to george miller and why in the fuck have I paid to sit through this garbage"
and as for this news...has anyone thought about by slappy jones	Feb 27th, 2008 11:34:57 PM
the fact that maybe the film is a piece of shit? a ridiculous over thinking of a wonderful book that is about 30-40 sentences long??
I have seen this film by shmu65	Feb 27th, 2008 11:35:50 PM
And I don't agree with this reviewer in the least. But I don' think the film needs to be re-shot (well, maybe a few scenes) I saw a very unfinished version and I believe that the film has potential. So I think that it should be released despite what the douchbag studios think. I will say that the kid does come across as a brat and, in doing so, is very "unlikeable." But that can be easily fixed by showing him learning a lesson or changing in some way. Anyway, let Jonze have his shot and see what he pulls off.
No time for answers JOE!!! by Brians Life	Feb 27th, 2008 11:35:57 PM
Put on your storming boots! AND your forming boots! Watch out for the hot oil!!!!
Just like Pan's Labyrinth was a failure... by AFriend	Feb 27th, 2008 11:44:49 PM
I'm one of the nervous executives handling Where the Wild Things Are. Spike Jonze's film sucks just like Pan's Labyrinth did. It will probably do just as poorly as that sad melancholic wondrous film w/ a sad ending that wasn't for kids and made in a foreign language. It totally wasn't likable at all. I'm probably the only one who saw it. It had no crossover appeal or success--philistines just weren't interested. I never read the trades. Please, ladies, douche with me.
It's go time by Pendejo Joe	Feb 27th, 2008 11:46:40 PM
Yeah, Harry. What's up? Puts on one storming boot and one forming boot
By Maurice Sendak by U-Stu.com	Feb 27th, 2008 11:47:33 PM
The night Max wore his wolf suit and made mischief of one kind and another his mother called him “WILD THING!” and Max said “I’LL EAT YOU UP!” so he was sent to bed without eating anything. That very night in Max’s room a forest grew and grew- and grew until his ceiling hung with vines and the walls became the world all around and an ocean tumbled by with a private boat for Max and he sailed off through night and day and in and out of weeks and almost over a year to where the wild things are. And when he came to the place where the wild things are they roared their terrible roars and gnashed their terrible teeth and rolled their terrible eyes and showed their terrible claws till Max said “BE STILL!” and tamed them with the magic trick of staring into all their yellow eyes without blinking once and they were frightened and called him the most wild thing of all and made him king of all wild things. “And now,” cried Max, “let the wild rumpus start!” “Now stop!” Max said and sent the wild things off to bed without their supper. And Max the king of all wild things was lonely and wanted to be where someone loved him best of all. Then all around from far away across the world he smelled good things to eat so he gave up being king of where the wild things are. But the wild things cried, “Oh please don’t go- we’ll eat you up-we love you so!” And Max said, “No!” The wild things roared their terrible roars and gnashed their terrible teeth and rolled their terrible eyes and showed their terrible claws but Max stepped into his private boat and waved good-bye and sailed back over a year and in and out of weeks and through a day and into the night of his very own room where he found his supper waiting for him and it was still hot.
So Spike Jonze turned a children's book into an adult film? by MrMysteryGuest	Feb 27th, 2008 11:58:59 PM
Good grief!
Who Liked Max in the book? by AFriend	Feb 28th, 2008 12:00:55 AM
Well, remember, Max was a brat. That was the point. And we all loved it. B/c we all identified with it. So yes, what I'm saying is--we were all a bunch of f'n brats. But unlike most, the 'executive handlers' on this film didn't grow up. They just became more unlikable and brat-like. But isn't that the point? They're executive handlers. It's their nature. It's in their nature to change that key part of the book. "Let's change the whole Max part. Let's 'improve' on the unlikable parts." B/c that's what they do best--meddle, justify their meaningless middleman jobs, ruin things, and not understand other people, specifically, the audience. And that's the funniest part--they think they all understand the audience. They think they know what it takes to make a hit. But the fact is--no one does. It's a crap shoot. These cold callous philistines think they understand people. They think they have empathy. But perhaps the better strategy would be to change the executive handlers instead of changing 'the max character'. Hey Rich--pay attention down below--do some micromanaging. These douche bags are burning up your money. They're making a terrible decision in an effort to save themselves...from nothing. B/c they're nervous pussies.
Ustu... by Tourist	Feb 28th, 2008 12:20:40 AM
...I gave Shoot Em Up a chance. It was insulting, boring, ugly dreck. I too went in expecting mindless fun, what I got was mindless drudgery. It wasn't clever or exciting, just completely underbaked. The choreography was dull and phoney, like everything else in the film. A real half assed effort. The studios put ALOT of money into a long shot, and it didn't pay off for them on that count. Also, as I said before, Pans Labrynth didn't cost the studio over a hundred million dollars to make and market, and doesn't have the potential for merchandising that this flick did. Which lets face it, sounds ugly and greedy, but it PAYS for the art. The kid thing is interesting though. Spike didn't want the actor the STUDIO forced on him, now they are bitching the kid is unlikeable. Strange. But yeah, at the same time, why not just support what you have one hundred per cent and get it out there and either take your loss or your money, since this is just strangling it to a slow death. Isn't Warners the same dumb fucks who tried to mutilate and dump Jesse James? What the fuck is wrong with their heads?
I would love to see the original Spike version. by kungfuhustler84	Feb 28th, 2008 12:26:27 AM
I agree that we should push for the original shooting, especially after seeing Happy Feet (ugh). I agree with Kid on targeting the college crowd as well. I am currently a freshman and have discussed this exact project with several people. 100% of them were ecstatic. I remember reading this book as a child. It gained a lot of popularity when I was at the peak of my reading extravaganza as a child. Right at that point when all the words get really easy and you can just dig in and read for fun. I loved the book and would like nothing better than to see it realized in a thoughtful, contemplative manner, rather than having it be scrapped for a carbon copy of every Dreamworks piece of crap. Please, just keep going, finish it, and give all us former (and continuing) children what we want!
How about a Sendak Anthology film? by Bones	Feb 28th, 2008 12:37:23 AM
You can make it the "Pulp Fiction" of kids movies and adapt some of his greatest childrens stories, without adding anything to them or padding any story out. Maybe have WTWTA, In the Night Kitchen (with digital penis cover-up), Outside Over There, Hector the Protector and one more... I think they should do the same with Dr. Suess. Rather than expand his stories, collect them and adapt them RIGHT. Now, having said that--this film sounds too interesting to miss. It sounds like it is a beautiful fable of a film. I just keep thinking that Spke Jonze would be a better fit for adapting older shildren's stories by authors like William Sleator, Neil Gaiman, Clive Barker or Edward Gorey...
moondoggy2u by BrightEyes	Feb 28th, 2008 12:39:25 AM
Well maybe we just see things differently but as someone who grew up with the book as a kid and still has it to this day, I feel the book has a total wierd "Donnie Darko" type feel to it, I mean look at frank the rabbit doesn't he seem like a monster creature who befriended a angry boy... hmmm that sounds kind of familiar. and as for college kids who listen to weezer yeah I and many others do.
I Need This Film by geemenblue	Feb 28th, 2008 12:52:38 AM
Cinemaniac just explained everything I felt about the clip perfectly. The knowledge that the rest of the movie has the same tone, strangeness, and poignancy, makes me weep with joy. I need to see this film, but just the knowledge that this film was made like that will at least provide some comfort when the corporate fucks rape it.
I feel the same by landosystem	Feb 28th, 2008 01:20:45 AM
I saw this film in its incomplete form as well and it moved me to tears, it was so strong with its message of a boy trying to deal with the frustration of becoming a man, but not yet being treated as one, and his lashing out at the world coming back at him. My girlfriend and I totally loved it and both of us thought it could be released without any computer effects at all and still be one of the great childhood films. PLEASE, don't fuck this up!
Too bad Brians Life by BurgerKing	Feb 28th, 2008 01:25:57 AM
I enjoyed it for what it was. Bought it today, obv not the best movie ever, but good shit none-the-less, that is, if your a tree hugging Beatles fan............and even if your not.
Tourist... by U-Stu.com	Feb 28th, 2008 01:27:19 AM
I don't see how anyone can say that. Everyone that puts the movie down only describes things in general. The choreography was bad? Be a little more specific. Unoriginal? You mean when the main characters hands (a vital body part for a gun-totting "hero") are broken to pieces and he has to burn his hand with bullets between his fingers to shoot them? Or when the casings are bouncing off the pregnant woman's stomach as she gives birth in the middle of a gun fight? Yeah, I've seen that before... Can't remember the last time I saw a carrot used in any of those ways either. Also, the whole "Ya know what I hate?" scenes just go to show it's about an angry guy fighting for what he wants even if it's a douchebag using his turn signal.
I fear for this film... by Carbonara	Feb 28th, 2008 01:35:38 AM
I do. I truly do.
No, in the book, the creatures weren't smiling and happy by Milou	Feb 28th, 2008 01:37:37 AM
At least, the first readers didn't read it that way... In the wikipedia article for Maurice Sendak : "Sendak gained international acclaim after writing and illustrating Where the Wild Things Are, though the book's depictions of fanged monsters concerned parents when it was first released, as his characters were somewhat grotesque in appearance. Sendak's seeming attraction to the forbidden or nightmarish aspects of children's fantasy have made him a subject of controversy." And you can add that the librarians, the parents and the educators sent negative letters to the editor, thinking that the book would upset small children or induce nightmares for others... (one librarian writing "it is not a book to be left whre a sensitive child may came upon it at twilight") And Publishers Weekly wrote "the illustrations may well prove frightening, accompanied as they are by a pointless and confusing story". (these quotations come from "The art of Maurice Sendak" by Selma Lanes) And then it became a well acclaimed best-seller and a reference in children literature... The guys at Warner didn't know that ?? They should think a lot to the critics the book received when it was published in the 60's to decide if the film is good or true to the book.
Why not CGI Animated? by skywalkerfamily	Feb 28th, 2008 01:56:52 AM
Hell, give the entire movie to PIXAR this thing is made for them.
How bout adapting Sendak's IN THE NIGHT KITCHEN? by leobloom	Feb 28th, 2008 01:57:05 AM
From wiki: "Sendak’s book In the Night Kitchen, first published in 1970, has often been subjected to censorship for its drawings of a young boy prancing naked through the story." Sounds sick! I think Brett Radner should direct!
If WB hired this team to make this movie... by utfluke	Feb 28th, 2008 03:35:07 AM
then they should allow them to make it. Market it as an adult film, with those expectations. With such an important literary property, your product should dictate your market, not the other way around.
Tourist - RE: Garbage Pail Kids: The Movie by hamslime	Feb 28th, 2008 03:41:35 AM
I was trying to illustrate a point about the longevity of quality kids movies vs. a forgetable cash grab. Unfortunately Garbage Pail Kids was the first thing that came to mind or that I could even remember. Maybe I should have mentioned The Peanut Butter Solution instead. Actually I can't remember any movies I watched as a kid that was on the level as say, Scamper The Penguin, but that's kind of the point. The Dark Crystal, Gremlins, Labyrinth, ect. got plenty of my money over the years. The random crap that was shoveled out to make a quick buck I may have seen once as a kid, forgot about it, and never looked back.
Go back to making Jackass clips by joeelliott	Feb 28th, 2008 03:47:08 AM
-- oh wait, Mtv is basically gone now - sorry Spike looks like Hollywood outgrew you And please keep that wife of your away from the camera as well.
Fallout from SPIDERWICK?? by joeelliott	Feb 28th, 2008 03:48:49 AM
Could this be because Spiderwick did so poorly - well, if you compare how much they spent to make it.
When I first heard about WTWTA as a movie property.... by RipVanMarlowe	Feb 28th, 2008 03:50:26 AM
My immediate reaction was intense dismay...after seeing what Hollywood had done to the two Seuss properties, there was nothing worse in my mind than a sugary, bullshit-fest version of a Sendak book. However, seeing Spike Jonze take this on gave me hope. So please, Warner Bros., don't you fucking dare fingerbang another one of my childhood favorites. Its a classic, which is a term that once meant something to WB.
This Years "Invasion"? by DerLanghaarige	Feb 28th, 2008 04:03:56 AM

I'm sort of hoping...... by Berbs	Feb 28th, 2008 04:12:20 AM
this whole reshoot nonsense is just an elaborate PR stunt thought up by the studio to generate some heat for the film. Jonze's version is clearly going to be a tough one to pitch to audiences.....so why not stir up a bit of awareness in the geek community by leaking some test footage......and then pretending the movie shot in that vein is going to be totally rebuilt from the bottom up. Seems like a great way to start a grassroots style campaign to get people excited about the film. Wow.....those WB execs really are marketing geniuses.
by Tourist	Feb 28th, 2008 04:18:24 AM
The choreography was bad. You know, in the action sequances. It looked retarded. Not retarded in an over the top, high spirited completely-impossible-but-stil l-exciting way, but retarded in the way that a 13 year old boy and his friends making a Matrix/Woo youtube rip off would think is totally awesome kind of way. It didn't look like they were actually having gunfights, it just looked like some actors awkwardly messing about with props. Theres some stuff in the film we haven't seen before. Its because its stupid. Its crap that a little kid would think was cool after overdosing on bad action movies for a day. But its not cool. Its really boring. Theres alot of ideas out there that haven't been commited to celluloid, not because people didn't think of them before, but because no one wants to see them. Shoot Em Up was filled with these moments. It sat awkwardly somewhere between parody or homage and just plain shitty film making. It wasn't that it was unbelieveable, it was that it was unconvincing. The whole thing looked and behaved like a rough sketch for a parody film. Its also false to say the studio wasnt behind it. It was a film of maybe DTV pedigree, that had a neato pitch with moving pictures that got alot of expensive hype and a big cast. None of which helped. Because it was lazy and didn't work. Crank was a similar film, and it worked at what it did. Sure, it was a hell of alot less ambitious than Shoot Em Up, but it played it straight. Shoot Em Up never once attempted to be anything but a series of action film jokes. But they werent especially new or funny. It seems really bizare to bring this up with Where The Wild Things Are too. I don't see the comparison.
Toys can still be sold. by hamslime	Feb 28th, 2008 04:20:23 AM
Spike Jonze didn't take the monsters out of the movie. Look at Hulk, as much as people didn't like it for the lack of "HULK SMASH" it still sold toys and other ancillary crap. Wild Things can still sell Happy Meal toys, bed sheets, and whatever other crap they want to put the logo and/or characters on in spite of the quality of the movie. So if Spike Jonze is already filming the thing, let him finish. If money is all you care about it doesn't make sense to start from scratch.
WeinerPenis... by Tourist	Feb 28th, 2008 04:25:48 AM
...The studio could burn the negative and reshoot it completely in CG with the budget and talent behind a saturday morning cartoon, sell a trillion toys made by slaves in china, and the geeks of the world wouldn't not only do anything about it, but wouldn't be able to, even if they wanted to. The past year, with the triumph of fucking turd water like Blades Of Glory or Meet The Spartans or the fucking Chipmunks movie over expensive and much touted geek centric films has probally emboldened the studios. Our 1 per cent of the profit, vs. the 99 per cent generated by the unwashed masses means jack and shit to them.
If I were a studio exec... by Stollentroll	Feb 28th, 2008 04:26:07 AM
I think I might have anticipated something like this. Did they even bother to watch "Adaptation"? Did they confuse Spike Jonze with someone else, maybe Chris Columbus?
Learn Hollywood by hallmitchell	Feb 28th, 2008 05:07:59 AM
Just release the Spike version. You did this with the Exorcist prequel. Did that work ? NO! Just release. How bad can it be? Guys don't do this. Trust the talent. Ask Spike.
Execs by hallmitchell	Feb 28th, 2008 05:10:10 AM
Alot of great kids stories have a dark element. From Snow White to Hans Christian Anderson. Trust the film maker for once. Not everything has to have a happy meal tie in.
In other news, Step Up is going 3-D! by Judge Briggs	Feb 28th, 2008 05:14:25 AM
sigh... fucking execs... fucking execs...
A heartfelt and impassioned plea...I agree, by KillaKane	Feb 28th, 2008 05:15:43 AM
I'm of a similar mind, I want to see Jonze's interpretation of WTWTA, unfortunately without any intervention or pressure from without (petition, buyout etc)this is going to slide into a generic studio kiddie flick more focussed on merchandising revenue streams than making something truly menorable. Judging by Cinemaniac's thoughtful review it seem's Jonze has added extra weight, insight and emotional depth to his adaptation, which is what I'd been hoping for from such a talented director. I hope a workprint of this surfaces somewhere.
it is totally fair for them to be worried by Lost Jarv	Feb 28th, 2008 05:49:49 AM
$75m is a shit load of money. However, they really should have seen this coming. They did hire fucking Spike Jonze for god's sake. What did they expect?
When Will Studios Learn? by JaPra	Feb 28th, 2008 06:05:26 AM
When will studios learn that film is ART not COMMERCE? This is like seeing a piece by Monet and loving it and asking him to create another piece as a commission and then after receiving it, asking if he can re-do it because it's not as light-hearted as they wanted it to be. When you hire an artist because of her or his vision, that's what you are expecting. I don't feel one iota of pity for the studio spending 75 million on this film. These studios are filthy rich, and it's time they invest more in their art then in their commerce. The Academy Awards this year [and its historically low viewer-ship] is a symptom of a greater disconnect within the Hollywood system. I don't know what's to be done.
Wanna save this movie? I have an idea.... by The Tao of Joe	Feb 28th, 2008 06:24:33 AM
A spy named" Cinemaniac1979" sent AIC a rather passionate letter begging Knowles & co. to save Where the Wild Things Are. Here is my favorite quote from that letter: This movie is Fred Savage’s grandfather saying “As you wish” at the end of The Princess Bride. This movie is the look Susan gives to 12-year-old Josh as he walks away at the end of Big. This movie is River Phoenix fading away at the end of Stand by Me. This movie is important and special. Spike made this movie for us. We have to save it. Parts of this letter sent shivers down my spine when I read them, and they've given me a renewed vigor and zeal to try and save this film. But what can we do? Online petitions are lame, and have been proven time and time again not to work. We film lovers of the world need to attempt something that will phisically affect the bosses at WB's lives. I'm not urging people to cause bodily harm or anything, but for instance, when fans tried to save the TV series "Freaks and Geeks," they mail bombed the corporate NBC offices with bags of peanuts in what they referred to as "Operation Hoverchuck," an attack named after the character Bill who was deathly allergic to peanuts in the show. The campaign didn't save Freaks and Geeks, but it did get the network to devote a three-hour Friday night time slot to airing the never-before-played final three episodes. All we've got to do is convince a movie studio to release the film they've spent $75 million to make without doubling the budget in an attempt to 'fix' it. If it were up to me, I say we all find copies of Sendak's original children's novel, tear out all of the pages, put each page in it's own envelope with a note saying, "Do not destroy this story. Signed, The Wild Things" and mail them to the WB offices. What do you guys think we should do?
JaPra by Stollentroll	Feb 28th, 2008 06:24:36 AM
I actually believe that the real problem is the audience. If the studios would be rewarded at the box office for offering artistic quality, they certainly would focus on providing it. Unfortunately, arthouse films are still quite risky (eg The Assassination of Jesse James), while "torture porn", low budget horror and trash comedy such as Meet the Spartans usually come out on top financially. I think we should be more aware of what kind of studio behaviour we are supporting by buying our movie tickets or DVDs.
JaPra by leobloom	Feb 28th, 2008 06:45:51 AM
Art isn't by definition opposed to commerce. Think Casablanca was made as a "work of art"? Filmmakers, like all creative types, want their work to be profitable so that they can continue working. And I don't know what Oscar ratings have to do with anything, but isn't Hollywood still profitable? Aren't studios still in the black? Until they aren't, there's nothing to be done, because audiences are paying for what's on the screen. Perhaps if audiences were more intellectually superior like you we'd have better movies. Now for the love of cinema, get to work cloning yourself.
My guess... by Bobo_Vision	Feb 28th, 2008 06:59:54 AM
...is that the execs watched the film, and realized that it is not the type of film that children would enjoy, and their hope for a huge opening weekend box office numbers from families going to see this movie suddenly vanished. Is it fair? Not really, because there are many directors to choose from, and if the execs want a certain type of film, they should choose a director who has the style they are looking for. I'm sure there were several creative meetings as well where the film was discussed and Spike made it clear the type of film he was making. So for them to watch it afterwards and change their mind is not fair. An argument could be made that it's their money and film to do with as they like, just like the Weinsteins re-edited the movie "Fanboys", but I think these types of decisions should be made before hand when reading the script and choosing the director. Plus, there are really just a handful of directors who have a unique artistic vision, and Spike is among them. To subject those directors to this treatment really kills what little art is left in Hollywood. The whole test-screening process is really an example of the corporate side of movies encroaching on the artistic side, which is why I have no problem with spies sending reports to websites like this after test-screenings. Feedback can be helpful at times to help directors shape their vision, but to dictate how a director should craft their film entirely eliminates the creative process completely, and the end result will be movie execs creating movies or hiring puppet directors to make them, and there will be an avalanche of crappy movies....and we are already seeing that happen.
Spreading the word by Makinov	Feb 28th, 2008 07:02:08 AM
Maybe a fruitless move, but everything helps I guess. Created a Facebook group to support Spike's

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WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE Has A New Release Date! But... What Will We See?