Aquinas THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2009 7 “Wild Things” brings together audiences of all ages Commentary by from eating him by convincing petry himself, Jim Henson. The Dervela O’Brien them he is a king. He promises Warner Brother film, produced Staff Writer he possesses magical powers by Tom Hanks, successfully that will bring peace, harmony imitates many of the creatures The much-anticipated child- and protection to the group incorporated within the liter- hood favorite “Where the of wild monsters if they allow ary text while simultaneously Wild Things Are” topped the him to live. The various hairy elaborating the story by cre- box office this past weekend, creatures collectively agree to ating new characters and au- beating its competition, the crown Max “the king of their thentic situations. The film Gerard Butler and Jamie Foxx wilderness,” where he begins had to expand upon much of thriller “Law Abiding Citizen.” his rule with a wild rumpus. the book’s story line, as the The Spike Jones-directed film He soon befriends the wild children’s book itself is rough- proved to be a success, gross- things as they all take part in ly forty pages of simple syntax ing approximately $32,695,407 a game of destroying their sur- and creative illustrations. in total sales during its open- roundings and graciously tack- Adding to the joy of “Wild ing weekend. ling one another. With their Things,” the motion-picture The action-filled and inno- new king in rule, the giants go film is pleasantly accompanied vative film, based on Maurice around introducing Max to his by musical pieces from direc- Sendak’s classic children’s sto- newfound environment. tor Jones’ ex-girlfriend, Karen ry first published in 1963, fol- Max and his new friends O, better known as the lead lows the lead character Max on build a giant fort that will singer of the alternative rock his imaginary adventures into serve as the group’s protective band Yeah Yeah Yeah’s. The fe- a distant dream world full of dwelling. During the construc- male vocalist wrote the film’s wild creatures. Having been tion process, Max faces many funky, indie-rock soundtrack punished for his misbehavior, difficulties trying to appease to be kid-friendly, with chil- the lonesome Max escapes all the large giants and the dren choruses and chants ac- from his troubles at home by hardships they face together. companying her vocals. Karen running away to a local shore, The film continues illustrating O and the Kids score the film where his wild imagination Max’s adventures with the wild rather fittingly, as their mu- gets the best of him. Dressed things until he begins to miss sic is featured throughout the photo courtesy of Rottentomatoes.com in a wolf costume, young Max home and his family. Eventual- film’s entirety. THE CGI of “Wild Things” adds to the book’s nostalgic illustrations. discovers a sailboat, which he ly, he decides to return home, Despite its PG rating, the inhabits for several days be- parting from this imaginary action film was designed for, their elementary school days, to experience a sense of nostal- fore entering a land filled with land of wild creatures. and is directed towards, for as they enjoyed a modern film gia as well the entertainment of giant animal-like beasts. Part of film-goers’ wonder- a distinctly older audience in that combined computer-gen- a familiar fantasy action film, Max’s first encounter with ment of “Wild Things” is in ad- contrast to the book’s younger erated imagery (CGI) anima- should most certainly consider these beastly giants is quite miring the abstract costumes target audience. Viewers of all tion, suitmation, animatronics seeing “Where the Wild Things startling as he dissuades them created by the master of pup- ages this weekend returned to and live action. Those looking Are” for themselves. “Citizen” does not abide to thriller genre Commentary by makes a guest appearance in warns Clyde that the man who gruesome murders that will die. Tim Simpson the film. Although he does not actually raped and murdered leave the audience speechless. Overall, if you are looking Staff Writer have a speaking part, his pres- his young daughter might not One murder in particular, so for a good laugh and a way ence helpes establish the film’s be convicted due to a botched random and unexpected, will to fill up your Saturday night, This fall, there are several setting of the city of Philadel- forensic investigation, Clyde leave you shaking in your seat go see this film and judge for highly anticipated motion pic- phia. goes on the warpath. Nick long after the scene passes. yourself. tures coming to a big screen The premise of the movie tells him that it does not mat- In addition, while most of the near you. One of these films, is rather unique to the thriller ter what is right, only what murders appear to be the work “Law Abiding Citizen,” was genre. After a home invasion can be proven in a court of law of a terrorist, they were actual- released this past weekend, leaves his wife and daughter beyond a reasonable doubt. In ly carefully concocted and ex- DOWNLOAD OF grossing $21.3 million behind brutally murdered, Clyde Shel- addition, Nick explains that ecuted by Clyde, who is behind “Where the Wild Things Are.” ton (Butler) seeks justice. He he made a deal with the ac- bars the entire time. Or is he? THE WEEK The film stars Jamie Foxx wants to see the two men re- cused rapist and murderer for For the duration of the film, and Gerard Butler, accompa- sponsible behind bars for life third-degree murder, while the the viewer cannot help feeling accomplice who watched the Clyde’s pain, but the extent to murder received the death pen- which he exacts his revenge “Shelter” alty. Clyde is furious at this in- goes entirely too far. He also justice and spends the next ten blames the criminal justice years of his life plotting ways system and has no problem by to exact his revenge. showing it. The story picks up ten years This film is a must see due Ray LaMontagne later, when the accomplice is to its ability to shock audi- Known for his raspy voice and executed by lethal injection. ences while at the same time However, the manner in which supplying an aspect of comic deep lyrics, Ray LaMontagne has he expires starts the chain re- relief. For example, most of three successful releases under action of death throughout the wise things Clyde says are his belt, starting in 2004 with the the film. Clyde taunts the real usually backed up with some release of “Trouble.” killer with a disguised voice kind of comedic remark. The second track on the album, over the phone, which leads to However, the film’s comic “Shelter,” is easily one of the a police chase, a confrontation relief is nothing more than an album’s best as it encompasses every between the two men and ulti- undertone as it is quite remi- positive aspect of LaMontagne’s mately to an extremely graph- niscent of the “Saw” series in song writing abilities. With lines ic murder. Police are baffled, certain ways. One of these such as “with everything I want as is Nick, who finally reunites ways is in its graphic nature I’ll give to you,” it is easy to see face to face with Clyde inside a of exhibiting the vicious mur- why this song is such a fan pleaser maximum security prison. The ders. In addition, the sneaky as it makes the listener weak in the photo courtesy of Rottentomatoes.com JAMIE FOXX (center) portrays the power-hungry attorney, Nick Rice. two men exchange words, as nature of Clyde brings to mind knees as LaMontagne continues to Clyde “confesses” to the mur- “Saw’s” murderer, Jigsaw. Most serenade them. “Shelter” is a must nied by Regina Hall from the or sent to death row for the der and a genius mind game of Clyde’s murders were obvi- have download for anyone who is “Scary Movie” franchise. In ghastly crime they committed. commences. ously premeditated. Howev- a fan of or indie rock. addition, real-life mayor of However, after power-hun- Throughout the remainder er, unlike Jigsaw, he was not Philadelphia, Michael Nutter, gry attorney Nick Rice (Foxx) of the film, there are several around to watch his victims

“The Men Who Stare At Goats.” “Boondock Saints II.” “Ninja Assasin.” “The Men Who Stare At Goats.” “The Boys Are Back.”

Jeff Russo Ria Lombardo Rich Wing Travis Hurley Jessy O’Neil Junior, Wayne, NJ Junior, Exeter Junior, Lebanon, NJ Junior, Taylor Senior, Philadelphia