James Gandolfini ruined this film. Whenever Carol would indulge his neuroses or explode in rage, it seemed as if Tony Soprano was bemoaning his life in Dr. Melfi’s office. Where the Wild Things Are stars some tremendous vocal actors but Gandolfini is too distinctive at this point. Since the film was not meant as a mafia parody (it could have featured portrayals of Don Corleone and Tommy DeSimone), this performance falls flat.
The point of the film seems self-evident: everyone is emotional and needs to find their own strategy to control themselves. There is nothing offensive about the film but it is not a great film. There is nothing excellent in theatres at the moment so audiences have to compromise. You can enjoy yourself and I don’t begrudge that right to anyone.
One point to consider: Spike Jonze’s direction is less than innovative when you have seen those camera angles and jump cuts in films throughout history in films that do not boast huge technological budgets like this one. **