If you’re looking for a carefree, happy-go-lucky children’s movie, then “Where the Wild Thing’s Are” isn’t the movie for you.

Although this movie has its wild and playful moments, it’s more of a bittersweet composition delicately synchronized with the cinematography, music and themes.

Directed by Spike Jonze, this film is an adaptation of Maurice Sendak’s 1963 children’s book by the same name.

It’s based on a mischievous boy who copes with the cruel reality of living in a broken home by burying himself in an imaginary world full of monsters, games and endless fun.

The story begins at the home of a boy named Max (Max Records), who while wearing his wildcat costume with whiskers, gets into a heated argument with his mother (Catherine Keener) in front of her boyfriend (Mark Ruffalo). Frustrated, Max bites his mother on the shoulder and runs away into the night.

Racing through the forest, Max finds a small boat on the riverbank and sails away to an unknown island.

On the island he comes across some furry monsters known as the “wild things” and they soon become his allies. Carol (James Gandolfini), Ira (Forest Whitaker), Alexander (Paul Dano), Judith (Catherine O’Hara), Douglas (Chris Cooper) and KW (Lauren Ambrose) have very dynamic personalities that compliment each other while adding depth to the storyline.

The wild things soon crown Max king of the island and all the wild things. Once crowned, Max proclaims, “Let the rumpus begin!”

The feelings of being neglected by his family vanish as Max submerges himself in endless playtime while receiving undivided attention from his new friends.

“There should be a place where only things you want to happen, happen,” Carol says.

Max agrees that such a place could exist and with the help of the wild things, builds a large fortress.

The island allows Max the opportunity to be as wild and crazy as he wants. However, a game of dirtball turns the wild things against him. The wild things get hurt and turn bitter. After the dirtball fight, Max realizes the wild things have their own family problems.

Jonze, who has experience directing music videos, skateboard videos and commercials, took a very artistic approach while poetically orchestrating Sendak’s story.

Though the wild things spoke very sparingly in the book, the movie does a great job of providing the monsters with a voice and personality.

The soundtrack of the film really sets the mood in the film. The music was written and composed by Karen O, lead singer of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs and the band Karen O and the Kids. She came up with a soundtrack that is moody, playful and dreamy.

I enjoyed every moment of this film both visually and conceptually. It was endearing and didn’t fail to make me laugh, as well as cry.

It’s not quite the children’s movie some believe it to be, but if you appreciate great art, this is right up your alley.