Where the Wild Things Are: The Movie

People my age remember Where the Wild Things Are, a children's book written and illustrated by Maurice Sendak. It tells the story of Max, a young boy with an active imagination. After getting sent to bed early for acting up, he imagines a forest growing in his room. The book's vivid illustrations of Max, who wears a wolf suit, and of the monsters he runs into in his forest-bedroom are pretty unforgettable.

Fans of the book may or may not share my enthusiasm about a Hollywood interpretation of it, but I see good reason to get excited. This book sprang to life in kids' minds with its weird drawings and funny little hero; it definitely has the potential to do so again on the big screen. And the people involved with the movie are top-notch.

The director of the film is Spike Jonze, who directed Being John Malkovich. You probably know him as the guy who directed Fat Boy Slim's "Praise You" video back in 1999. That video included a group of people dancing wildly with red reflector lights attached to their black sweatpants and sweatshirts. Needless to say, he's a interesting person with a quirky vision, so he's probably a fitting choice to make Where the Wild Things Are.

Set to star is Catherine Keener, who will play Max's mom. You know her as the one who finally deflowers Steve Carell's character in The 40-Year-Old Virgin or as Harper Lee in Capote.

The movie will be live-action (not animated) and is rumored to be darker and a bit more adult than the children's book was. Does that mean scarier?

I'll keep you posted.