By Butch Freedman
I’m not normally a fan of animated films, and so was somewhat hesitant to go with my wife to see the new animated movie, “Wildwood”, that was playing at our cute little local movie theater. As usually happens, I was glad I followed Beverly’s lead. Even though the film was long, and I was squirming in my seat at times — more about a sketchy back than a loss of interest in what we were experiencing — I never checked out of the thoroughly immersive experience.
Before getting into what made this film such an enjoyable event, for full disclosure, I will tell you that the film’s Director and head of Laika Studios, Travis Knight, was a former student of mine when I taught at Jesuit High School in the early ’90’s. I’m not saying I had anything to do with Travis’ success (well maybe a smidge) but I did recognize, even back then, when Travis was in my Honors English section, that there was something special about him, aside from the fact that he was the son of Nike Founder Phil Knight. Travis was a quiet kid, but always respectful and always prepared. As I recall he didn’t have a lot of friends, kept to himself. Not standoffish, but quietly reserved and thoughtful. And even then showed signs of a creative mind at work. I like to think I encouraged and stoked his creative juices.
But back to the film — though over two hours long, the plot never lags. Adapted from the 2011 novel written by Colin Meloy of the Decemberists and illustrated by Carson Ellis, “Wildwood” is set in a fantastical world that exists right alongside Portland, Oregon, where seemingly ordinary teen Prue McKeel (Peyton Elizabeth Lee) travels to rescue her toddler brother Mac (Arthur Knight) from the clutches of an evil ruler. In some ways, the movie is a typical fairy tale or hero’s journey, but at the same time the story feels personal, even a commentary on our own lives and the necessity to keep fighting against the forces of repression. For an animated film, the story is surprisingly adult (NOTE: It’s rated PG-13.) And a note of warning: I’d suggest parents think about whether their kids are ready for this movie — there’s lots of (animated) bloodshed and mayhem. “Wildwood” is intense and scary because life can be intense and scary. Prep your kids ahead of time.
What I found most remarkable and engaging about Travis’ work is the brilliance of the animation. It took years to bring the film to completion, and every move the characters make required hundreds of hours of studio time. I’m sure A.I. helped tremendously, but the artistry is entirely human. The film also reminded me that the experience of seeing a movie on the big screen, in comfortable seats, along with other moviegoers, bags of popcorn and candy bars in hand, is still worth doing. You can’t get that full engagement, which I had unconsciously been missing, sitting at home in front of our individual small screens.
Go ahead and escape into the fantasy world of “Wildwood.” It will be well worth your time.
Note: “Wildwood is playing at the Coliseum Theater in Tillamook until Nov. 11
