“Labyrinth”
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A teenaged girl wishes her baby brother would be stolen away by goblins and is surprised when he is. The girl is given 13 hours to complete the Goblin King’s maze to get her brother back, else he keeps her brother forever.
This imaginative and original Jim Henson fantasy- adventure is a musical for the whole family to enjoy. It is the last feature film he directed.
The story follows Sarah (the very talented Jennifer Connelly) who has been dwelling on the past and the loss of her mother and refusing to grow up rather than accepting her baby brother and her step mother. After wishing her brother to be stolen away by goblins, she struggles through trials and challenges to save him from Jareth the Goblin King (the iconic David Bowie) and learns to appreciate her family and let go the relics of her past.
The soundtrack is outstanding. Although “Magic Dance” is one of the most enjoyable and memorable songs, it feels awkward. Maybe it’s just me, but the juxtaposition of such a light and lovely melody being sung by goblins gives me pause. I’m just saying.
Of note, the animated owl in the title credits was the first attempt in a feature film to use a realistic looking computer generated animal in a film. Aside from the Firey dance sequence and the obvious use of blue screen, the effects hold up exceptionally well.
I gave this 5 cups of tea for unfailingly delivering a fantasy extravaganza for everybody.
