Labyrinth
Call me old fashioned, but I still find practical effects to be the most convincing form of special effect. The master of practical effects for me was Jim Henson. Many think of him only as the man behind (technically below) Kermit the Frog, but Jim Henson was so much more.
Jim Henson saw puppetry as an creative medium that was a unique way to convey a story. My favorite part of the Henson world is that music was often combined with the puppetry. So it becomes obvious that Labyrinth, with it's David Bowie soundtrack and crazy characters, is one of my favorite childhood movies. I can remember traveling as a family, belting out "Dance, Magic, Dance" until someone in the vehicle got tired of it.
The story of Labyrinth is one that can apply to us in any stage of life. Sarah, Jennifer Connelly's character is unhappy with here currently situation and feels that life is unfair (a reoccurring theme). She goes on a journey in a land where nothing is fair and nothing should be taken for granted. After finding some unconventional friends to help here out, Sarah eventually realizes that her friends are those who she can trust to move her forward on her journey and nothing in life should be taken for granted. A lesson that we all can take to heart.
Even though I have seen this film numerous times, I watched it in it's entirety and was please by how much I still enjoyed it. The creepy parts are still creepy, the clothes are still stuck in the 80's, and the journey that Jennifer Connelly's character goes through is still on the cusp of being real for me.
I label myself as a fan of the Science Fiction genre, but my roots are strong in Fantasy. Labyrinth, The Dark Crystal, Willow, and Ladyhawke are all films that I enjoyed as a kid and for the most part, with the exception of The Dark Crystal, they hold up to my viewing standards today. Great characters and a good story with metaphorical undertones help a film go beyond a trending style and make it last for the ages. For me, Labyrinth is a film that baffles me with its puppetry and keeps me coming back for its story. Besides, we could all use a little time with David Bowie to bridge the gap between fantasy and reality.
Rest in peace, Goblin King.
Jim Henson saw puppetry as an creative medium that was a unique way to convey a story. My favorite part of the Henson world is that music was often combined with the puppetry. So it becomes obvious that Labyrinth, with it's David Bowie soundtrack and crazy characters, is one of my favorite childhood movies. I can remember traveling as a family, belting out "Dance, Magic, Dance" until someone in the vehicle got tired of it.
The story of Labyrinth is one that can apply to us in any stage of life. Sarah, Jennifer Connelly's character is unhappy with here currently situation and feels that life is unfair (a reoccurring theme). She goes on a journey in a land where nothing is fair and nothing should be taken for granted. After finding some unconventional friends to help here out, Sarah eventually realizes that her friends are those who she can trust to move her forward on her journey and nothing in life should be taken for granted. A lesson that we all can take to heart.
Even though I have seen this film numerous times, I watched it in it's entirety and was please by how much I still enjoyed it. The creepy parts are still creepy, the clothes are still stuck in the 80's, and the journey that Jennifer Connelly's character goes through is still on the cusp of being real for me.
I label myself as a fan of the Science Fiction genre, but my roots are strong in Fantasy. Labyrinth, The Dark Crystal, Willow, and Ladyhawke are all films that I enjoyed as a kid and for the most part, with the exception of The Dark Crystal, they hold up to my viewing standards today. Great characters and a good story with metaphorical undertones help a film go beyond a trending style and make it last for the ages. For me, Labyrinth is a film that baffles me with its puppetry and keeps me coming back for its story. Besides, we could all use a little time with David Bowie to bridge the gap between fantasy and reality.
Rest in peace, Goblin King.
I categorize this film as:
Positively professional puppetry.
Nostalgic.
Worth the time to watch again.
4/5 Stanley Cups. Worth the time to watch again.
Format: On my phone.
Viewing Period: Over 3 days while in the gym.
Inspired me to: Find The Dark Crystal and see if it holds up.
