Labyrinth DVD: Review By The Lost Girl

When you hear the name Jim Henson, it brings to mind childhood memories of Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, and the ever popular Elmo. So, many of you may have no interest in this film and think that it's going to be along the lines of Sesame Street. Well, although this is a family film and there is no blood, swearing, sex or nudity, it is still a timeless fun flick.

Jim Henson brings together the magic of muppets/puppets, real actors, and yes, even a dog. The main actors in this are David Bowie and Jennifer Connolly. Bowie plays Jareth, the evil Goblin King, and Connolly plays, Sarah, the semi-bratty girl who is in search for her baby brother, Toby.

Sarah is upset that she has to babysit Toby, (again). She recites a chant - "Goblin King, Goblin King, wherever you may be, take this child of mine far away from me", and *bam*, the kid is gone. Panicking, she goes off to search for him, but not before the Goblin King appears in her room. He tells her that Toby is in his castle and she has 13 hours to rescue him. This castle is beyond Goblin City and she must travel through the Labyrinth to reach it. "Piece of cake", she says. But of course that's not the case.

Along the way, Sarah meets 3 characters who befriend and betray her; Hoggle, a dwarf, Ludo, a huge Yeti who is cowardly, and Sir Didymus (my personal favorite), a ready-for-battle-anytime fox who rides on his trusty steed, Ambrosius, a sometimes real/sometimes puppet dog.

The film has plenty of laughs, special effects (some are a bit cheesey, yes), and alot of creativty. David Bowie does sing, but only a couple of times. He is perfect as the Goblin King, menacing and charming at the same time. Jennifer Connolly is okay; her acting has improved over time.

An all around fun movie that still carries the charm it did over 20 years ago. If you're in the mood for a family film, this is the one.