Classic Fantasy Films of the 80s
The NeverEnding Story and Something Wicked This Way Comes
Memorable fantasy movies from the 1980s will still delight the thirty something crowd.
Remember the 1980s, the decade which spawned some of the most wondrous fantasy adventures on the big cinema screens across North America? Although they may seem corny now, and the special effects not so special anymore, they were and still are unique. Consider five of the most imaginative flicks of the 80s which are cult classics today.
The NeverEnding Story (1984) A lonely boy named Bastian (Barrett Oliver) who just lost his mother and is having a rough time at school and at home, gets his hands on a book which opens the door to a mystical realm called Fantasia. Populated by strange creatures, this kingdom is in the process of being destroyed by a malevolent force known as the Nothing. A young warrior named Atreyu (Noah Hathaway) is sent to find a cure for the gravely ill princess, but Bastian soon realizes he is the only one who can save this land and everyone in it.
The Dark Crystal (1982) The late Jim Henson wrote and co-directed this film about the last two members of a race called the Gelflings, who inhabit a world called Thra which has three suns. Before they come into alignment once again, they try to take back a fragment of a vital crystal from the evil, reptilian-like Skekses in order to restore benevolent rule to their planet. It's a classic tale of good versus evil, and it has stood the test of time rather well. Like many of Henson's other films, this movie featured Muppet characters.
Something Wicked This Way Comes (1983) Based on the novel by Ray Bradbury, this is a positively spooky tale about a carnival where the wishes and lost hopes of a small community's residents are granted - for a price. The Devil himself, manifested in human form by Mr. Dark (Jonathan Pryce) is the proprietor of the evil playground. He tries to steal the souls of everyone in town, including two young boys, Will Halloway and Jim Nightshade. The late Jason Robards plays the role of Charles Halloway, the town's librarian who, although physically and emotionally fragile, finally stands up to the demonic Mr. Dark and his minions.
Krull (1983) This movie is still entertaining and combines elements of Star Wars and Robin Hood. Prince Colwyn and Princess Lyssa are newly married then she is kidnapped and taken away by alien invaders to a heavily defended fortress. He sets out on a quest to get her back, and picks up a rogue collection of assistants along the way. It's good, clean fun. If you buy it look for appearances by Liam Neeson and Robbie Coltrane.
Labyrinth (1986) This is a gem of a movie. A much younger Jennifer Connelly is playing the role of Sarah, who is ticked off about having to take care of her infant half-brother. Uttering a request out loud that he be taken away by goblins, the evil Goblin King Jareth (David Bowie) does just that, and informs Sarah that her brother will turn into a goblin unless she rescues him in thirteen hours. To do that, she must successfully navigate a huge labyrinth to get to Jareth's castle. She enters a strange world in which she must solve all kinds of difficult tests and riddles. Jim Henson also directed this film, and apart from the two lead roles, most of the characters were puppets.
Hopefully all of these will find their way on to your DVD shelf. So sit back, relax and enjoy.
