There is no denying the brilliance of Jim Henson's productions. The master puppeteer has permeated children's entertainment to Disney proportions, becoming not so much a recognizable artist as a household name. What sets these productions apart from a good portion of the child-oriented films out there is Henson's work not only keeps the youth audience snared but exhibits an understanding of adults' imaginations - something the latest blockbuster melodrama usually fails to tweak.
Although the straight-forward comedy of "The Muppet Show" and the string of related films have taken their place in cinematic history, Henson also was a visionary of another kind. Harnessing his love for fantasy and fairy tale-type entertainment, Henson created "The Dark Crystal," a beautifully produced fantasy epic. The film, which has become a cult classic of sorts, is heavy on story but unfortunately light on humor.
Henson's second foray into film fantasy hit the nail on the head. It balanced kid-friendly songs, adult-friendly humor and stoner-friendly visuals to perfection. This wildly hilarious and visually stunning work just may be the best product of the legendary Henson's Creature Shop.
"Labyrinth" is just so likable. The story of a young girl who wishes her baby brother to be whisked away to the land of goblins, the film is a complete assault on the senses.
To find her brother, Sarah (a young Jennifer Connelly) must navigate herself through a seemingly endless maze filled with colorful characters and peril. Around every corner she is met with some sort of challenge, be it tricking a set of smartass door knockers or navigating the eternally flatulent Bog of Eternal Stench.
The whole film is pure escapist joy. The entire world comes to life. Pretty much every nook and cranny has something to say, whether it is the walls or the doors doing all the talking at great length. The on-screen colors are like an artists canvas and the overall effect is something like a mushroom-induced dream.
Sure, it can be a bit kiddy at times, but who really cares beyond those who are too crabby to acknowledge a little indulgence into childhood as great medicine. The film is so chock full of dry humor and technical marvel that even the now-primitive blue screen effects are easily overlooked.
The characters themselves are cause for repeated viewing. Sarah may be a little bland, but most people would seem so next to Sir Didymus, a small dog/knight riding atop a real sheepdog. There are Fireys, who have the ability to remove their heads, gentle giant Ludo, giant mechanical catapults and hordes of goblins ranging from spooky to idiotic.
And that's just scratching the surface.
Perhaps the strangest creature of the bunch is rock icon David Bowie as Jareth the Goblin King. Donning little disguise save pointy ears, mascara and tight pants showcasing his package (shudder) to an uncomfortable degree, Bowie hams it up throughout.
Keeping Sarah's brother at the end of the maze, Jareth beckons the young girl on in an effort to steal her heart. At the root of his plans, of course, is evil.
Bowie's presence is a welcome one, given he himself is something of a flesh-and-blood Muppet (i.e.: freak show). His musical contributions liven the film up, particularly the "Dance Magic" sequence in which the former Ziggy Stardust and a chorus of goblins go into a massively entertaining song and dance number. By the time the section is over, the call-and-response song will have a permanent place in your head, forcing you to belt out "You remind me of the babe/what babe?" in various inappropriate situations.
Make no mistake though. Although there are several musical sequences, this is by no means a musical. It's a fantasy epic done right, balancing witty humor, children's themes and masterful storytelling with equal virtue. By the time the wholly psychedelic eye candy of an ending rolls around, you've seen everything you really could hope for in a movie of this sort.
Would you expect anything else from Henson?
If you liked this, you might also like: "The Dark Crystal"
Suggested viewing: Watch it with friends (and maybe something to alter your perception), as the overall good vibe is contagious and best shared with a group of people ready to relapse into childhood.
