Labyrinth


Jessica McCumber
Jim Hanson

Jim Hanson's Labyrinth is a favorite of mine.

I know, according to the box, the movie was copyrighted back in 1986, but I was excited to see, while walking the shelves, that it has apparently been making a comeback.

And why wouldn't it?

A fantasy world filled with a seemingly never-ending maze, danger around every corner, odd creatures, and, of course, a rock star singing with puppets . . . who could ask for anything else out of a family film?

The story (for those of you who are still unfamiliar) starts out with a teenager named Sarah (Jennifer Connelly) who is unwillingly stuck at home to babysit infant step brother Toby while her parents have a night on the town. When the little tike won't stop crying, a frustrated Sarah wishes out loud that the goblins from her favorite book, Labyrinth, would come take him away. When she gets her wish, the young girl finds herself on a time crunch to get Toby back and escape the clutches of the wicked Goblin King (David Bowie).

It's still delightful to see Connelly's acting as the odd ball who, while on her quests, learns the lessons of friendship and the value of what's really important in her life.

As for Bowie, his role as the singing, villainous yet seductive Goblin King is still nothing less than iconic, even if his outfits do make you chuckle.

Plus, for those of you who grew up in the '80s and now have children of your own, it would be the perfect movie to share, letting a piece of your childhood become part of their's.

For those of us that just want to relive the magic, there's nothing wrong with that either. In the anniversary edition, there are even such bonus features as a making-of documentary and newly recorded interviews from cast members to help add to the experience.

Reviewer Rating: 
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