Search Results for: blog the dark crystal 1982

The Dark Crystal (1982)

1000 years ago, a race of higher beings called the Urskesks became haughty, and in their arrogance cracked a huge crystal that split them into two separate beings. The Urskeks became the Mystics, great beings of peace, and the Skeksis, retched looking vulture like beings of evil. After a shard broke from the crystal, it became the dark crystal, controlled by the Skeksis. They presumably used the crystal to prophesize that a Gelfing would be able to restore the crystal, so all Gelflings were ordered to be killed. The Skeksis felt that rejoining the crystal would be the death of … Continue reading →

Another Reason To Visit Atlanta

Regular readers of this blog know I have been very outspoken about my love for “The City Too Busy To Hate.” I got my first taste of Atlanta, Georgia in 1996 when I moved there to cover the Summer Olympic Games, and as the saying goes, the rest is history. From the people (expect for some drivers who got upset with me for driving too slow on the Perimeter—I was going 82 m.p.h.) to the parks, the museums to the food, the zoos, and all of the other family friendly attractions, Hotlanta is hard to beat. If you have never … Continue reading →

The Indian in the Cupboard

I was pretty excited to watch this film. The premise sounded interesting – a boy gets a cupboard as a birthday gift, and finds that whenever he puts a toy in it, that toy comes to life. Sounds pretty cute and innocent, right? Oh, I was so wrong. In the first place, the movie took forever to get going, and actually was pretty slow all the way through. That was one strike against it. But it continued disappointing me from there. At one point, the boy, named Omri, brought an old Indian toy to life, and he was so afraid … Continue reading →

The Neverending Story (1984)

You have not seen a children’s fantasy film until you have seen “The Neverending Story.” And, after you’ve seen it, you’ll agree right along with me that all the other films pale in comparison and should probably just go home. Bastian’s mother has been dead for a while, and he has buried his sorrows in the reading of fantasy books. His father (Gerald McRaney) is deeply concerned about his son, but doesn’t know how to express it, and so he tells him to keep his feet on the ground, anxious for Bastian to move forward with his life. Bastian (Barret … Continue reading →

The Great Muppet Caper (1981)

“The Great Muppet Caper” is simply one of the best films of our, or any other, generation. It’s a parody of every other movie ever made, and it’s simply hilarious. Kermit the Frog and Fozzie Bear are twin brothers (trust me on this) who get a job working for the newspaper. Along with their photographer, Gonzo, they are in search of a big story, one that will give them a lifelong career in the journalism business. They decide to go to London to interview the famous clothing designer Lady Holiday (Diana Rigg.) Her new collection is scheduled to come out … Continue reading →

Into the Labyrinth – Roderick Townley

What if characters in books were real people, acting out their lines like performers on a stage? Look at the novel you set down to surf the Web. What if the characters in that novel are sitting down and taking a breather, chatting amongst themselves, and will spring back into action when you pick the book up again? That is the premise of “Into the Labyrinth” by Roderick Townley. Princess Sylvie is the heroine of a fairy tale adventure called “The Great Good Thing,” which has been out of print for years. She and all of her fellow characters have … Continue reading →

Willow (1988)

“Willow” is about a small Nelwyn farmer who longs to be an apprentice sorcerer and ends up saving a world from an evil queen. Willow Ufgood’s world is one of magic, and one afternoon he and his children find a baby floating down the river on top of a leaf and branches that have made a makeshift raft. His wife immediately takes to the auburn-haired babe and even though he’s reluctant, the baby makes it obvious that she likes Willow as well. Later, Willow attends a festival in his village, where he hopes that the village sorcerer will choose him … Continue reading →

Labyrinth (1985)

“Labyrinth” is one of those movies that has stuck with me ever since I saw it (probably back in 1985) and I’ve watched it many times over the years. It opens with 15 year old Sara, who’s been charged with babysitting her baby brother, Toby while her step-mother and father go out to dinner. She’s not happy about it, mostly due to jealousy and unhappiness that her father has remarried. She’d also rather spend time in her imagination rather than face any responsibility. When Toby starts getting fussy, Sarah starts telling him a story: “Once upon a time… there was … Continue reading →

Howl’s Moving Castle

If you’ve never seen one of Hayao Miyazaki’s animated films, you are truly missing great works of art. Normally cartoons are intended for younger audiences, but Miyazaki’s films are just as much for adults. The story lines are smart (though sometimes a bit confusing) and interesting. “Howl’s Moving Castle” is no exception. Sophie is a young hat maker who, after an encounter with a wizard, is turned into an old woman by a vengeful witch called the Witch of the Waste. Sophie takes her transformation in stride and leaves her home in search of someone who can transform her back. … Continue reading →

The Pagemaster (1994)

Young Richard Tyler’s parents are worried about him. He’s got tons of facts and figures, has his room set up just right “in case of emergency”, is afraid of heights and just about everything else in the world. His father is particularly worried about him, and sends Richard out on a mission. He needs to ride his bike into town, go to the hardware store and get more nails for the tree house his father is building. Richard doesn’t want to go, but his father tells him it is something he needs to do. Richard readies himself for his journey, … Continue reading →