1983, 94 Minutes,Directed by: Jim
Henson, Frank Oz
Description:Recalling the
worlds of J.R.R. Tolkien, Jim Henson tells
the story of a race of grotesque birdlike lizards called the Skeksis, gnomish
dragons who rule their fantastic planet with an iron claw. A prophecy tells of a
Gelfling (a small elfin being) who will topple their empire, so in their reign
of terror they have exterminated the race, or so they think. The orphan Jen,
raised in solitude by a race of peace-loving wizards called the Mystics, embarks
on a quest to find the missing shard of the Dark Crystal (which gives the
Skeksis their power) and restore the balance of the universe.—
Amazon.com
Straight-forward fantasy story with some well-done puppets and
special effects by the Muppet Man, Jim Henson. The story involves a quest
(where would fantasy tales be without them?) and some unbearably cute creatures
- there's little humor, particularly
the kind that made The Muppets so memorable.
Come to think of it, there's
little spark as well . . .
If
you like fantasy, or if you're at a loose end what to do with the
kids for an afternoon - pop The Dark Crystal into your VCR. Otherwise stay clear.
