Frustrated with babysitting on yet another weekend, Sarah - a teenager with an active imagination - summons the Goblins from her favourite book, Labyrinth, to take her baby step-brother away. When little Toby actually disappears, Sarah must follow him into the world of the fairy tale to rescue him from the wicked Goblin King! Guarding his castle is The Labyrinth itself - a twisted maze of deception, populated with outrageous characters and unknown dangers. To get through it in time to save Toby, Sarah will have to outwit the King by befriending the very Goblins who protect him, in hope that their loyalty isn't just another illusion in a place where nothing is as it seems!
This film features what is possibly the most incredible creative team ever assembled;
Directed by Jim Henson (Muppets), Produced by George Lucas (Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Willow), Screenplay by Terry Jones (Monty Python) and Music by the legend David Bowie.
This film is satisfying viewing in every way, ranging from the life lessons learned by the main character (a young Jennifer Conelly) to the hilarious Bog of Eternal Stench (I defy anyone not to laugh when the stepping stones fart!).
David Bowie brings a wonderful charisma (and some dodgy tights) to the film as the Goblin King and, of course, some great songs too (he should sing with an ensemble of Muppets more often).
There are scary bits (the things that take themselves apart - voiced by Red Dwarf's Danny John Jules - scared the bejesus out of me as a kid), funny bits (I quote: "You're mamma was a fraggin' aardvark!"), touching bits, thoughtful bits and uplifting bits.
The awesomeness (it's a word because I say it is) of this film, despite everything mentioned above, is in no small part due to the efforts of Jim Henson's Creature Shop. From the friendly, furry giant Ludo to the host of comically grotesque goblins, the puppets in the film give it life, colour and most of it's humour.
Anyone who liked the Muppets, 'Dark Crystal', 'Willow' or Monty Python will love this film. Anyone who says they didn't enjoy the aforementioned is either a) a liar or b) one of these sad people who can't lighten up once in a while.
Watch this film!
