Boring

Best movie of this year hands down!

All of these films share one commonality, that being a kind of emotional center that humanizes a cast of monsters.

There are moments that feel comical, some horrific, and some downright inspiring but the tonal shifts hardly matter as the end results come to a film that's perfect for this time.

The Dark Crystal was one of the many fantasy films coming through the floodgate Star Wars opened in 1977; science fiction/fantasy films of its ilk were commissioned left-right-and-center, ranging from Superman, Starcrash, The Black Hole, The Lord of The Rings (1978) and Flash Gordon; The Dark Crystal is one of the more unique offerings of the 80s. It's like The Muppets crossing over with JRR Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings. The characters are unique though a little shallow at times; but the world they're in is incredibly rich and gorgeous to look at. And the music. It's probably got the most underrated film score in modern history! Just listening to it sends you on a trip to another world; either the film's world or another one.Jim Henson conceived a world that's about to be expanded upon further, thanks to Netflix's upcoming 'The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance'. It's about time we got to see some more universe-building from one of the most overlooked universes ever captured on celluloid. I'm stoked for the upcoming series being a fan of the film ever since I saw it on VHS in the early 2000s and all. I'm eager to see the story leading up to this classic movie!

Magical, yes, but this is an almost unrelievedly grotesque world which will both frighten or bore the kiddies for whom the film seems intended. For a starter, there is far too much dialogue – and most it is very insipidly or flatly delivered. In fact, the film seems to be nothing more than a self-indulgent exercise for actor-director- producer-writer Jim Henson. Unfortunately, Henson's direction, although helped out by Frank Oz, is rather flat-footed, and the pace is undeniably slow. Despite all its imaginative touches and ideas, the effect is rather grotesquely pedestrian. Fizzgig, the "dog", is undoubtedly the most lively character. All told, I thought the movie worth seeing, but more than somewhat disappointing.

To save Thra the last Gelflings, Jen and Kira, go on a quest to find a shard of the UrSkek Crystal which will fulfil a prophesy that links the fate of two races, the cruel Skeksis and the gentle Mystics. Jim Henson with his talented artists and performers create an unparalleled, eerie, oppressive atmosphere. The Dark Crystal is a technological and artistic achievement and still holds up pretty well today. As well featuring real locations there's great set and creature design, puppetry, miniatures, matte paintings, optical composite work and some blue screen. Trevor Jones' score is powerful and Joseph O'Conor's Orson Welles-like narration sets the scene. The voice tones of the leads are sombre, whispery and slow, adding to its hazy dreamlike quality in contrast to the harshness of Aughra and the various Skeksis characters. As a fantasy film Henson creates a compelling world with its array of creatures. As the Gelflings go on their quest they encounter friendly monsters, Landstriders, Nebrie and (Fraggle Rock-esque) Podlings to name a few. But over all its dark in nature from ceremonial imagery, right down to the Garthim a crustacean-like creatures employed by the Skeksis to capture the Gelflings. Memorable is the exiled SkekSil the Chamberlain notably performed by Frank Oz and voiced by Barry Dennen.Refreshingly pre-CGI, Dark Crystal is impressive, but the pace is questionable and there is little of the Henson-Oz trademark a sense of fun which he injected into his Muppet works and later Labyrinth. That's not to take anything away from his 1982 offering. As story it can teach a lesson in morality to children but the visuals and tone appear for the most part geared for entertaining adults.Overall, its infectious, mysterious, romantic Gothic atmosphere can leave you in a groggy dream-like state. Whether that's a good thing or not is debatable, but not many fantasy films can boast such an affect or lasting visual impact.

The Dark Crystal is a very mediocre movie with a well structured storyline, despite not putting in enough time for heart, and a terrific voice cast. It's certainly a visually dazzling film, every moment looks absolutely beautiful, Jim Henson really went above and beyond for this project (which he made simultaneously with the Great Muppet Caper), building puppets and sets that can easily distract it's audience from the pure mediocrity of the story. I felt like the film didn't put in enough time to really develop this story beyond the complexity, trying to restore order to the world and the pure imagination of this universe is great and it's right that they put in the time to develop it, but they didn't give enough time for heart and emotional scenes, it's stuff like that that could have made this a really great film, and it's what Henson has done so well in the past with the likes of Sesame Street and the Muppets. I also didn't find myself really caring for these characters journey, Jen and Kira have very poor dialogue and I simple didn't find them likable, and when the two main characters aren't doing anything for you, then you're going to have a hard time being intrigued by the story. It's certainly a beautiful and very well made production that is worth the watch for the sake of the legend that is Jim Henson and his dedication to this art form, but when it comes to story and characters, the Dark Crystal didn't take my breath away, it really wasn't for me, other people may like it, die hard puppet and fantasy fans should love it, but I couldn't recommend it. The Grellings now face a bleak future under the control of the Skeksis, unless they manage to find and replace the missing shard of a powerful crystal.