JohnHowardReid Review of The Dark Crystal

The Dark Crystal (1982)

Worth seeing, but be prepared to be disappointed!

[7/10 · 27 December 2016]

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.