Labyrinth dir. Jim Henson (Dance Magic, Dance!)

    Wishing your baby brother would turn into a goblin seems pretty harsh. The movie established from the beginning that Sarah has quite an imagination. Her room is riddled with fantasy novels (with goblin bookends), toys, and even a miniature scale of a labyrinth. It encapsulates everything a fantasy movie should be, fairies included. It has all of the necessary obstacles. The age old riddle of two doors (or pathways) where one guard lies and the other tells only the truth.  There was the age old lesson that one should never cross decrepit-looking bridges, especially ones over a lake of stench. There were various characters that either helped or distracted her from main goal. David Bowie's character as the goblin king is obsessed with crystal balls, singling with goblins, and tight pants. He shares an odd relationship  with Sarah, even at one point dances with her in Sarah's drug induced dream.

     I quite enjoyed this movie with its art direction. All of the puppets were pretty impressive and all the sets were very diverse. Although it is a labyrinth, the environment shifts constantly so it isn't just a continuing stone wall. Although if I were a kid when I watched this, I'm pretty sure I'd be freaked out by some of those puppet faces, especially the ones that sang around the campfire in the forest scene.

     I found it funny how Sarah's attitude changed once baby Toby was abducted and was then after desperate to find him. Sarah's entire journey was to come to terms that she needs to mature, and accept responsibilities. One part that  the scene with the hoarder puppet, where Sarah desperately grasps at all her toys and most prized material possessions. She comes to an epiphany  and realizes what she actually holds dear. But even though Sarah accepts that she has to grow up, she still holds onto her imagination.