Video/DVD Review: The Dark Crystal
What Parents Should Know
Parents need to know that this movie is quite dark. This
Henson puppet creature feature is no
Muppets Take Manhattan. Instead, it's a dangerous
otherworld where dark forces have taken over and human-like
beings called gelflings are rounded up, strapped to chairs with
big needles, and drained of their "essence" for decrepit,
dinosaur-like skeksis (pretty scary creatures, but also big
buffoons). This movie isn't for everyone, and surely not for
sensitive little ones under 7, but for the right kid just
getting into fantasy books, this will rock their world.
Families can talk about how Jen accomplished his goals with the
help of others, including Kira. How hard or easy is it for each
family member to accept help? What would they have done in
Jen's place? How is this story a hero's journey? What other
stories follow the same formula?
On a faraway planet, a handful of decrepit, dinosaur-like creatures called Skeksis rule, thanks to the power and longevity granted them by a large, cracked gem -- the Dark Crystal. Long ago the Skeksis massacred a peaceful race called Gelflings because of a prophecy that warned about a Gelfing being able to "heal" the crystal and end the Skeksis' reign. Jen, a lone Gelfling raised by gentle monster mystics, is sent by his dying master to find the missing piece of the Dark Crystal and fulfill the prophecy. On the way, Jen discovers that he's not the last of his kind -- he finds Kira in a community of fun-loving "Podlings." But the Skeksis know of the Gelflings, and send warriors to intercept the heroes. With her village destroyed, Kira joins Jen on his quest for the Skeksis' castle.
Though some viewers (especially small children) may be tempted to close their eyes during the onslaught of the horrible garthim or the gruesome scene of podlings being drained of their "life essence," the sumptuous design will dare them not to look away. The team behind THE DARK CRYSTAL (including one of the original Star Wars producers, Gary Kurtz) supposedly researched the lore of numerous different cultures to help conceive their fantasy world.
Though predictable -- you know the quest right up front -- it's also a wonderful fantasy movie to get wrapped up in. Chanting, gentle mystics; long-legged Landstriders; a pushy she-ogre; and a roly-poly pet Fizzgig will keep fantasy-loving adults and kids old enough for the scary parts engaged.
LabyrinthWillow
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
Common Sense Media is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing information to help parents make media and entertainment choices for their families.
Member Comments On...
Video/DVD Review: The Dark Crystal
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"The Dark Crystal" compared to "Krull"? I don't know what this reviewer was thinking, but that's a tad overboard. About the only similarity between the two is they're both fantasies. "Crystal" is infinitely superior, while "Krull" is pure krud. My older (tween-age) niece and nephew love "Crystal." But that may be because I've made them watch it ad nauseum.
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