There’s something I have to address first.
I’d say that “we have to get something out of the way”, but that would be impossible, such is the impact this phenomena has on Labyrinth. For a film aimed at children and families this story is packing an extreme amount of BD.
If you don’t know what BD is, and you shouldn’t because I just made it up, it stands for ‘Bowie Dong’. If there was a scale, Labyrinth would be off the chart. Fortunately the film isn’t presented in 3D, as I’d honestly be concerned for my safety! It is perhaps unfortunate (or awesome?) that he mainly performs alongside characters about half his height.
The rest of Bowie is perfectly cast as the Goblin King Jareth, his charisma and off-kilter delivery making for a memorable performance. That ‘Magic Dance’ is still in my head a couple of days later says a lot about the soundtrack too.
Coming up against this nefarious being is Sarah, played by Jennifer Connelly. For a young actress contending with acting opposite puppets I felt she did well in the role. She did convincingly sell ‘stroppy teenager’ to me which makes up for any woodenness.
The real high point though are the puppets. From the worm on the wall to the massive Ludo, they are all imbued with such character and life that you can’t not root or boo them. Jim Henson at his finest.
My interest waned around the 2/3 mark but picked up again for the finale. It does seem like the sort of story that will give more on repeated viewings though. With my wife’s love of the film no doubt I’ll be watching again, and I won’t mind.
At least next time I’ll be ready for the BD.
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