“Labyrinth” stands the test of time as a story for all ages to appreciate. From first time viewers, both young and old, to adults that fell in love with the movie the first time it premiered in 1986, this film is unforgettable. Labyrinth still finds the ability to charm and draw in audiences as the Kenworthy had nearly 200 people packed into the theatre for the June 13 showing. Labyrinth is the first film in Moscow Film Societies latest series titled Freaky Kids Films that will be playing throughout the end of June.
It’s a film where powerhouses of the movie industry meet. George Lucas, and his mastery of set building and production with LucasFilm, are one hand of this masterpiece. Jim Henson, America’s master puppeteer, and the Jim Henson Company are the other hand. These two combine their craft of puppeteering to endear audiences to this fantastical yet odd magical world of the Goblin King and his Labyrinth. The cherry on top is what holds this film together – David Bowie. Without David’s showstopping charisma this film’s flaws would tip it from lovable coming of age tale to “this is so bad it’s good” territory.
The acting in Labyrinth is subpar, but it’s a musical so obviously it would be carried by the music numbers throughout the film. However, that is not the case. The musical numbers really halt the film and come in random moments. You’re not going to be hearing anyone singing “You remind Me of the Babe!” anytime soon.
Even with the masters of the film industry helping create this story, it’s still a pretty barebones tale. A teen girl who is spoiled and needs to be humbled goes through a journey of self-discovery where she finds that she might see herself as the center of the universe a little too much. There’s nothing complex as the dialog doesn’t leap off the screen either. But that’s where David Bowie comes in as the ace up the sleeve. When Bowie is on screen all eyes are on him and he knows this as his character commands everyone around him as the evil Goblin King Jareth.
Bowie gets top billing in this film for a reason. Without him, this film wouldn’t be cherished by so many. It wouldn’t be remembered as a magical experience, but as a big flop of Hollywood hubris as it underperformed at the box office when it was first released. The story is not well written as it’s clearly an afterthought to the scene production. How do they save the day? Well by the ability to summon rocks, duh! But that isn’t the point of a movie like Labyrinth. Its simplicity and the telling of a story that all ages can appreciate is what makes it last in the hearts and minds of its fans. But without Bowie lighting up the screen, the film would be a slog that only the most rose-tinted glasses could get through multiple viewings of.
The world is ready for another charismatic, esoteric, sex symbol. They don’t need to look or be just like Bowie, but the world is missing a star’s presence in its films. Someone who shows up on the scene and captivates us all because they know that no matter how bad the film is, they are going to absolutely kill it and we are going to love them for it.
The Moscow Film society continues their Freaky Kids Films series with the June 21 showing of Coraline.
Ricky Simmons can be reached at [email protected]