Common Sense Note
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?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Charles Cassady, Jr.
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 a tribe of gentle monster mystics, is sent by his dying master to find the missing piece of the Dark Crystal and fulfill the prophecy. Along the way, Jen discovers that he's not the last gelfling after all -- 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.
Viewers might want to compare The Dark Crystal to Krull, another fantasy film that promises to take the viewer to a world unlike any other. Other offbeat fantasy tales include Labyrinth, Willow, and Time Bandits.
Rate It!
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Sexual ContentA romance develops between Jen and Kira, but it's treated innocently. |
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ViolenceFighting and occasional killing, mainly among bony nonhumans; sweet little gelflings are threatened repeatedly with death and/or zombification. Monster attacks and menace in abundance. The evil skeksis strap down benign "pod people" and turn them into zombie slaves. |
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Social BehaviorThe skeksis sure are sloppy eaters. The story encourages children to persue their dreams despite obstacles. Kira is shown as a strong female character. |
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