 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Labyrinth
- Review Date: August 11, 2005
- PG
- Genre: Fantasy
- 1986
Common Sense Media says
Surreal coming-of-age fantasy -- with Muppets.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this film, while lighthearted, deals with the theme of separation of siblings, the threat that the youngest child could be turned into a goblin, and some mostly childish dangers (like being covered in a bad smell that lasts forever). Also, some of the creatures may disturb younger kids.
What's the story?
Sarah (Jennifer Connelly, A Beautiful Mind) is a modern teenager steeped in medieval fantasy lore, who doesn't like babysitting her tiny stepbrother Toby. One day she wishes that goblins would take him away. Jareth (David Bowie), the Goblin King, hears this and does exactly that, kidnapping the tyke into his otherworldly realm. Sarah immediately regrets her wish, but Jareth says she can regain Toby only by finding his castle, perched in the center of an immense labyrinth. While exploring the labyrinth, Sarah meets an assortment of puzzles, perils, and semi-comical creatures. Some monsters, like an apelike giant called Ludo, are friendly, while others are under Jareth's control, ordered to thwart Sarah.
Is it any good?
Sound like a funky version of Alice in Wonderland? It is. And that's where its fun lies. Labyrinth bursts with imagination and playful weirdness in a way that's both delightful and a little too far-out. LABYRINTH showcases the artistry of Jim Henson, and features some of his most complex Muppets. Beyond Muppets, director Henson turns a simple collection of human hands into a lively and expressive wall of faces when Sarah stumbles across their lair.
This is puppetry at its finest, and the filmmakers ensure that none of the monsters are too monstrous, but always impressive. One massive, sword-wielding creature turns out to be just a robot with a silly little goblin perched in its cockpit helmet. The plot isn't quite up to the visuals. It meanders as much as Sarah does, and leads up to a final face-off with the Goblin King that's a confused fizzle.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about other far-out fantasy tales, such as Alice in Wonderland.
What do fantasy stories offer us? Is it possible to become too wrapped up in fantasy?
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AGE
Great fantasy movie with some good messages
Other than a few mild curse words, this movie was completely family friendly. I agree with the other viewers that some parts can be frightening for younger viewers, but use your descretion. My 6 year old was fine watching it (she has seen Harry Potter also). My kids give me a really hard time about picking these movies from the 80s because they feel they are dated or cheesy. They absolutely love this movie and asked me a million questions about David Bowie. I think my 11 year old has a crush on him now. This movie has great messages for young kids about life and independance, as well as overcoming challenges in life and not giving up.
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Kid, 9 years old
January 9, 2011
AGE
Wonderful and funny
I think this movie is a bit funny because when the fierys try to take Sara's head off and when the goblins are fighting because Ludo calls the rocks and the goblins get squashed. It is also funny at the beggining of the movie when Sarah goes into the labyrinth because she sees Hoggle weeing in a pond.
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AGE
I luv this movie
i saw this movie for the first time when i was five and loved it from the first moment in the beggining credits with the owl and the really great music the only bad things in it are the goblins, and thats only because really little kids get scared of it. I recommend it for 4 and up... a definite family film!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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AGE
One of My Favoirte Films!
David Bowie's songs and Jim Henson's puppetry make this film a sure winner. Characters like Hoggle, Ludo, and Sir Didymus will delight young children and should get some chuckles out of adults.Sarah learns the errors of her ways, and Jareth is a sympathetic villian that can love someone. Goblin City violence is very mild.
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AGE
Muppet Maker's Last Film
Labyrinth is a good family movie that kids would enjoy. Some younger kids may get scared in some parts such as when Toby disappears. There is also infrequent language, but only d-words. It is a great movie and since Jim Henson directed it...there are Muppet characters! Also, if you like David Bowie, he is the Goblin King! Great family film!
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Kid, 11 years old
August 9, 2009
AGE
kids
its too creepy for children
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AGE
amazing movie
really good movie. i love it.david bowie is awesome!!! there is no violence in this movie.
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AGE
kids laugh at the stinky parts
I thought it was an adventure and less scary than scooby doo cartoons
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AGE
perfect for 8+
I loved it i dont get why some would not let there kids see it.even though there is some violence and cruelity towards bluto and the hubble.i watched this all the time when i was four. the only thing that scared me were the hands.
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AGE
Love it !
This movie is very good, I love david bowie and frank oz the movie has really nothing bad in it. exept for some swearing, but that's it.
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| Topics: | magic and fantasy, adventures |
| Studio: | Sony Pictures |
| Director: | Jim Henson |
| Cast: | Brian Henson, David Bowie, Jennifer Connelly |
| Genre: | Fantasy |
| Run time: | 101 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | June 27, 1986 |
| DVD release date: | February 3, 2004 |
| MPAA rating: | PG |
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