The Dark Crystal

We only made it half way through it was so boring. Even my wife who normally enjoys these movies (she considers The Labyrinth one of her favorites) couldn't keep watching. This movie is slow and the plot is not engaging. There's no humor and the effects are even more dated than you would expect given its age. We thought it'd be better given the good reviews. Guess you either really like it or really don't.

If your child can watch movies like Star Wars or Harry Potter, they can definitely see this. The worst there is a stabbing with a crystal, there's also a hand that bleeds, a little peril, an ugly crumbling of a dying creature, and a fall down a hole--so maybe pushing an 8 for some kids. You do see a male puppet naked, but no parts or sexuality involved, and he is later clothed. I don't remember any swearing or drug use but that doesn't mean there isn't any. The story involves aliens who were separated into two personalities, one ugly and selfish--they look like vultures who went dumpster diving, the other old and hippie-like (they look like dinosaurs). The movie has a mystical vibe, and there is a prophecy that is supposed to bring them together--so you might wonder a bit what the first group of aliens brings to the second, a little confusing sort of like what they call good and evil in the force in star wars. Ugly characters aren't all bad, there's one whose eye is popping out but ends up being very insightful though a bit rough around the edges. There's a lot more environmentalism and hippie morals in the fan backstory but you don't get that in this movie. The boy and girl are very kind to each other and work together--not as many jabs like you see in modern movies. They don't deceive or abuse others like the bad characters, and for the most part good and bad is clear. It is sad to see the exploitation of an innocent group of cute puppets, but it's not portrayed as a good thing. It's a positive movie as everyone is trying to work on a short time schedule to accomplish things before the suns align--which reflects our short mission in life to conquer evil. This movie is really clean cut, and normally I feel like I have more stringent standards than others so this is unusual for me putting a lower age than others--maybe a lot of kids were spooked by the creepy looking puppets? I know I was when I was little.