Labyrinth

Movie review by Charles Cassady Jr., Common Sense Media
Labyrinth Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 8+

Surreal coming-of-age fantasy -- with Muppets.

PG 1986 101 minutes
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Parents say

age 8+

Based on 26 reviews

Kids say

age 7+

Based on 60 reviews

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this movie.

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.

Community Reviews

Mal Halsey
Mal Halsey Adult
June 23, 2021
age 5+

There's a huge fandom for a reason...

...and that is BECAUSE of the open endedness in the ending, especially with regards to where Sarah and Jareth's relationship stands. Despite the little screen time they had together, the chemistry between them was undeniable. Other than that, I really love the line "You have no power over me." Great comeback for anyone who's ever had to put up with bullying/harassment. I loved the transformation that both Sarah and Hoggle went through. And finally, Jareth is just fantastic and so charismatic. Even if you don't become infatuated with him, he's definitely got your attention. ;) I love the songs and the soundtrack, and though there is some frightening imagery, it was really interesting to see all the hard work behind the scenes. The ballroom scene is purposely made to be a bit creepy but it is still visually beautiful. I saw somewhere that this movie is an acquired taste, and I would wholeheartedly agree. Both my mom and sister agree that it's kind of boring, and even I have to agree that it drags in certain parts. Still, I love the movie, and I love much of what the fandom has created!

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1 person found this helpful.
Bluewren
Bluewren Adult
July 11, 2021
age 2+

The most incredibly ugly and stupid attempt at a type of Alice In Wonderland ,but with none of the Artistic talent or interesting storyline.

I sat through it stoically hoping for just a thread of interest artistic or otherwise like story line or character and if I could recommend it to young children or teens. It just went clumsily from bad to worse.The er cartoon puppet like characters were just gross as if they were created by a patient in a Psychiatric hospital suffering from either extreme paranoia or Schizophrenia .Just sick. The young girl was pretty but lacked charm or appeal obviously could not get her head around the story line.The direction was really third rate bottom of the barrel. David Bowie's appearances were good but even he could not lift this piece of rubbish out of the doldrums ,though for a fleeting few seconds one hoped but no! To have an innocent vulnerable infant subjected to these ugly situations and these ugly creatures who but a deranged mind could think that could appeal to anyone? Appalling from start to finish. PS,I chose age 2up, when what I meant was a waste of time for anyone and just wanted the review posted
See all 26 parent reviews

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?

If it sounds 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.

Talk to Your Kids 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?

Movie Details

Our Editors Recommend

For kids who love fantasy and muppets

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