Labyrinth (1986)

"Sarah" (Jennifer Connelly) is having to babysit her baby brother "Toby" and she's not best pleased. Indeed, as he won't stop wailing, she implores the "Goblin King" of lore (David Bowie) to take him forever! As good as his word, the child is gone and "Jareth" expects some gratitude from the girl. Of course, she realises that she can't be without the little brat and so implores him to return him. Well maybe, but only if she can find the way through the labyrinth that guards his castle - and she has only twenty-four hours! Luckily (or not) she encounters the goblin "Hoggle" whom she bribes to take her through - but he's not exactly trustworthy and that's what leads to an enjoyable series of adventures as they both have to face the perils of a maze that is full of weird and wonderful creatures - some friendly, some not so - as she races the clock to find the boy. Jim Henson has had a field day here with multiple beasties of all shapes and sizes coming alive on the big screen and coupling with a storyline that shouts "Monty Python" at us on more than one occasion - especially with the derring knight "Sir Didymus" and his cowardly (or just intelligent) steed "Ambosius" - who's really just a sheepdog! Luckily, they also encounter the mighty "Ludo" who is on good terms with boulders large and small - especially useful as they find themselves uncomfortably close to the 'Bog of Eternal Stench" which bubbles and festers so you can almost smell it in the cinema. All the while, the manipulative "Jareth" is putting obstacles in her way as well as offering a couple of decent songs along the way. Bowie doesn't actually feature that often, here, but when he does he brings a mischievous charm to the proceedings (even if he doesn't look that comfortable in his hoes!). The visuals are great fun, mixing the costumed with the manufactured skilfully and energetically and though I don't suppose there's really any jeopardy at all, the film has something akin to the "Wizard of Oz" in it's storytelling. If you can see it on a big screen, then do - it looks so much better than on the telly, and is a good watch.