User reviews

This film was a favorite of mine as a kid, but even back then I recognized that the book by Michael Ende was superior. Overall, it's a wonderful children's film marred by an inconsistent tone and an unsatisfying ending.

No fantasy film I've seen has tapped more successfully into the kinds of philosophical thoughts that kids have. Think of Rockbiter's speech describing the Nothing: "A hole would be something. Nah, this was nothing. And it got bigger, and bigger, and bigger...." This is the type of film that greatly appeals to introspective kids who think about things like infinity and the end of the universe. Do children really think about such things? I did. People who find that surprising have forgotten how profound children can sometimes be.

The whole of Fantasia, indeed, seems to be built out of children's dreams and fears. Some of it is about exhilaration, as when Atreyu rides Falkor. Others reflect anxiety, as in Atreyu's trek through the Swamps of Sadness. What appealed to me most as a kid was how an imaginative but passive child, sort of a young Walter Mitty, opens up a book in which an older, braver version of himself goes on adventures. But "Neverending Story" isn't so much escapism as it is about escapism. It's essentially a fable about the destruction of a child's fantasy world as he grows older and adapts to the modern world.

The special effects are good for their day. Although they look phony at a few points, the film's distinct visual look, from the shimmering Ivory Tower to the assortment of weird creatures, holds up well today. What makes the film work especially well is that the two child stars--Barret Oliver and Noah Hathaway--prove themselves capable actors. I use the word "capable" because almost everyone in the film overacts in an annoying way, which I blame primarily on the director. But there's a wonderful cameo by Gerald McRaney as Bastian's father. He has the perfect tone for the scene, appearing loving but distant, unable to fathom Bastian's mind. I wish the film had followed through by returning to their relationship at the end and exploring how Bastian changes as a result of his experiences in Fantasia.

The reason the ending doesn't work is obvious to anyone who's read the book. Simply put, the movie shows only the first half of the book! While this isn't the movie's fault entirely--there was no way the entire story could have fit into one movie--this could have been handled better. "The Wizard of Oz" faced the same problem yet managed not only to become one of the greatest fantasy movies of all time but to surpass its source material in some ways. "The Neverending Story" doesn't accomplish that feat. The story feels unresolved at the end while at the same time failing to clearly set up for a sequel. It attempts to wrap everything up with a sequence in which Bastian takes revenge on his old bullies. I enjoyed this scene when I was a kid, but in retrospect it creates a clash between the real world and the fantasy world. Bastian never grows as a character, he never learns to put his feet on the ground, something the early scenes suggest will happen.

There's one other problem, and that's that Wolfgang Petersen never really figured out the proper tone for a children's movie. He must not have had a clear idea what age he was shooting for. Some of the scenes are quite scary and violent, making this film inappropriate for younger children. Yet the muppet-like characters are presented in an annoyingly condescending way that I doubt older kids (not to mention teens and adults) would appreciate. For example, the first scene in Fantasia plays like a revival of Sesame Street, with Rockbiter filling the Cookie Monster role. By the time I was old enough to appreciate the deeper aspects of the story, I cringed at the film's cutesy moments. Petersen didn't have to direct the film this way. Had he shot for a wider age group, the result would have been fresher and more authentic for everyone.

I saw this movie may years ago, and I loved it like many of those here who love it still.

With hindsight though, it is a rather muddled and confused affair. There were legal wranglings with the book author who hated the screenplay (and it kind of shows in the finished product). The ending is abrupt and screams that the budget ran out.

Really though, it works because of Noah Hathaway's on-screen presence. For sure, some of his acting is a little shaky, but this must have been a *huge* project for an eleven year old to carry. I imagine there must have been a lot of pressure on the kid at the time.

He is, to put it simply, beautiful. I think the fact that he looks so androgynous is no accident - the director must very much have wanted him to look that way. Long before Peter Jackson brought his fantastic Tolkien adaptations to the big screen, I remember thinking that Atreyu/Noah looked very much how I imagined Tolkien's Elves would be - sort of too perfect and almost in-human in a way.

Basically Noah single handedly carries this whole movie - along with some nice set pieces (swamp / oracle) and matte painting art work (which was very good for its time).

But the story? Am I the only one here who gets the irony of a story about the power of reading and imagination being made into an Americanised movie for a popcorn audience? And what is with that ending? Completely inappropriate, hurried and nonsensical after the previous hour and a half.

Lets be honest here folks, the source material is no great work of literature either, even if it was a best-seller in Germany (popular with adults and children). The "message" is about a subtle as being hit over the head with a plank of wood, and reads as rambling neo-romantic sentimental prattle. "Do what you wish?" Err, more than a little naive applied to most of the population of planet Earth I think!

So watch it for the extraordinary Atreyu, for the visuals, and if you're my age, to remember your childhood.

But there are no great insights into the meaning of life here (or in the book either).

And please Hollywood, can you now just leave it the hell alone? Two crappy sequels, some lame cartoons and a "re-imagined" TV series? Does the word "originality" mean anything to anyone out there in la-la land? Move on please!

Although I was only a year old when the Neverending Story first came out, I remember watching it over and over as a little girl. My grandma got it for me when I was little and I remember making her watch it with me almost every day--sometimes two or three times in the same day. Then somehow I lost the tape, and although I still remembered and loved the movie, I forgot just how magical it really was. Then finally, (after years of "I wonder what happened to...") I found it. I realize now that in finding it I not only rediscovered a part of myself, but a beautiful world I forgot existed.

I admit that I am still waiting for a luck dragon to come and take me home to Fantasia. I belong there. A part of me lives there and so does a part of everyone, although they may not be aware of it. This is without a doubt the most beautiful movie ever made (although Legend comes close) and its message will never die as long as people hold on to their dreams. Barret Oliver's performance as Bastian still makes me cry. He speaks to that part of all of us that is not afraid to "do what we dream." Noah Hathaway was perfect for the part of Atreyu. He is one of the most beautiful and realistic heroes ever depicted. And Tami Stronach as the Childlike Empress (Moon Child) remains one of the most beautiful characters ever to grace the screen. The acting is wonderful, and the background scenery is breathtaking.

But the Neverending Story is more than just a movie. It speaks to that part in all of us that will never let go of our dreams. It is a story that will never end as long as there are people to appreciate its message. Everyone should see this movie and remember: Fantasia IS real. And "Fantasia can arise in you."

The boy Bastian (Barret Oliver) misses his mother, who has died, and is bullied at school by three bullies. One day, he is running away from the three boys and hides in a bookstore, where the owner shows him a book that he has never read called "The Neverending Story".

Bastian does not resist and shoplifts the book, leaving a note telling that he will return the book after he reads it. He goes to the school attic and anxiously reads the book that tells the story of the magic kingdom of Fantasia that is doomed to destruction, unless the boy Atreyu (Noah Hathaway) can save it. But he needs the help of an Earthling boy to avoid that The Nothing destroys his world.

The first times that I saw "Die Unendliche Geschichte", a.k.a. "The Neverending Story", I was younger and younger and I simply loved it. Twenty-eight years later, I have just bought the Blu-Ray and after watching it again, I liked but less that I remember.

The state of art especial effects in 1984 is now dated and the acting is only reasonable. But the story of the coming of age by force of a boy that sees his innocence lost due to the death of his mother and bullying at school has a beautiful message in the end and is still worthwhile watching it. My vote is seven.

Title (Brazil): "A História Sem Fim" ("The Neverending Story")

The NeverEnding Story is one of my all time favourite movies, it is just so magical. The music is brilliant, and the story is a magical, simple and effective one. The scenery, sets and costumes were visually a feast to the eyes, just gorgeous to look at, and if it didn't get any awards for best art direction, then that is a massive shame, because it was so beautiful to watch. Falcor was a fantastic character, a very warm and loving character, that you just have to love. I have to admit though, Gmork is very scary. The acting is fantastic, Barret Oliver very spirited as Bastian, and Noah Hathaway born to play Atreyu. And Tami Stromach as the Childlike Empress has a small but wholly relevant role in the film. This film is practically perfect in every way and has a wonderful message, don't miss it! The second film's okay, but the third one is god awful and should be in the bottom 100. 10/10 for this though. Bethany Cox

Just rewatched with my 9yr and she loved it! Saw it accepted by her with the same enthusiasm I had as a kid!

Yes, it's dated. Yes, the acting isn't the best. But... it is so magical and super sweet. Also very telling... in 1984 they told us that hope was disappearing and despair was setting in. A prediction of things to come - at least from 2020 to now in 2022!

Finally, the truth about stories. The fact is, nothing ever really ends, and thusly, someone had to say so. That's what this movie does, and it does it ever so elegantly. A young boy, who knows so much about the "Lord Of The Rings", and "Beowulf" is about to find out something more real as he borrows a mystical book he finds enchanting. the even more powerful fact, is that once the book is opened, it will never close. Just as life never really ends on this earth, neither to stories. The book, titled "The Never Ending Story", is about Fantasia, a world that is dying, and an unbelievably horrifying substance known as "The Nothing", is enclosing it. A young warrior must face the danger of finding a cure. On earth, or in the book, life is intertwined to reach the ultimate answer to a young boys fears, and a young warriors quest. Film is full of some really lovable characters such as Falkor, the luck dragon, and the Rock Biter. Then, there is the Gmorg, whom I believe, is the most wretched creature in cinema. That thing is scary! In any case, film starts out as colorful and mystical, and grows dark and nightmarish with every scene, leading to a wonderful message about the substance that keeps Fantasia , and every other world out there, alive. Beautiful, just beautiful. A classic.

The Neverending Story which is only 1 hour and 42 minutes long.

Helped by a memorable title song. This was director Wolfgang Petersen's follow up to the Oscar winning Das Boot.

At the time. This was the most expensive European produced special effects laden movie made.

Although one movie critic in 1984 did ponder just where did the special effects money go to. The reason is that Petersen took a different approach to animatronics and visual effects from his Hollywood counterparts.

Bastian (Barret Oliver) is small boy in America being raised by his father. His mother has just died and he is being bullied at school.

One day while fleeing the bullies. Bastian enters a bookshop where the owner shows him a book called The Neverending Story.

Bastian takes the book reads the story of the magical kingdom of Fantasia. It is being destroyed by the Nothing as the childlike Empress who rules it has has fallen ill.

It is up to the young warrior Atreyu to save Fantasia and he needs the help of a human child.

This is a slightly dark fantasy film with less emphasis on cutesy kids. It has a touch of Jim Henson's Creature Workshop about it with the visual effects.

It does lack humour and some sparkle to make it truly imaginative. Although the special effects have now aged, it is also now regarded as an 1980s classic fantasy film.

This is something special. "The NeverEnding Story" is a truly remarkable movie experience. A stunning and unique movie with this fantastic feeling and the feeling of being something "out-of-this-world". The finest fantasy movie of all time. A timeless and nostalgic classic.

The rich production is notorious in so many ways: the gorgeous settings and landscapes/sceneries; the amazing special effects, visual effects and blue-screen effects; the magic; the spectacular combination of sounds, which impress even more if heard loud; the music...

Another major strength is the wonderful soundtrack, work of Giorgio Moroder and Klaus Doldinger, with that genial synthpop orientation. It's so 80's and I very much welcome that. The songs are all beautiful. Another great song is Limahl's "Never Ending Story", as well as the two lovely Tami Stronach's singles "Fairy Queen" and "Riding on a Rainbow". It's impressing how she sings so well.

The movie is thrilling, very involving, exciting, great fun, contains lots of adventure, danger, strong suspense, darkness, drama, strong emotions, fantastic and strange creatures, interesting and well developed characters and a great cast.

There are strange and fantastic creatures such as the Racing Snail, the creepy Gmork, Morla the ancient one, the friendly Rockbiter (a gentle giant), the Sleepy Bat and Falkor the luckdragon. I like Falkor very much: he's so big, so cool, so fluffy, so cute and so friendly. He also has a great sense of humor and his dog-like appearance makes him irresistible.

Other interesting characters are the somewhat rude Nighthob, Teeny Weeny, the hilariously typically grumpy old man Mr. Koreander, the eccentric and amusing gnomes Engywook and Urgl, Cairon and especially Atreyu (and his horse Artax), Bastian and the Childlike Empress. Atreyu, Bastian and the Childlike Empress are all terrific kids. Atreyu is a different kind of hero: a true hero child, which is unusual and amazing. Bastian himself is another hero child.

The movie is promising since the very beginning, with those stunning, dazzling and colorful clouds, which bring it a magical touch. The beauty of the Ivory Tower palace, the golden of the Sphinxes and the blue of the Southern Oracle are also magical details about this movie, among many others. On the other hand, the storm called "The Nothing" is spectacular but slightly creepy. Nevertheless, it is another precious help to give magic and beauty to the film. Not to mention details like the sky full of stars and no clouds and when the sky has clouds...

It's amazing how one gets involved into the story. While watching the movie, one can feel deeply involved in the story as much as Bastian does. It's impossible to ignore it because it captures one's attention and heart. Also, one can't help but get deeply involved in Atreyu's quest and everything he confronts to save Fantasia, including his emotions and despair.

The actors are all wonderful. Barret Oliver is amazing as the shy and imaginative Bastian, Noah Hathaway is awesome in the role of the young warrior Atreyu and Tami Stronach is terrific as the Childlike Empress. Her role is minor but very relevant and significant. She really looked like a little princess by portraying the Childlike Empress. It's kinda surprising that this was her only movie role ever. Noah Hathaway... that long hair really fitted very well on him and his character Atreyu resembles an Indian, but only a little bit.

"The NeverEnding Story" is more than one of the greatest movies from the 80's. It is one of the best, most beautiful, magical and distinguish movies ever. A fine movie with a very good message as well. I can positively say that Mr. Wolfgang Petersen knew what he was doing. This is his masterpiece.

The movie is a German production filmed in English with mostly American and English actors. The majority of the film takes place in Germany. And it was officially launched under its original title, "Die Unendliche Geschichte", despite being filmed in English. By the way, I was born in 1984 and I'm very proud that this movie is from that year. After all, it's a movie that I love.

This should definitely be on Top 250.

A lonely and grieving little boy named Bastian(Barret Oliver) is only living with his father(Gerard McRaney)but his mother has deceased.Bastian is being bullied by a trio of nasty group of scholars.He seeks refugee in the library where by bookkeeper is given a rare book .Thus, he enters the marvellous world of Fantasia through the ¨Neverending story¨book.There,a young warrior named Atreyu( Noah Hathaway) must to save the magic world of Fantasia and the princess(Tami)threatened for the destruction by the advance of Nothing that will eventually wipe out all the things.He's solely helped by a human being,Bastian.

The story is an enjoyable fairy tale with great charm from the original novel by Michael Ende,trying to incorporate too much dreamland with fantastic beings like a rapid snail,a giant turtle,a large flying white dog ,among others weird and bizarre creatures .They have been made by big puppets and no by computer generator effects but at the time hadn't invented. The visual beauty of the impressive scenarios give the movie a real sense of wonder.The production design and sets are visually rousing and appealing.The film contains an agreeable moral message about reading books.It's followed by two sequels,the first titled¨The Neverending story : the next chapter(George Miller)¨starred by Jonathan Brandis(recently committed suicide) as Bastian and the third part titled: ¨Escape from fantasia¨(directed by Peter McDonald)with Jason James Ritcher. Besides followed by a Television cartoon movies.The motion picture is wonderfully directed by Wolgang Petersen.

A+

Before "The Chronicles of Narnia", "Bridge to Terabithia", "Pan's Labyrinth, before even "Fellowship of the Ring", this film helped to give fantasy a wider audience and cement its popularity as a genre. Like many of those films, this one too is based on a book, by. Many probably don't know the film doesn't cover the entire length of the novel, due to time constraints as well as budget. However, the production team didn't allow this stop the movie from being as adventurous and memorable as it is.

Where can one start other than the effects? The advent of CGI has expanded the world of fantasy, but one must always remember the roots. Epic long shots, some even taking advantage of very clever landscape matte shots, help to create the world of Fantasia. The well constructed sets are also a treat, and they fuse to make it all very convincing. Good old practical effects are used for the wide range of creatures, to make-up, animatronics and full-scale models. One can't help but marvel at the work put into it all.

The score by Klaus Doldinger, and in the American cut cues being added by Giorgio Moroder, creates an energetic yet also dark tone for the movie. This brings me to the target audience. It is definitely a movie children will enjoy, but if you closely any one of any age can enjoy it. Note my favorite scene, the one where Atreyu (Noah Hathaway) and G'mork, superbly voice-acted by Alan Oppenheimer, have a very eerie exchange of dialogue. Pay attention to what the characters say and you'll get the full grasp of what the film is saying about humanity, most importantly the death of dreams.

A classic and one of my personal favorite films.

The Neverending Story (40th Anniversary)

I brought a millennial to see this movie, and after it was over, he said to me, "is that why your generation (Gen X) is the way you are? Where is his dad? Where are his teachers? Where are the police? I could never have gotten away with any of this!" All valid questions, but in 1984, we all lived in a different time. Being left on your own, even at that age, was common.

The Neverending Story traumatized an entire generation of kids. I'm looking at you Artax, stupid horse. The film brings an intense sense of nihilism and despair to the viewer that I didn't notice until this time around. I haven't seen the movie in decades, so this was really the first time I looked at it with full adult eyes.

The entire audience cried during the Swamps of Sadness scene, but I found much more sadness hidden beneath the obvious. Bastian recently lost his mother. His boomer father did what all adults did back then; refuse to talk about, or even acknowledge, feelings in order to heal through trauma. He showed no interest in his son's desperate need to escape reality with his insulting ignorance of the difference between a unicorn and a horse. Instead of the appropriate concern, which would lead to therapy, he's given a pathetic pep talk about staying grounded.

The audience follows Bastian as he runs and hides from bullies, runs and hides from school, and then dives into a mysterious book that whisks him off to further avoidance.

I love this movie very much as I saw it in my formative years. I have very fond memories of watching it repeatedly when it was on video. I still got that sharp feeling of suspense as Atreyu journeys through the gates to the Southern Oracle. However, the message is muddled, and doesn't quite fit any more in a world that now understands that escaping is not the answer. Fantasia is dying because people from Earth no longer daydream or fantasize as a way to bring hope into their hearts. With the "staying grounded" toxic masculinity going on, imagination could truly die out. Ok, great, but the problems are still avoided.

I found it sweet that he brought Fantasia back to life by the implication that he used his mother's name to initiate the reboot. I can see this as a way for his mother to live on, but again, it's avoidant behavior.

When I was a kid, I loved watching Falkor and Bastian force those bullies into the dumpster, but watching it now? Bullying bullies does not work. Call me a wet blanket all you like, because I called myself that when I was watching that scene.

I know it's "just a story", but the entire film tells us that it's not "just a story". I go back to my earlier comment about feeling sadness throughout the movie because nothing is really resolved. Bastian's continues to escape in his fantasy and the audience never learns what happens when his father finally finds him. Imagination and therapy need not be mutually exclusive.

And yes, I sang the entire song during the credits, unashamedly.

Stemming from one of the very finest books ever written in the 20th century, "The Neverending Story" is an awful movie with terrible storytelling, useless acting and music that seems more appropriate for second-grade German synth videos. The essence of the book is there, somehow, but barely noticeable, buried beneath an avalanche of cheesy, American pop morals and a disregard for the original book that is almost offending. The effects are horrible, but that's not the makers' fault - back in 1984, "Star Wars" was still the benchmark for visual effects. What is truly embarrassing is the storytelling, leaving out so many important parts from Michael Ende's amazing book that it becomes jumpy and inconsequential. The author's enormous capacity for imagining things is almost lost here, rendering the movie quite inane and dull.

The only hope is that some day, someone with a little more faith in the novel will make a new "Neverending Story" that is true to the book and a helluva lot more satisfying to watch. The film gets 2/10 only because it was actually made.

The Neverending story is by far the best "Fantasy" film ever made and I doubt that it will ever be topped. I saw this movie with my dad one cold autumn afternoon, and my life changed forever that day. This movie taught me that fantastic places and wonderful creatures really do exist. You only have to want them to. Even today, aged 23, working in the computer industry, I find myself slipping in the Neverending Story soundtrack in my CD player and dreaming away to Fantasia...

This movie the most beautiful and touching movies ever created. It's an example of a timeless story, told with wonderful creatures and dazzling vistas of the land of Fantasia. The amazing and perfect soundtrack help capture your heart and won't let go until the end credits fill the screen. At which time you notice that you've been crying for the last ½ hour. I consider myself extremely lucky that this wonderful movie was shown to me at such a young age, telling me that the world is what you make of it.

And luckily, this September I can watch it all on DVD!!

This is a masterpiece, nothing less

That's exactly how I and many people feel about The Neverending Story. It is such a fantastic piece of cinema that entices you with its simple yet beautiful story about believing in dreams and in yourself. These themes are portrayed on screen through the story read by Bastian on the mysterious book about a mystical land called Fantasia; and its search for a mighty hero that could save the land from darkness.

The scenery is magnificent, filled with gorgeous landscapes; practical effects are greatly composed on the many creatures seen, specially the luck dragon, Falkor, he is such a landmark of a character, instantly recognizable and dearly loved by fans of the film.

Once you finish watching the movie you realize it is not only a couple of elements that make this a classic and a must-see, but it is a grand combination of all the elements comprising this film. It is a wonderful experience to enjoy it for the first time, but it is perhaps a stronger one to watch it after so many years like I did. Either way, you will love The Neverending Story.

One of the best kids fantasy films of the 80's. This is a great films about troubled young boy Bastien who escapes some pursuing bullies in an old book shop finding a story. As he reads this story alone, in hiding, he becomes enraptured in it and soon begins to feel more than a reader but involved in the story and is sucked into the world of Fantasia.

Now, does the film have the important elements of a fantasy yarn? Yep it sure does. It looks great it has strange creatures and wonderful landscapes and it's fair share of adventure. The book bastien read centres around Artreyu a young warrior who is the only hope of saving Fantasia from the evil that is "the Nothing" which is what it's name suggest and will turn Fantasia into nothing.

I had never watched this until recently when purely by chance it was on TV and had a good write up (ah the power of movie critics!) so I thought that as a lover of fantasy, I would watch it. Glad I did people, glad I did. It takes you back to feelings of childhood and captures the imagination. Wolfgang Peterson, who didn't particularly impress me in recent flop Troy, directs preceedings with class and control. There are some good young actors too. ****

It's been a solid 30 years since I'd last seen "The NeverEnding Story", and the only things that stayed with me were the sadness in the swamp (not the horse!), a flying dog and an unbelievably scary wolf (I was six, what can I say). So you can imagine the curiosity that lingers in an adult mind as to how scary that wolf really is.

Turns out not all that much.

But I wasn't expecting such an engrossing story. I got sucked right in, and the imagination in this thing is crazy. Sure, a cynic will poke holes in the effects and look for the wires, but the movie creates a fantastic world out of physical props (impressive, given the age group being targeted here). The funny thing of it is that it apparently didn't hold up very well for my wife (who was a little older when this came out), but it sure did for me. If I have one complaint, it's the Moroder synth (I can't help it, he's never floored me), but that's easy to overlook in a movie that basis its world on the goodness of childhood dreaming. I mean, really, how can you fault a message like that? Can I say they don't make kids movies like this anymore? Because it sure feels like it.

7/10

AKA: THE NEVERENDING STORY

This is a tale of imagination; an epic journey one boy makes in restoration of his hope, his heart, and his world.

This is a small masterpiece of fantasy by Wolfgang Peterson, in which are found interesting and creative characters, artistic innovations found nowhere else, and no small amount of entertainment.

This is suitable for all ages, regardless of the darkness within, as it is safe for younger children, but not so safe as to negate the perilous journey upon which Atrayu must embark.

I found this wholly entertaining, and a lovely piece of fantasy, and as such, it rates a 7.3/10 on the Children's Scale from...

the Fiend :.

I think most people that have seen this will agree that this is one of the best fantasy films ever made! I think I may have to agree with them!

This film has a special place in my heart, cause I grew up with this film. I've probably seen this film more times than any other movie (although, it may be too close to call with "Labyrinth", "The Wizard of Oz" and "The Dark Crystal" in the running)! Isn't it funny how when you were young you could watch the same movie over and over and over and over and never get sick of it...not that a whole lot has changed since then, but it cracks me up how well I remember this film ever time I see it. I remember just about ever line, every scene, every nuance, every single little miniscule detail about this movie! Ok...I'm sounding a bit obsessed aren't I.

Well, what I'm trying to say here is that this is a great film and with an excellent story. The acting, directing, special effects, and everything else is just excellent in this film! Wolfgang Petersen really out-did himself with this film! I would definitely recommend this film to anyone that likes fantasy films...what am I saying, I would (and do) recommend this film to EVERYONE! What are you reading this review for? Go see this movie!!! Thanks for reading,

-Chris

In one of Wolfgang Peterson's better movies (maybe one of his best), The Neverending Story is the kind of 1980's kids movie that isn't made anymore, one that lacks over-extending cynicism and unnecessary humor dumbed down in favor of the kind of ambitious imagination of Jim Henson's more serious fantasies. While I don't remember it completely, as a younger kid some of the imagery was almost too terrifying, and almost had me crying (a softy and gullible back then perhaps, but it being all in three-dimensions and not computer animated). One such scene was the sort of quicksand scene in the story, where the main protagonist of the story within the story Atreyu can't help but watch as a girl slips down into her demise. It's a credit to the filmmakers that this and many other scenes work so well, and in retrospect isn't as dated as one might expect. There's also a lot of imagery at work here that is, while for kids, very expressive of the special effects, make-up, production design, costumes, and technical aspects that could serve the story.

The premise is one most kids can relate to, about the need of escapism in the sometimes cruel and tired day-to-day life of being a kid. The story within the story, on boy Atreyu in Fantasia must stop the 'nothingness', which will engulf the world unless something- or someone- can stop it. What's interesting first looking back is this challenge of a 'nothingness' being the main antagonist ( maybe Sartre had a hand in the script somewhere), and how it does work by becoming in different permutations (like the wolf towards the end with a heap of exposition). Another thing is how earnest the characters are while still working in their archetypal forms- the boy hero(s), the endangered princess, the many side-characters. It's really a kind of cult treat that kids who were born and raised in the 80's went to with the purity (if not the greatness) of other fantasy counterparts. And if it still works today for kids possibly jaded by animated overload and below sophomoric humor, more power to them and their parents.

I remember watching this film as a kid in 1984 and I loved it. I remember discussing my favorite scenes with friends and classmates. I cherrish those memories and that time period in my life. So I decided to rewatch "The Never Ending Story" today in 2021. I bailed out after about 40 minutes into the film. The boy reading the book is annoying, and in one scene he screams out loud like a girl for no apparent reason. The acting is hammy and most of the dialog is cheesy. Some of my favorite films from my childhood are timeless classics that still hold up today and I can watch them anytime (like Ghostbusters, The Karate Kid, Star wars, ect.) Sadly, The Neverending Story isn't one of them.