An '80s classic which I've only now had the chance to encounter for the first time, THE NEVERENDING STORY is a masterpiece of action and special effects. It magnificently conjures up the magic of reading a good book in a way similar to the later but less successful (at least for me) PRINCESS BRIDE, and I loved the whole breaking of the fourth wall at the climax. The story itself is an dramatic adventure narrative in which a heroic child must find a way to stop the "nothingness" (which reminded me of THE LANGOLIERS) destroying his world.
Where this film shines is in the effects, which are extensive and elaborate and much better than our modern CGI. There's lots of back projection, wonderful set design and magical landscapes, and a whole slew of creatures. Some of them look like Jim Henson creations, while others are brilliantly conceived and animated, such as the Luck Dragon or the huge mountain troll creature. It's imagination writ large on screen, uninhibited and at its best, and you can't ask for more than that.
Where this film shines is in the effects, which are extensive and elaborate and much better than our modern CGI. There's lots of back projection, wonderful set design and magical landscapes, and a whole slew of creatures. Some of them look like Jim Henson creations, while others are brilliantly conceived and animated, such as the Luck Dragon or the huge mountain troll creature. It's imagination writ large on screen, uninhibited and at its best, and you can't ask for more than that.