Reviews

This is comedy at its best--intelligent and funny at the same time. Good against evil, the rebels against society, and lots of nifty tech gear. The performances are sterling--Val Kilmer especially--and the villains are unquestionably icky. Yes, I mean icky. Not to mention the wonderful quotes! Where else can one find lasers, a reclusive genius, the sheer perversity of the quirky imagination, popcorn, and Kilmer in boxer shorts?

This was one of the best TV shows I've ever seen, and its cancellation was an enormous loss as well as a blow to its fans. It took ordinary characters and relevant issues and made them into a story that was intense, realistic, and worthwhile. The creators did not err and make things black or white; as in actual life, each situation had at least two sides to it, and the characters had to make their choices accordingly. This show dealt with fear and bigotry, betrayal and friendship, loyalty and love, and did it honestly. The acting was OUTSTANDING and the synergy hard to top. And for those of us addicted to hope, the characters were ever willing to extend a hand. As they should.

This film is the combination of Jim Henson's undeniable genius and the imagination of Brian Froud. It opens up a rich and gorgeous world populated with original creatures that nonetheless play out an old and time-honored tale. Personally, I consider it Henson's finest work. The sheer attention to detail--the small things put in that the viewer never notices yet that make the movie so amazing--are unequalled except in the recent Lord of the Rings movies. And The Dark Crystal was done without the advantages of computer assistance.

So much care is taken, so much is done, that the viewer easily forgets that these people are mostly puppets. In truth, they are no more puppets than many of Henson's other creations. They are as real as the viewer is willing to believe. So see it. Travel with Jen as he leaves safety on a quest to save his world...rejoice in the speed of Landstriders...laugh and make merry with the Podlings...defy evil with Fizzgig. Do it.

Can't tell you exactly why this series caught the imaginations of so many; it probably differs for each person. But this was a winner of a show in a style I've not seen since. It was fantasy, true enough, but it addressed many contemporary issues with a skill seldom seen in TV. The love story was believable, the acting was outstanding, and the minor characters were generally engaging. This was a show for romantics, and for those who believe in the power of love--not just between lovers, but between family and friends, and those whose love spills over into actions. Good fought evil in the grimy real world as well as in fantastic battles against shadowy adversaries. And for those of us who like to pretend that the unknown really is just around the corner--this was our show. Requiescat in pace.