Movie Review: Jim Henson's Labyrinth

Jim Henson's Labyrinth, written by ex-Monty Python Terry Gilliam, mixes then-teen actress Jennifer Connelly, rocker David Bowie, and a large variety of unique Muppet characters.  The result is an entertaining tale of a coming-of-age quest through a mysterious land ruled by the King of the Goblins (Bowie).  Babysitting for Toby, her baby brother, Sarah, a put-upon teenage girl, impatiently wishes him away...and the goblins she has inadvertently called up cheerfully grant her request.  Sarah immediately sets out to undo her thoughtless action by entering the Labyrinth and determinedly following the path to the castle where Toby is being held by the King of the Goblins ("it's only forever, not long at all.").  Along the way, she encounters a variety of wonderful characters, some villainous, some devoted friends, including a dwarf with mixed allegiances named Hoggle and an armor-clad terrier mounted on a St Bernard which wears an eyepatch.  But she has to do it all in just 13 hours or lose Toby forever, all while negotiating obstacles and unknown dangers to confront the King in his castle, and along the way learns a few lessons about life.

Great story.  Some musical numbers with appealing Henson characters.  As to be expected, even the goblins are fun.

The DVD includes a making-of documentary.