The NeverEnding Story Review

MPAA Rating: PG
Released: 1984

The NeverEnding Story was a vibrant family-friendly adventure that featured a basic yet rich story about a troubled boy that becomes absorbed with a fantasy novel… literally! Featuring fantastical creatures and memorable characters, this movie has captured the hearts of countless children and adults alike since its release in 1984.

Bastian Bux (Barret Oliver) is a shy and somewhat awkward boy that attempts to escape the troubles of the world by reading classic fantasy novels. Although his concerned father, Barney (Gerald McRaney) discourages him from indulging in such stories, he has little luck convincing Bastian to focus on the more mundane elements of life such as school or socialization with his peers.

One day as he's walking to school a trio of bullies start hounding Bastian. In order to elude the bullies, Bastian slips into a dusty bookstore, where he stumbles across the eccentric storeowner studiously reading a thick novel. After a brief conversation, the owner allows Bastian to borrow the novel titled The NeverEnding Story.

With the oversized novel tucked safely away in his backpack, Bastian heads to school, but rather than attend class he slips into the school attic so he can enjoy his new discovery. Upon cracking the book open, he is immediately introduced to a fantasy world where a heroic boy named Atreyu (Noah Hathaway) has been charged with the impossible quest of stopping an entity known as the "Nothingness" from completely destroying the planet of Fantasia.

Bastian is immediately hooked by the compelling story, but as he slips deeper into the story he soon finds that this is no ordinary book. In fact he is drawn into the story in a seemingly literal manner, and soon discovers that he will also play an integral part in ensuring The NeverEnding Story concludes with a happy ending.

The NeverEnding Story was the first English-spoken production from famed German director Wolfgang Petersen, and quite frankly it couldn't be more different than his prior classic Das Boot. Whereas Das Boot was a gritty adult drama, The NeverEnding Story is a light and charming fantasy that dares all but the stodgiest viewers not to become enthralled with this adventure. This is one of those rare family films that will entertain parents nearly as much as children.

The landscapes of Fantasia cover are varied and impressive, ranging from beautiful forests to oppressive swamps. The denizens of the land are equally unique and captivating; you'll see everything from a white dragon (which actually resembles more of a cross between a dog and a snake) to dwarves that ride oversized racing snails. Yes… racing snails. Those little buggers can put a Lamborghini through its paces.

While the acting is a little bit uneven at times, somehow all the characters possess enough charm that the viewer easily relates to them. And really "charming" is how The NeverEnding Story can ultimately be summed up as. It is a light, fluffy and visually appealing film that oozes enough heart to seduce even the older viewers.

Movie rating: 8 stars

If you enjoyed The NeverEnding Story you may also find the following films to be of interest: