The NeverEnding Story Review

There ARE flaws in this film, and the modest budget means the special effects aren't quite as good as they probably should be.   None of this will matter to  your kids and it probably won't matter to you, because this is a film that has that rare magic where actors, script, director, story, photography editing, even music comes together to make a film that is better than it's individual parts.

Okay I gush a bit, perhaps because the movie actually considers reading a book one of the most rewarding and best things you can do with your time.

It is in fact a book that our hero must get into, so he can help a warrior with the help of some very imaginative mythical creatures to stop the growing NOTHING  that threatens to destroy a special world.

The film is warm and sweet without being overly sentimental or syrupy.   It's the first English language film directed by Wolfgang (Das Boot) Petersen  and I think it's a gem.

That said...  stay away from the inferior, waste of your time sequels.  The unnecessary Part 2 is flat and has none of the magic of this film and Part 3?  Oh there's a special place in Hades for the folks who made that one.

NeverEnding Story  1984  Directed by Wolfgang Petersen