When kid's movies could be dark and tragic...

This is a film I watched when I was very young, but had forgotten that I did. So for years I had these strange memories, memories which left a strong impression on me, but I couldn't place them. Watching this film again recently, everything came flooding back.

The first thing that strikes you about this film is the stunning visuals. No CGI, just old-fashioned (Jim Henson) animatronics and physical effects. There is something unique about the look and feel of this movie. It's as if it resonates with something primal and deep-rooted inside. So alien yet familiar. Maybe that's just me, but watching it again I completely understand why it had left such a lasting impression.

The imagination and visual style set a high standard, yet the rest of the film doesn't consistently match it, sometimes feeling like a cheap B-movie in certain parts. This inconsistency is largely due to awkward tone shifts and dialogue. Depending on your taste, this can either add to the movie's charm or detract from it. For me, it detracted from the overall quality.

Another common issue with book adaptations is the feeling that there's much more to the story than what's presented on screen. Despite this, it remains an enjoyable film, offering an old-school adventure story definitely worth watching.