Over two decades after its release, Jim Henson’s Labyrinth still mesmerizes young and old. The movie has a little something for everyone and can be watched again and again. With David Bowie’s 80’s punk wig why is there such an attraction to this film?
The biggest reason is Jim Henson’s Labyrinth wasn’t written to be stuck in any era. Even the 1980’s punk blonde wig is absolutely charming on David Bowie. The fantasy elements and costumes help us to forget this movie is over three decades old.
Adults that watched Jim Henson’s Labyrinth in their youth are quick to share this treasure with the next generation. The muppet characters singing and dancing is quite enthralling for children raised on fake special effects. It feels far more real to them and they genuinely like the characters.
The songs of Jim Henson’s Labyrinth are well written and catchy making it a compulsion to sing along. David Bowie has a hauntingly timeless voice that pulls you along with the story. My daughter likes to put on the subtitles to learn the songs by heart.
Romantics will always enjoy the bittersweet banter between Jareth the Goblin King and Sarah the young girl who steals his heart in Jim Henson’s Labyrinth. Sarah is forever clueless that she can simply ask for her brother back when Jareth offers her the option.
Jim Henson’s Labyrinth has become such a cult classic that many a fan fiction has been written on the subject. The underground following has spawned the “Labyrinth of Jareth” an annual ball for cosplay fans of the movie. The Labyrinth of Jareth just completed its thirteenth year which is a very special number for fans of the movie. Sarah was given thirteen hours to solve the Labyrinth before her baby brother would become a goblin.
The staying power of Labyrinth has helped in the creation of new “Return to Labyrinth” graphic novels to continue the story where the movie left off. They are well written continuations of the Jim Henson classic with new characters added and new surprises as well.
New merchandise has been released including a talking 12-inch Jareth Figure for true die hard fans like myself. I also have a set of the metal “knockers” from the movie gracing my wall. You can only get the plush version now because the metal ones were sold out. The “Jareth and Hoggle 7 inch action figure” two pack is still available and look quite nice.
With such a following will Jim Henson’s Labyrinth stand the test of time?
Absolutely!
