Definitely one of the best 80s fantasy adventure films for kids. Maybe even second best right behind Goonies.

I said to my ol'lady, what movie you playin? She said, Never ending story... Out of the 10k movies we have access to..thats what you pick?? ... She replied fuck yeah! 'Merica!! ...so I fired up some of pac nw's finest and wtf??? ...this movie is good as hell still ... where's the pb cups?!

The effects and creatures do seem a bit, hum... kitsch? But the story is so good. I really need to read the book.

Quintessentially 80s fantasy in every sense, from the bold use of blue screens, child actors and puppetry to the histrionic, synth-soaked pop soundtrack that's bound to be ricocheting around the back of my skull for the rest of the month. It tries really hard, despite the somewhat rudimentary special effects available at the time, and nostalgia still carries it an awfully long way. There's an air of wholesome, youthful naivete at the core of many films from this genre/era, a fleeting moment in which the power of imagination could still gloss over a theme park-grade animatronic dragon or two. Honestly, with most of the live cast saddled by bad overdubs of their own, those out-of-sync moments could be dismissed as an awkward eccentricity.

On a conceptual level, The Neverending Story is quite strong, drawn from literary roots (though it was disowned by the author for taking liberties) and stuffing the world with all manner of unique landscapes, creatures, gods and wonders. We even get a surprisingly successful meta-reveal during the climax, which is no small accomplishment. Hammy acting, awkward edits and dated monster effects aside, this one's still got some legs.

Nostalgia is a strange thing.. I remember loving this as a child. Because it must have been up to 20 years since I last saw this movie, I thought it's about time to revisit _Fantasia_.. and I deeply regret it.
The characters are dull, the child actors are emotionless (looking scared with open mouths, wide eyes and fake tears) and either whispering, screaming or thinking out loud to explain what's going on, the soundtrack is unbearably cheesy and the story_telling_ is basically non-existent; it jumps from one scene to another until it all ends in a ride on the fluffy white (dog) dragon.
The only thing I still liked were those handmade, mechanical creatures, including the (dog) dragon.

Loved it. Really enjoyed it.

The Ended story perhaps, as it covers, quite badly in terms of writing, the first half of the novel, with a pretty horrible ending totally contrary to the overall meaning of the novel (Ende was right to complain about this). Nice use of the animatronics, and very good soundtrack, probably wasted for such film.

My expectations were high, I must admit. I liked the story, but not the execution. Not even the script is whole, I believe.

It’s been awhile since I’ve seen this 80s classic so it was like a new film to me and still an enjoyable classic with some good effects. I feel they should of never made anymore after this one because they don’t live up to it and heard there’s an upcoming remake from Disney in the works and I don’t see that comparing either and first one will always be in my stories.

I think the best part of this movie is when he goes back and terrorizes his bullies- best ending ever.

Loved it as a child, but now that I read the book.... :confused:
I still desire Fucur as a "pet"

The musical score, the effects and the Neverending Story song are pretty much why I almost love this movie.
Otherwise this is pretty much a movie I enjoy without fully understanding it. The sequel has an easier plot to follow but definitely isn’t as good. Avoid part 3 as well.

Fantasia doesn't have boundaries, even if You think you're too old for it ;>

I liked it when I was a child and I keep doing. Really a "must see"

The director Wolfgang Petersen shot a fairy-tale fantasy for young and old in 1984, at a time at a considerable financial cost of around $ 27 million. The film was made in Munich studios and involved many trick specialists. It is the story of a little boy Bastien, who gets his hands on a magic book in an antiquarian bookshop. The boy hides there from his pursuers, and the old owner soon notices the boy's interest in the book. As she reads, Bastien becomes part of The Endless Story. The story appeals to the need for understanding, human feelings and imagination, without which the existence of the realm of Fantasy, which is part of each of us, is not possible. M

The Neverending Story is a magical film with an enchanting and imaginative story. The film follows a young boy named Bastian who begins to read a mysterious book but soon finds himself becoming an interactive part of the story. The characters are especially captivating, and feel real and unique to the world of Fantasia. And, the story has an inspirational message about the power of imagination and the part that fantasy plays in our lives. The Neverending Story holds up as a beloved classic, and endures as a fun and enjoyable family film.

Carried by some iconic set pieces and creatures, not to mention the themesong, _The Neverending Story_ is a fun family fantasy film that is lifted by its visuals despite it lacking somewhat in the character-depth department.