"The Neverending Story" was one of those movies that I saw when I was a child that I could not get out of my system. I watched it every chance I could get, and started to pray and hope that such a place like Fantasia did exsist. When my Mom would tell me to do my homework, I would pretend that I was the young boy, Bastien, and that I was doing it in the school attic, awaiting adventure and magic after I was done.

When a movie such as this can seep into your inner being, the depths of your imagination, you have to wonder why. I will explain why this move can touch the child in all of us, and why the message is so important for children these days to hear. Let's go to the movies!

First, I would like to introduce you to the three main characters:

Our brave young boy, Bastien, is played by Barrett Oliver.
Our beautiful Empress in the Ivory Tower is played by Tami Stromach.
And of course, the young warrior, Atreju, is played by Noah Hathaway. (Is he the same Noah that is Carter on E.R.?)

So having met the main characters, let me now explain the beauty and magesty of the Neverending Story.

A young boy, Bastien, has just lost his mother, and even though we, the viewers, do not know how, we feel and mourn with him, and relate to a child trying to deal with the idea of death. As any child does, his mind begins to wonder more in school, and he starts to begin to decline in home and school work. Not being liked, he is teased by bullies every day on his way to school, and is having to find new places to hide from these mean children.

Stumbling into an old Book Store on such a day, he begins to notice that hiding was not the only reason he was there. An old man scolds him for being there and begins to question his reading habits. Naming off famous stories Bastien has read, he asks the old store keeper what he is reading at that moment. An old leather bound book lays in his hands, with a symbol of two snakes on the cover. Above reads "The Neverending Story." Bastien asks to read it, but he warns that the book is not for him, that he would not be able to handle such a story, and then goes to answer the phone. Bastien grabs the book and runs off to the school attic where the movie really begins.

Bastien will go on to read the book, finding out about Fantasia and "The Nothing." He reads it all day and night and literally becomes involved in it. Who saves the day? Well you will have to see it to find out! I do not want to give anything away, because their are some great suspenseful moments, moments of shock, and moments of pure sadness and dismay. You truly have to see it yourself, and hopefully take on the lesson that it tries to send too you.

Rated PG, it is a movie for all ages, and a great one for Family night around the old tube. If your children love the Muppets, they will love the characters in here, and maybe even grow to love some that are not beautiful to the eye, but to the heart. Why not rent it tonight and let your children experience the magic of the Neverending Story.

Recommended:
Yes

Viewing Format: VHS
Video Occasion: Fit for Friday Evening
Suitability For Children: Suitable for Children up Ages 8