Escape into the world of imaginary creatures, fantasy driven landscapes, and a loveable dragon who needs help saving Fantasia.

I originally saw this movie in the Theater (showing my age now!), and it stayed with me for years afterward. I recently rented this movie for my four-year-old to see, and really enjoyed watching her view this film. I saw her react in the same manner of excitement that I felt during the original viewing!

CHARACTERS:

Bastien (BAS-TE-YEN)- portrayed by Barrett Oliver. He is the real life boy who reads the book, and ultimately effects the activities that occur in Fantasia.

Atreju (A-TREY-U)- portrayed by Noah Hathaway. He is Bastien's other self that is actually residing in Fantasia. His actions are solely based on Bastien's thoughts, activities, and he is a young warrior.

Empress in the Ivory Tower - portrayed by Tami Stromach. She oversees Fantasia, and is the one who beckons Atreyju to continue his journey to save her world from the "Nothing".

Nothing - this is an entity in Fantasia that is going larger every minute. It is destroying Fantasia. If no-one uses their imagination, the fantasy world will disappear. Nothing appears as a thunderstorm/windstorm and "eats" away everything in sight each time someone doesn't use their creative thoughts. (Sorry there is no other way to describe it)

BASIC STORY LINE:
Bastien is a lonely, mourning (from the loss of his mother), and is picked on by bullies every day on his way to school. He finds himself running for his life, trying to locate a new place to hide. On this particular day, he runs a local, but odd bookstore in retreating from a daily harassment from other children. While browsing the store he begins conversation with the bookstore owner. The owner has in his possession an old leather bound book with two snake heads on the cover. Bastien questions about the it, but he is warned not to read it because he couldn't handle it. The phone rings causing the adult to put the book down, and Bastien grabs the book, and runs off to his school. An approaching thunderstorm approaches and he decides to hide in the school's attic to begin reading "The Neverending Story".

As Bastien begins reading the book, he doesn't realize that his thoughts and actions are driving Atreju who resides within Fantasia. As he peruses each chapter, he is engulfed in encounters terrified creatures of imagination (such as a rock monster) who are running from the Nothing. Bastien, living now as Atreju, is beaconed by a beautiful voice (the Empress) to continue his journey and conquer his fears to save her world. Who will conquer all? You'll have to rent the movie to see.

WHAT WAS SO SPECIAL ABOUT THIS FILM:

As a child, who hasn't escaped at one time or another into a world that you have created in your mind? Was that world full of beautiful sun drenched rolling landscapes, heroic warriors, dragons, and a common "evil" that needed to be overcome? Heart-pounding scenes of heroism, facing your worst fears and learning how to get passed them, and striving to conquer all that stands in your way is wrapped up a PG rated film for the whole family.

SPECIAL EFFECTS:

You will see puppet like characters set in real life scenes. You will soar between two worlds; Bastien's real world, and Fantasia that feels just as real! You will see spectacular lands of rolling green hills, beautiful beaches, and crawl through a mystical maze of feats that only a child's imagination could reach. Absolutely fantastic!

NOTE: THERE WAS A SEQUEL TO THIS FILM, BUT I HAVE NEVER SEEN IT. I WAS AFRAID THAT IT WOULD ALTER MY IMPRESSION OF THE CHARACTERS AS ORIGINALLY SEEN IN THIS FILM. SOMETIMES SEQUELS DO THAT. I WILL EVENTUALLY SEE IT, BUT AS OF THIS DATE I HAVEN'T.

OVERALL IMPRESSION:
Could you guess that I re-lived a childhood fantasy while viewing this film? Your family will surely enjoy this film and become so engulfed in it you actually feel the characters pain, tears, disappointment, and joy!I absolutely loved it, and plan on purchasing it on DVD and keeping it forever! And I mean forever!





Recommended:
Yes

Viewing Format: VHS
Video Occasion: Good for a Rainy Day
Suitability For Children: Suitable for Children up Ages 8