Plot Details: This opinion reveals minor details about the movie's plot.

I get quite nostalgic about both The Neverending Story II: The Next Chapter and its predecessor, The Neverending Story. Both were regular video store rentals during my childhood, and I found them exciting and deliciously scary. My husband and I just bought the movie and watched it for the first time since childhood. The film was still quite enjoyable as an adult and I’m sure kids today would enjoy watching it as much as I did.

Plot Information
In this sequel, Bastian returns for a second adventure in the magical land of Fantasia through the pages of the Neverending Story. He must save Fantasia from the evil witch Xayida by naming the spell with which she is using to destroy the land and kidnap the Childlike Empress. In the meantime, however, the evil witch and her assistant Nimbly have launched a plot to encourage Bastian to lose all his memories of home and his task. Most of the characters from the previous movie return, including the boy warrior Atreyu, Falkor the dragon, and Rock Biter, who has a new and adorable son.

The Good
Although it is a sequel, I feel this film has the type of imaginative story a lot of children’s movies today lack. The characters are creative and the tale of Bastian losing his memory is suspenseful. Xayida’s evil plot to foil Bastian is surprisingly well thought-out. The overall message is a positive one emphasizing family. I love seeing good old puppet characters as a nice change from all the CGI used today. Falkor the luckdragon has a look that is particularly appealing and its easy for me to forget he is not a real dragon. The Rock Biter and his character as a young son also look surprisingly Rock-like, although I assume they are puppets as well.

Acting is surprisingly good in general. Kenny Morrison is great as Atreyu. Clarissa Burt is surprisingly evil as the evil witch. Although he has just a small part, Thomas Hill seems eccentric and creepy as Mr. Koreander, the book shop owner. The Childlike Empress doesn’t get to say too much but Alexandra Johnes looks exactly like I think a Childlike Empress should look. I kind of wanted to be her as an eight year old, actually. I don’t like Jonathan Brandis as Bastian as well as his predecessor, as he seems a bit whiny, but he does a serviceable job. It is tough stepping into a role for a sequel in any case, particularly for a much loved movie.

The Not So Good
This film was released in 1989, so of course those expecting high-tech filmmaking techniques will be somewhat disappointed. Personally, I kind of like the whole old-school look. My real complaint, however, is the change of actors to play the same character, Bastian, as featured in the original film. I think if the same actor could not be used for this film, it would be better to simply give the character a different name and make this a separate story.

Additionally, this film might be quite scary for some kids. Giants appear repeatedly and threaten Bastian and Atreyu. Don’t worry, there is a happy ending. I used to hide my eyes under the blanket while watching, but I really loved it.

DVD Special Features
The DVD advertises this “Bastian’s Challenge” special feature, but don’t get too excited. It’s a simple word scramble game that only takes a few minutes. What I did enjoy, however, was watching the theatrical trailer. I still remember watching the trailer when I was seven or so and getting really excited about when the film would come out. Other than this, special features are pretty much non-existent.

Overall…
This is a classic kids’ fantasy adventure with an above average plot and acting. Although it isn’t quite as good as the original NeverEnding Story film, I still enjoy it a lot. Of course, those who don’t have the nostalgia factor going into this film might find the whole move really cheesy. Personally, I’m glad to now own this movie so I can watch it with my children someday.

Recommended: Yes

Viewing Format: DVD