DirkH’s review published on Letterboxd:
Part of Dastardly Difficult December: film nr.79
Wow, so when I first saw this it was in the cinema and I was 9 years old and while I don't remember specific details, I do remember an overwhelming sensation of disappointment, as the title in fact was a blatant lie. See, the story did end, and my nine year old self did not like that one bit.
Since then I have read the book this is based on and enjoyed it immensely, have seen the atrocious sequels and was glad that they did indeed end, but I never rewatched this one. I came across an old review here in which I stated I would watch it with my kids. Well, I'm sorry guys I couldn't wait, but I'm sure we will watch it together many times.
On to the film. It is simply magical. I can be cynical, something I tend to be most of the time, and say that it looks a bit dated, but the story simply doesn't allow me.
And that's the thing, the source material just is that good. It captures a child's imagination and need for fights of fancy really well and instead of giving us a childish story, it actually deals with the struggles that come with childhood and provides escapism in a richly detailed and full fledged fantasy world.
Wolfgang Petersen's film manages to capture the essence of that story really well and takes its viewers on an irresistible and compelling journey, wrapping us in the comfortable blanket that is great storytelling. Sure, it looks a bit dated at points, but the puppetry is just amazing. Falkor is the best pet ever, on that my nine year old self and I can see eye to eye.
This is a prime example of what movie magic can do, it can withstand time and not lose any of its original impact, whether you're 9 or 37.