The Neverending Story may get the remake treatment so many dread. This classic '80s film, based on a German kids' fantasy novel, is held dearly in the memories of millions of American adults - less so than the sequel and sequel to the sequel.

Personally, I look forward to an "update." The film itself only encompassed half the novel on which it was based, and there are some details of the book (which I haven't read) that it'd be interesting to see fleshed out in the on-screen world. (Example: Disillusioned Fantasians suicidally throw themselves into the Nothing, to be transformed into human lies. Ouch.) As much as I enjoyed the film as a child, I have to admit that while the movie was clearly about all of this:


all I really remember was this:


Damn right, they'd better jump in that dumpster. Ha!

Sorry, I'm back. What I'm trying to say is, before we throw up our hands and assume the worst... doesn't this film feel a little musty - like Labyrinth if you took out Jennifer Connolly and David Bowie?



Doesn't it seem, even, just a little bit... creaky?


I have far more misgivings about the upcoming reboot to The Dark Crystal, which to my eye has aged just fine. I'm not sure they could do much but diminish that story with a remake. Thankfully, they're making a sequel instead.


But maybe that's just a personal preference. What do you think? Does The Neverending Story hold up after over two decades, or is a fresh take on the book likely to be a worthwhile bit of kids' entertainment? Can we at least agree that any remake must, under penalty of law, get rid of that horrifically phallic snail? - Jeremiah