181. The Dark Crystal

181. (31 Aug) The Dark Crystal (1982, Jim Henson & Frank Oz) 36



Despite having an intricate mythology and carefully constructed set pieces and characters, The Dark Crystal never feels like compelling fantasy. When stacked against the sillier, but infinitely more enjoyable Labyrinth, this seems like a too serious dress rehearsal for the later film. Despite Henson and Oz's efforts, there's never a moment where this feels like movie magic. It's always rather ugly puppets cavorting in an adventure film that's simply not that exciting.

098. The Great Muppet Caper

098. (24 Mar) The Great Muppet Caper (1981, Jim Henson) 45



It feels like the Muppets are going through the motions here. The exposition, gags, and musical numbers play out mechanically. There's an occasionally cute moment or two, but Piggy's mistaken identity plot and Kermit and Fozzie playing twins are lame main plots. The high point is the Oscar-nominated "The First Time It Happens," which still isn't amazing, but it's such a lavish and absurd routine it's easy to give into.