The NeverEnding Story II: The Next Chapter 4K 1990

Every self-respecting fantasy fan should definitely watch Wolfgang Petersen's The Neverending Story, starring Barret Oliver, not for the sake of sporting interest or for the sake of ticking a box and giving a rating. Rather, it is to experience a fantastic journey where imagination reigns supreme, to test oneself, and to witness an impressive children's game.

The second part, directed by George Miller, evokes much more mixed feelings. Those who liked the first part will most likely enjoy the sequel, but something is wrong when you see the low number of ratings from viewers and critics.

The first and most powerful impact is the new cast, which pulls the rug out from under your feet. The only ones who made the transition from the first part to the second are Thomas Hill as Koreander, the bookstore owner, and John Millner, who performed the title songs for both films. Fortunately, Jonathan Brandis saves the day. However, there are still complaints about screenwriter Karen Howard due to several scenes that cast a shadow over both films.

Otherwise, the film is good for its category and retains most of the atmosphere of the original. The emphasis on character development, his sense of life, and the issue of courage reveals Bastian and gives the film additional merit.

Jonathan Brandis (known to us for his roles in the films It and Fatal Attraction) gives a stunning performance. He fully conveys feelings of fear, loyalty, doubt, arrogance, cruelty, remorse, and love. He acts with gestures, facial expressions, his eyes, and the tension of his entire body. His Bastian is as believable and alive as Oliver Barrett's Bastian. Unfortunately, the world lost Jonathan too soon, when he was still very young.

The film follows the conventions of a children's fairy tale, featuring good and evil rulers, where loyal friends and courage come to the rescue, where strength must be tested with copper pipes, and where the last memory is put on the line. The cocktail turned out to be not only quite suitable but also delicious, with the aroma of a classic.

A measured combination of close-ups with wide shots, unpretentious musical accompaniment. And, of course, excellent puppets that exude a lively, warm breath, rather than the cold artificial light of pixels.