Directed by:
George MillerScreenplay:
Karin HowardCinematography:
David ConnellComposer:
Robert FolkCast:
Jonathan Brandis, Kenny Morrison, Clarissa Burt, John Wesley Shipp, Thomas Hill, Birge Schade, Andreas Borcherding, Martin Umbach, Claudio Maniscalco (more)VOD (1)
Plots(1)
This sequel to "The Neverending Story" follows the adventures of schoolboy Bastian and the young warrior Atreyu on their quest to save the enchanted land of Fantasia from destruction. Obstacles along the way include a beautiful but evil enchantress who tempts Bastian with wishes that dull his memory and his powers of imagination -- the weapons he needs to counteract the destructive forces of Nothingness that threaten to wipe out Fantasia. Meanwhile, back at home, Bastian's indifferent father gains new respect for his son as he reads of the boy's heroic journey through the fictional landscape. (official distributor synopsis)
(more)Reviews (4)
While the first movie still tried, in one way or another, to convey a certain message in line with the literary original, the second film is a typical commercial sequel that deliberately abandons anything beyond simple entertainment for children. It relies on the fact that those who liked the original The NeverEnding Story will not be able to resist seeing their favorite characters again. In terms of script quality, it's a forgettable, unremarkable affair, but the film is watchable thanks to decent production design. Unlike the third installment, I don't consider it a crime against children. Overall impression: 40%.
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A prime example of what a sequel shouldn't look like. Wolfgang Petersen, forgive them, for they knew not what they did.
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The second film isn't a terrible flop, it's just a cheaper film with different actors. From the second half of Ende's book it picks a simple linear line about Bastien in Fantasia, the main villain is the demonic Xayide, but unfortunately the film lacks the inventiveness of Bernd Eichinger…
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The first film is simply so unique that the sequel cannot compete with it. Here is a sentence stating that every book read for the second time brings something new to the reader. However, the basic story remains the same and this applies perfectly to this film. What completely knocked me out, though, is the set design and amazing practical effects that still lack a digital touch.
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