From CNet.com:
“Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance
on Netflix is Game of Thrones with puppets”
In a world of glossy CG effects,
there's something magical about The Dark Crystal. The physical puppets of Jim
Henson's much-loved 1982 kids movie still have a realism and a spark that makes
the film stand out even today. Netflix's new prequel series Age of Resistance
recaptures the magic. The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance started streaming
Friday, Aug. 30, with all 10 episodes of season 1 available on Netflix. In a
treat for fantasy fans left bereft by the end of Game of Thrones, Age of
Resistance arrives on the same day as Amazon Prime Video's Carnival Row,
another show tackling similar themes through a fantasy lens. Age of Resistance stars a host of
puppets created by Jim Henson's Creature Shop, just like the original film. And
a host of big names voice the fantasy creatures, from Taron Egerton and Anya
Taylor-Joy to Helena Bonham Carter and Eddie Izzard. But the puppets are the
true stars: the cast of exotic creatures and characters are a joy to watch as
the puppets bring them to life enhanced with CGI that blends in perfectly. From
the adorable podlings to the creepy Skeksis, the puppets have a chunky,
physical realness that draws you into the show's expanded world. The opening
voiceover, narrated by Sigourney Weaver, reintroduces us to the colorful fantasy
realm of the movie. The life-giving crystal has been corrupted by the venal
Skeksis, who rule over various clans of innocent Gelflings. But things are
about to change as a trio of young Gelflings set out to shake up things up.
Gelflings go in search of the
crystal.
The Gelflings have the same
vaguely blank facial expressions as they did in the original, but the show does
a good job of differentiating three main characters on three clear quests.
However, just like the original film, the most fun comes from the cackling
crow-like Skeksis. These shambling hunched-over dictators clinging to power by
the tips of their talons are voiced by the likes of Keegan-Michael Key, Andy
Samberg and Jason Isaacs, and their scheming and squabbling are deliciously
entertaining. Simon Pegg, Mark Hamill and Awkwafina in particular really go for
it with their voice acting.
Do ya think I'm Skeksis?
Like the original movie, the
Skeksis have their scary moments. But they're far from one-note villains: the
Skeksis are motivated by greed, vanity and ego -- but most of all by fear.
Their plotting is underpinned by desperate anxiety, and it makes them even more
frightening opponents because of the lengths to which their fear will evidently
drive them. The original film established the Skeksis' role in the fate of the
Gelflings. What makes Age of Resistance so interesting is that it examines the
Gelfling role in their own downfall. We're shown a society where many Gelflings
are happy to be ruled by the Skeksis as long as it keeps them top of the heap.
Fittingly enough, they're led by a puppet queen. Yes, the ruling class have to
pay a tithe to the Skeksis, but they get to lord it over the other Gelfling
clans. Even in the fantasy world of flying Gelflings and magic crystals,
racism, self-interest and fake news are major problems. So as well as
entertaining younger viewers with amazing puppets and exciting adventures, the
show invites them to ask questions about how society works and who benefits
from keeping things the way they are.
One or two characters return from
the original film.
Amazon's substantially more
grown-up Carnival Row also examines society's flaws, but I'd argue Netflix's
kid's show is a good deal less heavy-handed. This might seem like an inevitable
comparison, but with its dynastic manoeuvring and fantasy society dealing with
real problems, Age of Resistance feels like Game of Thrones with puppets. That
Game of Thrones comparison feels apt during Dark Crystal's darker moments. The
original film is shot through with a deliciously sinister menace, and the new
series maintains that atmosphere with the creepy Skeksis and various
threatening creatures of the forest. It goes a bit further, however, including
some intense scenes that might be a bit much for younger viewers. In among these, the series perhaps undoes one
of the best things about the movie: The original Dark Crystal features no
fighting or killing. Unusually for a fantasy movie, the hero's quest doesn't
involve fantasy weapons or learning to fight, focusing on the need to heal the
crystal rather than destroy. But Age of Resistance introduces a warrior clan of
Gelflings who launch into a number of swordfights. I watched the first five episodes,
but judging by the trailers there's a Lord of the Rings-style fantasy battle
coming up. Which is fine, but it's nice to have a break from war every now and
again.
Battle for the crystal.
We've all seen a million fight
scenes, but few are as well-made as the scenes in Age of Resistance where
characters learn something instead of fighting. When faced with an ancient
puzzle, for example, a Gelfling princess assumes she'll solve it by ranking the
Gelfling clans in the order of their social position. And when that doesn't
work, she begins to learn something about her view of the world. It's a neat
little scene that allows Gelfling and audience to figure something out
together. The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance looks wonderful and its starry
voice cast has something to say. In another world, in another time, this is an
age of wonder.
^ I watched all 10 episodes and
find this review to be pretty accurate. ^
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