The NeverEnding Story II: The Next Chapter *** (1990, Jonathan Brandis, Kenny Morrison, Clarissa Burt) – Classic Movie Review 7164

Germany’s Bavaria Studios are back in business in 1990’s The NeverEnding Story II: The Next Chapter trying to recapture the magic of their first outing to the land of Fantasia Six years on from the 1984 The NeverEnding Story, which they manage to do, at least in part. George Miller (born 1943 in Scotland) takes over from Wolfgang Petersen as director, and Karin Howard takes over as screenplay writer, again based on the novel The NeverEnding Story by Michael Ende.

Jonathan Brandis takes over from Barret Oliver as the little American boy called Bastian, who has not got the courage to dive into a swimming pool, so he goes to a bookshop to buy a fabulous book, whose musty pages he enters to fight dragons and to save princesses with the help of Atreyu (Kenny Morrison).

The NeverEnding Story II: The Next Chapter is a pleasant second chapter that can boast handsome sets and costumes, goodish acting, fair special effects, and an often-told, slightly soppy story. Clarissa Burt enjoys herself as the evil sorceress Xayide.

Though not quite as appealing as the original, The NeverEnding Story II: The Next Chapter is not bad, quite jolly entertainment for tolerant children.

Also in the cast are Alexandra Johnes as the Childlike Empress, Martin Umbach as Nimbly, John Wesley Shipp as Barney, Thomas Hill as Koreander, Christopher Burton as Tri Face and Helena Michell as Bastian’s Mother.

The NeverEnding Story III: Escape from Fantasia followed in 1994, directed by Peter MacDonald, with Jason James Richter starring.

© Derek Winnert 2018 Classic Movie Review 7164

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