Henson’s Fantasy World Continues: The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance Review

The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance review by the Ent

TV Show: Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance
Rating: TV-PG
Where to watch: Netflix
Age Suggestion: 10+ (Depending on their ability to handle scary and disturbing imagery)
Running Time: 10 one hour episodes
Release Date: August 30th, 2019
Stars: 4.5 out of 5
Themes: Courage, Purpose, independence, moral certainty, leadership
Warnings: Dark, scary, and sometimes disturbing imagery, large intense creatures, death of family members, abuse. If you’re child watched the original Dark Crystal, they should be okay with this one with guidance

Quick Summary:

     Before the events from 1982’s The Dark Crystal, the world of Thra was at peace, or so it seemed. When the Skeksis discover a new source of ultimate power, they become obsessed and will let nothing get in between them and their newfound power.
Viewers should be aware that this show contains much of the same creatures from the original movie, but with modern technology and special effects, they can come off as a little scarier and at times much more disgusting.

Do you need to have seen the original 1982 film to enjoy this film?

Although I did grow up with the original, I do believe you can watch this series without having seen the 1982 movie. This series expands the universe to a point that you may even have a greater appreciation for the 1982 classic if you watch this first.

**Spoilers Beyond This Point**

Discussion Questions: 

1) Who was your favorite character and why?

2) If you could be any fantastical creature who would you be (From this show: Gelfling, Fizgigs, Arathim, Podling, Skeksis, Mystics). Ask for the reasoning behind the answer, especially if they say Skeksis as they may just really like the Heretic.

3) Standing up to the Skeksis took great courage from the Gelfling and the Podlings. What is the most courageous or brave action you have ever done? What is the most courageous or brave action you have ever seen or heard of?

4) In the end, several people and species have to come and fight together. Share a time in which teamwork made a job or chore easier that it would have been by yourself.

5) Celadon made lots of mistakes when she became Al Maudra, but was able to reconcile with her family. Have you ever seen an example of grand forgiveness in your life? Why do you think it is so important to forgive?

Age of Resistance Review: 

Characters & Acting:
-The cast of this TV show is absolute insanity. There are over 20 celebrities that provide their voice work for this project. That does not include the other voice actors or the puppeteers. The best part about this is that all of them fit their characters (Even Andy Samberg, which was absolutely perfect).
-The puppetry within this series is incredible. Carrying on from the ingenuity from the original film, the team that worked on this film found a way to improve the style while leaving the charm that Henson created.  

Script & Story:
-I was very nervous going into this Age of Resistance review because The Dark Crystal is very near and dear to my heart. That being said, I was blown away by this world. They were able to expand the universe while staying in the exact same world. It was nostalgic in one way, but also pushed the world beyond my wildest hopes.
-Along with the world building, the actually story line was so good. Starting in what seemed to be a decently peaceful universe and seeing how the world became corrupt and darkened felt so fulfilling. Unlike some prequels, it added to certain character’s story while flowing perfectly into the original film.

Film Quality:
–This film was able to take the very specific world of The Dark Crystal and improve it with our modern technology. All the creatures are absolutely beautiful (Or completely disgusting) and the scenery is absolutely stunning.

Favorite Moments:

-The character development of so many of the characters (Celadon, Aughra, and Rian) was a breathe of fresh air.
-The Heretic’s relationship with his Mystic half was wonderful. The impatience, the sarcasm, and the attitude was all hilarious and also let you see these creatures in a completely different light.

-When Aughra is confronting the Skeksis near the end of the series, she exclaims “In the end, you are nothing but dust.” This prompts the Emperor to angrily yell “I will never be dust!” This foreshadowing was incredibly ironic and fantastic.

Check our other reviews of shows and movies on Netflix:
–Carmen Sandiego
–You Vs Wild:
–Brene Brown
–Ralph Breaks the Internet
-Incredibles 2

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