C2 - Friday, August 3, 1984 - North Shore News t HERES ES SS See ee eeeee GERMAN director WolfGang Peterson has surfac- ed from the terrifying reality of his 1982 film about life aboard a World War II U-boat (Das Boot) with a new fluffy fantasy called The Never Ending Story. His latest film is set in the mythical land of Fantasia, where giant rock people, leather skinned talking bats, trained racing snails and a host of other feathered and furry creatures are faced with extinction of their world. Peterson has attempted to blend this fantasy with the teal world of a young boy named Bastian (Barrett Oliver) who upon opening a leather bound book finds himself reading about Fan- tasia, while being drawn into the story through the exploits of the equally young warrior hero Etreyu (Noah Hathaway.) Etreyu is the last hope of Fantasia, as it is he who can defeat the evil nothing force that is eating its way through the mythical land, destroying everything in its path. Young children will find themselves enthralled with the adventures of Etreyu who is befriended by the hkes of a cuddly pink dragon with the large brown eyes and lashes of a cocker spaniel. But while children will welcome such flights of fan- tasy, director Peterson has let his film rest on the vast array of special effects that allow him to populate Fantasia. The film lacks a cohesive quality in its plot, which stumbles again and again in its attempt to tie the two worlds of Bastian and Etreyu together. While both young actors (Oliver and Hathaway) do their parts well, the material is just not there to allow a complete picture of what this film 1s about. Instead of leaving the movie as a fantasy being played out by a lonely Bas- tion, Peterson has also tried By COLIN LAMONT to tie in an overly heavy moral tone. Bastian finds himself first puzzled and then scared as he reads about Fan- tasia and discovers that he has been written into the book as the savior of the mythical! land. While it is clear that Bas- tian imagines himself in the role of Etreyu, soaring above the clouds on the back of a dragon and_ slaying evil creatures, itis not clear where him imagination leaves off and the plot of this film picks up the scattered fragments of the two worlds. Too much high-tech imagery and not enough attention to plot has left the movie a weak image of what it could have been. Fantasia, it is explained, exists through the imagina- tion of human beings and is dying because the hops of mankind are dying. Bastian is told that through his hope Join the group From page C1 folk festivals and clubs around England and Europe. In Vancouver, they have played at several res- taurants and pubs and par- ticipated in Folk fest. Talking about their first attraction to folk music, the Armstrongs explain that it was part of their upbringing, their culture. ‘‘Listening to the pop music at the clubs, you think, ‘Oh, I could do that,’ ’’ Betty explains, ‘‘and then it grows from there.’’ Although Eric played musical instruments as a child, neither of them have what they would call formal training. ‘‘You don’t need any professional experience as a folk singer,’’ Eric says. And laughing, he adds, ‘*You get your training when you go to a club and if you're no good they tell you AMBLESIDE HOBBIES & CRAFTS 1425 Marine Dr. West Van 922-3512 6 days a week to go home.’”’ The couple started the North Shore club in May, and they say they were pleased by the quality of singers they have seen so far. ‘‘The calibre of singers on the North Shore surprised us. There are a lot of profes- sional, not amateur, singers.’’ But the Armstrongs would like to see more people come and participate. ‘‘We would like to build an audience, and eventually bring people to North Vancouver who wouldn’t normally come.’’ The folk club will be meeting this Monday, Aug., 6 from 8 to 11 p.m. A $2 charge at the door goes into a fund to go towards having special guests. Presentation House is at 333 Chesterfield Ave., or call 986-1351 for further information. Everyone is welcome. r! Fridays-ul 9pm. ais =. 7 hg) © Ma | Now available in Canada, 100% solid European oak In breathtaking design and solid craftsmanship. Choose from bd eg sets teatucing the finest fabrics of genuine leathers * Matching Coffee tables lacnp tables Betore reasonable prices. Comer tables « A wide selection of magniicent catbinets dining tables & c haus ou buy, drop in to our showroom and compare our very CLASSIC OAK FURNITURE BEWI CLASSIC OAK FURNITURE “A NAME FOR TOP QUALITY” | OPEN FRIDAYS & SATURDAYS 9:30 A.M. - 5 P.M, | “FOR OTHER APPOINTMENTS PHONE 590:5240 AND ASK FOR BILL OR BEN 19425 HWY, 10.» STE, 103 LANGLEY (BYPASS) | Fantasy promises more than it gives and wishes, the imaginary land can live again. But the film leaves too many loose ends dangling and the audience is likely to be more impressed with the make-up job done on the elf- like creatures than the story- line. The message about the pre- sent state of mankind and its loss of faith is lost in a story that seems to have no end. Vancouver Fiea Market 703 TerminalAvenve (EAST OF C.N. STATION) 40,000 sq.ft. indoors Open every Sat. & Sun. 8am -4pm ALSO OPEN ON MONDAY AUGUST 6G THE HAPPY HOUR DANCE STUDIO PRESENTS B.C. DAY CELEBRATION WITH OVER 30 TALENTED YOUNG DANCERS DON'T MISS IT! The Never Ending Story is now showing at the Capitol Six and the Columbia in New West. Be Water Wise fren reaching Out to a drowning victm le flat and reach towards vicim with a pole or a SUCK. Tne Canadian Red Cross Socety CHADIASMA LTD) mid-summer clearance 50 O off a temfic selection of sale fashions [anskins, sweaters, slacks, skirts, dresses, shirts, blouses, suedes & leathers Wonderful imports, beautiful blouson jackets Shop soon for best selection. CHEN OISMS GEL 1401 Bellevue at 14th: West Van 9262113 Cypen Sunday 11 4 948 Robson, Vancouver 681-6612 Open Sunday 12 4 30 a", — easy parking — , ¥