Dave and I received an email from a twelve year old girl who defended the merit of the movie "Labyrinth," which is ridiculed in the fourth reader review of "It's a Bad, Bad, Bad, Bad Movie."

My reply was unusually long, and I'm sure most of it went over her head. (I do not look down on the intelligence of children or young teenagers -- there are some child prodigies out there that are smarter than me -- but one thing I believe in very strongly is that no amount of intellect can make up for a lack of life experience. Period.) But I replied as I did anyway, because what I had in me needed expression *somewhere*. But since that expression was to someone who will not comprehend it all, I decided I would post her letter and my reply here. Comments are welcome.

> ok you said you didn't understand about her taking things for granted well im
> only twelve and ive understood that when i was 5 it is about her overlooking
> herself not trying to think that its not the same as the normal world and
> everything changes and is not the same but she just doesnt get it. and NO it
> is NOT a bad movie its got alot of imagination in it and it is a very
> classical movie!!!!!! it is one of Jim Henson's best movie!

The review you are referring to was not written by us. It was in the Reader
Reviews section, which means it was written by a reader of our site. We
don't even know the person.

However, I do agree. "Labyrinth" was an atrocious movie, marred by bad
acting, a simple-minded story, and an unevenness of tone. On the other hand,
I do not begrudge you your opinion. Nor should you begrudge us ours.
Everybody's taste in movies is different; not only that, but our tastes in
movies change over time. You like Labyrinth now, and you liked it when you
were five. I'd be curious if you still like it when you are 20.

Some movies aimed at children endure. "Mary Poppins" is a brilliant movie.
Kids are enchanted by it, or at least many are, and adults can find just as
much if not more in it to love. Why? Because there is more to it than
kiddie fantasy: there is an artfulness in the story and dialogue, a purity
in its gentility, and an earnestness in its characters. What child, such as
Jane or Michael, wouldn't like a nanny who can work fantastical wonders? And
what child would not want more attention from his or her parents? Yes, the
story resonates with children, but grow up and look at it from mature eyes:
what adult *doesn't* become consumed in the frustration and stress of a
working life so much that he forgets what things are truly important in life?
How many of US would like a magical nanny to open our own eyes? Adults,
perhaps even more so than children, would love to wash away the frenetic pace
of working life by rediscovering the unsoiled glee of a corny joke or a mended
kite.

I realize I'm probably talking over your head. You're good at being a child
now, but you've never been an adult. You'll find all about adulthood when
you grow up, and believe me it's not what you think it is. Your outlook on life will change. If you're smart, you won't lose the joy
and fun of innocence and good humor, but your appreciation of the finer things
in life will grow and become more dynamic. You'll start to view the world
with more thought, considering things from different stances and perspectives,
and when you look back at a movie like Mary Poppins you just might see the
delightful, very clever layers of meaning in it that you missed as a child.
And, alas, with a movie like Labyrinth, you'll undoubtedly see it for what it
is: a cute, jovial, but abrasive little movie that's hollow inside.

Time will tell.