Rockabye Baby Movie Night: Labyrinth Starring David Bowie

There is no movie I’ve seen more times than the Jim Henson classic Labyrinth (I’m literally watching it right now). Although I was petrified seeing it for the first time at age 5 (because at 5 there’s a 100% chance the ugly goblins are real and I thought the Fierys were going to take my head) I loved it. The music, the set design, Sarah’s teenage angst, David Bowie — all of it. Interesting taste for a 5-year-old but, don’t get me wrong, I was into Barney, too. The 1986 fantasy follows 15-year-old Sarah (Jennifer Connelly), who, while babysitting her baby brother, mistakenly wishes him away to the Goblin King Jareth (who’s played by none other than Bowie). The only way to get him back is to navigate her way through Jareth’s labyrinth to win back her brother. Bowie recorded five original songs for the film, my favorite being “Magic Dance,” a tune sung by Jareth and his goblins in an effort to amuse the crying babe, caroling “what kind of magic spell do you use?” As it happened, “Magic Dance” was the perfect “spell” to calm the wailing babe (always works on me, too). “Underground,” the opening song in the film, was another favorite. I’d throw it on mix CDs I’d make for my friends in hopes they’d inquire about it, setting up the perfect segue to talk about the film. If they’ve seen and love it, “Cool! This is gonna be awesome!” If it scares them or they think it’s a dumb, bizarre kid’s movie, I know we’re not going to see eye to eye on a great many things. My three best friends are just as gung-ho about Labyrinth as I am . . . which explains exactly why we’re best friends. The film is a strong bonding agent!