It's admittedly cheesy in spots, and that theme song warbled by Limahl could only have come from the 1980s. But 1984's The Neverending Story nevertheless remains a fine choice for family viewing, and today's kids could do a lot worse than being forced to check out a movie whose central message is that "Reading Is Good." The premise of this German-American co-production centers around lonely Bastian (Barret Oliver) and what happens after he borrows a book from a strange little shop. Focusing on the efforts of the Childlike Empress (Tami Stronach) and her boy warrior Atreyu (Noah Hathaway) to save their mystical land of Fantasia, the book proves to be so captivating that Bastian finds himself magically drawn into its developing story line. Directed by Wolfgang Petersen (Air Force One), this international smash boasts a novel array of supporting creatures, of which the aptly named Rockbiter gets my vote as the funkiest. The Neverending Story is being screened as part of The Light Factory's summer film series, 80s Fantasy Flashback. Movie begins at sunset.

Matt Brunson

Price: Free admission