The fantasy story is/was ‘NeverEnding’

Even as an adult, I've always liked children's films. The good ones, anyway. Classic Disney, for example.

One of my favorites debuted in 1984. "The NeverEnding Story," which was based on a 1979 novel by German writer Michael Ende, tells the story of a young boy who likes to read. Still grieving the death of his mother, and estranged from his father, young Bastian (Barret Oliver) delves into a mysterious book set in the fantasy world of Fantasia.

Bastian first reads about the world, about the Empress and about the story's hero Atreyu, before ultimately realizing that he is part of the story, too. An important part.

While the special effects will seem crude by today's standards, the film's director, Wolfgang Petersen, knows how to tell a story. In fact, Petersen was responsible for one of the greatest war movies of all time, the 1981 World War II submarine movie "Das Boot."

You'll get a chance to see "The NeverEnding Story" tomorrow at either 2 or 7 p.m. at Regal's Northtown Mall Cinemas. Click here for more information.

And enjoy your trip to Fantasia. I certainly did.