See 'The Dark Crystal' at The Varsity on Aug. 30

CARBONDALE - The Varsity will screen "The Dark Crystal" as part of its Friday Flicks on Friday, Aug. 30.

The 1982 puppet animated fantasy adventure was directed by Jim Henson and Frank Oz. It was the first cinematic feature directed by Henson to not feature The Muppets. The plot revolves around Jen and Kira, the last of the Gelfings, who embark on a dangerous journey to "heal" a precious Dark Crystal and restore order to their planet.

The movie was marketed as a family film but is notably darker than the creators' previous material. "The Dark Crystal, besides being a dazzling technological and artistic achievement … presents a dark side of Jim Henson and Frank Oz that could teach a lesson in morality to youngsters at the same time it is entertaining their parents," wrote Variety magazine in its review of the film.

"The Dark Crystal" is rated PG and runs 120 minutes. The film screens at 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 30. Tickets are $7 for adults or $5 for children and students with ID. Tickets are available in advance at www.thevarsitycenter.eventbrite.com. They will be available at the venue only when doors open at 6:30. That's also when the bar opens.

The Varsity is downtown Carbondale at 418 S. Illinois Ave. To keep up with upcoming events, go to facebook.com/varsitycenter.