Some admirable films appeared during the 90’s encouraging children to read, and among them The Pagemaster shone brightly for how it introduced the exciting worlds books or libraries could open—combined with a cast of well-known actors and actresses.
The tale focuses around Richard Parker, a safety-conscious boy whose fear to take risks has made him a social outcast among his school classmates. That is, until he winds up in the public library to escape a storm. The librarian, played by Christopher Lloyd, signs Richard up for a library card and tells him that in order to leave he must use the exit door just past the fiction section.
This is where the magic begins, for as Richard wanders through the library admiring the elaborate murals overhead—signifying different literary genres—they melt he gets thrown into an animated adventure. The “keeper of the books” or Pagemaster, tells Richard he must face Horror, Adventure, and Fantasy before he can return to the real world. Along the way, he meets characters in the shape of books from each of these genres to guide him through classics like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde and Treasure Island. Patrick Stewart lends his voice to the swash-buckling pirate book, while Whoopi Goldberg plays Fantasy. And Frank Welker, a master of cartoon sound effects, voices the Frankenstein-like Horror novel. In exchange for their help, Richard agrees to check all three out of the library, which, as they each explain, is what all books in the library long to do.
Always fast-paced, bolstered by clever writing and imaginative characters, The Pagemaster delivers on its promise to make reading fun. Here is a film that should tickle the curiosity of any children learning to read, or who haven’t yet discovered what doors reading can open. But this story is not only for kids. The Pagemaster is fit for all ages, and a delight to watch.
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