Jim Hawkins (Kevin Bishop) inherits a treasure map from Billy Bones (Billy Connolly). While Jim is excited to go on an adventure, Long John Silver (Tim Curry) has plans to get the treasure himself.
Director: Brian Henson
Cast: Tim Curry, Kevin Bishop, Billy Connolly, Steve Whitmire
MPAA Rating: G
Fun Fact: Tim Curry is a big fan of the Muppets and has stated this is one of his favorite roles.
Muppet Treasure Island is the fifth installment in the Muppets franchise of movies. While some people remember the older movies from the 70’s, some are more familiar with the newer one that have come out in the last few years. You don’t really hear about ones like Muppet Treasure Island. An adaption of the famous book by Robert Louis Stevenson, there’s quite a bit of adaptations out there.
With a mix of Muppets and human actors, what we have is a great family film. Sure, it might have some tense moments but, the light hearted and coming of age message out weighs that. The tense moments are funnier, like the Blind Pew Muppet running into things. The funnier moments had me laughing as well. I remember seeing this film in the theater when it came out and still found the same moments made well.
The acting is top notch for a family feature. The human actors are having a blast with the material and direction they’re given. With the mix of humans and Muppets, they interact with each other well. When you see Tim Curry on screen, you know he really wanted to do this film. He can be over the top and funny and be a serious villain when the script calls for it. Kevin Bishop was a great choice as Jim Hawkins and I couldn’t see anyone else in that role. My favorite performance was from Billy Connolly though as he was funny and looking like he was having a great time.
A few other things I liked were the sets and the original songs written for the film. The sets really look like being back in that time and the costumes fit right in. The songs had great lyrics and upbeat music to accompany them with.
Overall Muppet Treasure Island is a great family film. You have a familiar story, great acting, fantastic looking sets, and well written songs. Plus, it has the Muppets and there is nothing wrong with that.
Verdict: Hit
Henry's Movie Reviews 