Muppet Treasure Island




And this is supposed to be a kids' movie!

The muppets are back, and this time they're sailing the high seas in search of treasure based off Robert Louis Stevenson's classic Treasure Island.

Jim Hawkins (Kevin Bishop) is a working class boy longing for adventure along with his friends Gonzo (Dave Goelz) and Rizzo the Rat (Steve Whitmire). When a treasure map finds its way into his possession, he snatches the chance to sail on a ship and hunt for it. The ship is headed by Kermit (also Steve Whitmire) and crewed by an array of unsavory characters. Jim takes a quick liking to the friendly cook, Long John Silver (Tim Curry), but the threat of pirates taking the ship and the treasure for themselves looms on the horizon.

I'll have to admit this is one of my favorite muppet flicks. The humor employed takes a lot from modern references, but it's all the better for it. The script isn't afraid to poke fun at itself, though it mostly leaves its respective genre alone (excepting the slight gender switch Ben Gunn goes through). The script is chocked full of stock muppet humor that finds a perfect fit in the pirate genus. And not only is the script witty with plenty to entertain both children and adults with, but this take on Treasure Island's well worn story is fresh enough that it captures some of the adventure. Once the plot settles in, it's a lot of fun and is full of laughs.

The special effects and puppeteering are impressive, as usual. There are plenty of explosions, ship action and sword fights to go around. Muppet Treasure Island also sports several catchy songs, and a couple of real gems. The muppet voice acting is quite good this time around, including an able sense of timing. The live actors are also fairly noteworthy. Tim Curry is just a step down from over the top, but he's having fun and it shows. Kevin Bishop is all right as Jim, but the story is spread around enough that he's not always the main focus.

The best muppet movie ever? No, but this is certainly one worth sitting down and watching with the kids.



-The Gnome