Publisher: Buena Vista Home Entertainment
Ages: five and up
Parental
Advisory:
Conflicts
and threats
Atlantis:
The Lost Empire, Disney's last
animated foray into science-fantasy a couple
of years ago, didn't impress the box office.
Pre-teens and teens didn't find the film edgy
enough, and Disney's traditional family
audiences didn't relate to a movie that wasn't a musical.
Disney's next science-fantasy, Treasure Planet, was a take on the classic Robert Louis Stevenson Treasure Island story that was set in a futuristic space. Unfortunately, it didn't fare much better than Atlantis at the box office despite being an imaginative, entertaining and visually spectacular film. This first rate family film deserved far better acceptance.
We may all know the scurvy pirate tale, but it has never been told like this. After finding a secret treasure map, young and inexperienced Jim Hawkins joins the crew of an intergalactic expedition. Befriended by the ship's cook, a pirate named John Silver, the two experience adventures aboard the ship that include supernovas, black holes, and space storms and become friends. Jim ultimately discovers that pal Silver is actually a scheming pirate that has treasure and mutiny on his mind. In the end, the friendship is tested as the crew nears the fabled treasure planet.
The movie has many strengths. At its heart is the famous pirate tale. After all, what kid can't relate to the adventures of marauding pirates sailing the seven galaxies? The film creates imaginative and stunning visuals that include a detailed space port, freewheeling ships that soar through space, exciting acrobatic sequences obviously inspired by extreme sports, and beautiful space vistas.
The overall style of the settings, props, and costumes is an intriguing meld of 18th century and high tech. As an example, the space ships resemble traditional seagoing pirate ships with futuristic touches (the sails are solar panels). Throughout, the style works - feeling traditional and familiar, yet taking us in new directions. The well done music also manages to evoke the 18th century at times, but with a modern flair.
The film's animation is superb. Most notably, the expressive John Silver is an amazing blend of 2D animation with a 3D, computer-generated arm that works like a robotic Swiss army knife. Also, the voice work is first rate with performances by Emma Thompson, Brian Murray, and David Hyde Pierce.
But all of the spectacular visuals and animation would be nothing if the film's story about the friendship between Hawkins and Silver didn't work. The film, under the direction of John Musker and Ron Clements, does an excellent job of developing compelling characters, and building and testing their friendship.
Some may find the film's comic sidekicks irritating. The sidekicks are indeed obnoxious at times to anyone over the age of seven, but nowhere near as annoying as Star Wars' Jar Jar Binks. The sidekicks do provide comic relief and are integral to the story.
DVD extras are decent. In addition to some commentary and deleted scenes and a "treasure hunt" game, are the intriguing early concept drawings of the characters and other background that will appeal to animation fans.
Treasure Planet is a spectacular family film that works on all fronts. It's a successful journey into a new (and hopefully, not final) frontier.
5/12/03 www.daytrum.com Editorial Staff
