TREASURE ISLAND is an enjoyable romp as Young Jim Hawkins (Toby Regbo) and Dr. Livesey (Daniel Mays) go on a journey to find buried treasure with the assistance of Squire Trelawney (Rupert Penry Jones).  However, the former crew of the pirate Captain (who buried the treasure on the fairway island) wants the treasure for themselves as they find a way to become part of the crew of the Hispaniola.   Jim thinks he can trust the peg legged cook named Silver (Eddie Izzard in another chameleon type role) and soon he discovers a mutiny is planned by Silver.

 

TREAURE ISLAND has some really good production values and a good cast, but I was baffled by Elijah Wood’s performance.   Still it reminds me of the pirate movies I enjoyed and watched over the years.   Eddie Izzard is the show stealer in this TREASURE ISLAND while only the story and scenery are equal stars to him.

 

SPECIAL FEATURES:

An audio commentary with Director Steve Barron and actor Eddie Izzard was recorded for this release and I didn’t have time to listen to it.

 

THE MAKING OF TREASURE ISLAND is a quick promotional featurette.

The cast interviews with Eddie Izzrd, Elijah Wood, Toby Regbo, Philip Glenister and Rupert Penry Jones are very brief and each interview is two minutes or less.

ANATOMY OF A STUNT quickly shows how someone was filmed being shot from the mast and dropping into the water.

A TOUR OF THE HISPANIOLA reveals the ship used for TREASURE ISLAND doubled for the pirate captain’s ship.

 

FINAL ANALYSIS:  TREASURE ISLAND is a remarkable adventure despite its high moral attitude.  Eddie Izzard steals the show from the rest of the cast while I wonder what Elijah Wood was trying to do with his character.

 

This review is (c)7-28-2012 David Blackwell and cannot be reprinted without permission.  Send all comments to feedback@enterline-media.com