91 Bewertungen
Seriously, MUPPET TREASURE ISLAND is funnier than any "adult" comedy made in the last ten years. While not held in the same regard as the Muppet movies of the 1980s or MUPPET CHRISTMAS CAROL, I thought this movie was amazing and easily the most hilarious of all the Muppet movies I've seen. The Muppets are all well-cast and the human performers are wonderful, especially Tim Curry. There's a talent in being able to actually talk to felt with a straight face.
- MissSimonetta
- 2. Aug. 2020
- Permalink
- joemorgan-01462
- 19. Sept. 2021
- Permalink
This review will not in any way objective; this was one of my favorite films as a child, and even as I started this movie up (for the first time on Blu Ray, not a VHS tape), I could feel a touch of excitement as the first song began. I found myself remembering bits and pieces of the songs and some of the gags. But it was the second song that really got me. When the song "There's Gotta Be Something Better," started, I found actual tears of nostalgia began to well up in my eyes and chills ran through me for almost the entirety of the song. To say that this review is objective would be a complete and utter lie. Watching this movie brings back many memories of my childhood, but it's more than that. This is a film that meant so much to my childhood that if it were up to me, this movie would be passed down through my family's generations.
- truemythmedia
- 12. Juni 2019
- Permalink
Sometimes when you watch a movie you get the feeling that the cast and crew had a fantastic time making it, which makes the movie even better. I got that feeling during Muppet Treasure Island, and as a result it is one of my favorite movies.
I thoroughly enjoyed Kevin Bishop's (Jim Hawkins) performance: since I usually find young/child actors to be very grating, that's saying something. The Muppets were, as usual, all very funny. The jokes and asides were too, too funny (like Gonzo finding Henry Kissinger's book Diplomacy' in Captain Billy Bones' trunk), the songs were fun and catchy, and the pace was brisk and exciting. Tim Curry looked like he was having the time of his life playing Long John Silver amidst a sea of Muppets. I had great fun watching his performance.
Go watch this movie if there's even a spark of kid in you. You won't regret it.
I thoroughly enjoyed Kevin Bishop's (Jim Hawkins) performance: since I usually find young/child actors to be very grating, that's saying something. The Muppets were, as usual, all very funny. The jokes and asides were too, too funny (like Gonzo finding Henry Kissinger's book Diplomacy' in Captain Billy Bones' trunk), the songs were fun and catchy, and the pace was brisk and exciting. Tim Curry looked like he was having the time of his life playing Long John Silver amidst a sea of Muppets. I had great fun watching his performance.
Go watch this movie if there's even a spark of kid in you. You won't regret it.
Muppet Treasure Island
The second muppet movie made after Jim Henson's death, Muppet Treasure Island, like The Muppet Christmas Carol, takes a classic novel and brings it to life with silliness and dedication to the source material.
Let me start by saying that Tim Curry is a genius. At 50 years old at the time of release, he has the energy of a man half his age, and looks much younger as well. He performed very well as the villainous Long John Silver, with an affinity for the young Jim Hawkins.
I also really enjoyed that the put Sam Eagle in the role of Mr. Arrow. His adherence to rules, even when punitive, was hysterical. Also, bringing on a cavalcade of rats believing that they were on a Caribbean cruise made me giggle constantly. Margaritas at midnight, hahaha.
As a film based on a novel, it brings to life Jim's longing to follow in his deceased father's footsteps as an explorer at sea. When the treasure map ends up in his hands, and pirates pursue him, he gets his chance. Discovering that not all people are good was not a new concept to him, but it still took him by surprise when his father/son bond with Long John was shaken during the mutiny. However, both of them let the other go, at perilous times, due to a mutual respect regardless of the reasons.
As in The Muppet Christmas Carol, Gonzo and Rizzo play themselves, still in somewhat of a narrator fashion, but this time included as Jim's fellow cabin boys. In a self aware moment of realization of the seriousness of the subject, it's even brought up that the movie doesn't shy away from death, even in a kid's movie. I liked that touch because the subject matter was serious, and a complete softening of the motives of greed and selfishness shouldn't avoid the consequences.
Over 25 years later, this film does hold up, especially since it's a period piece. I wish I had seen it when it came out, but the death of Jim Henson was still fresh in my mind, and it was too painful. It's a shame though, because he would have loved it.
The second muppet movie made after Jim Henson's death, Muppet Treasure Island, like The Muppet Christmas Carol, takes a classic novel and brings it to life with silliness and dedication to the source material.
Let me start by saying that Tim Curry is a genius. At 50 years old at the time of release, he has the energy of a man half his age, and looks much younger as well. He performed very well as the villainous Long John Silver, with an affinity for the young Jim Hawkins.
I also really enjoyed that the put Sam Eagle in the role of Mr. Arrow. His adherence to rules, even when punitive, was hysterical. Also, bringing on a cavalcade of rats believing that they were on a Caribbean cruise made me giggle constantly. Margaritas at midnight, hahaha.
As a film based on a novel, it brings to life Jim's longing to follow in his deceased father's footsteps as an explorer at sea. When the treasure map ends up in his hands, and pirates pursue him, he gets his chance. Discovering that not all people are good was not a new concept to him, but it still took him by surprise when his father/son bond with Long John was shaken during the mutiny. However, both of them let the other go, at perilous times, due to a mutual respect regardless of the reasons.
As in The Muppet Christmas Carol, Gonzo and Rizzo play themselves, still in somewhat of a narrator fashion, but this time included as Jim's fellow cabin boys. In a self aware moment of realization of the seriousness of the subject, it's even brought up that the movie doesn't shy away from death, even in a kid's movie. I liked that touch because the subject matter was serious, and a complete softening of the motives of greed and selfishness shouldn't avoid the consequences.
Over 25 years later, this film does hold up, especially since it's a period piece. I wish I had seen it when it came out, but the death of Jim Henson was still fresh in my mind, and it was too painful. It's a shame though, because he would have loved it.
- malmevik77
- 30. Juli 2024
- Permalink
I'll admit it, the first time I saw this movie, I wasn't impressed. But as I watched it again, it grew on me. "Muppet Treasure Island" is a film that grows on you over time. Props go to Tim Curry for his fine job as Long John Silver, and to the entire cast of puppeteers, without who this film would not be possible. The relationship between Silver and Jim is also well-developed, as it is difficult to watch them part at the end. The songs are fun, the ending touching..and of course, humorous! Give this movie another try.
I keep thinking these "Muppet Movies" are going to be just for little kids but I am usually pleasantly surprised that I enjoy most of them, too. In this one, there were a lot of modern-day expressions and referrals to things that only adults would appreciate.
Meanwhile, the special-effects with the puppets is the normal high-quality. Actually, this was my first look at a Muppet film, although I've reviewed several others, so I was downright amazed at what I saw. After I had seen others, and then viewed this one again, it wasn't as appealing. It was okay, but I liked a few others better. As I found with subsequent episodes, Rizzo The Rat and The Great Gonzo had the best lines even though Kermit and Miss Piggy have always been the best-known of these puppet characters. I've never been a fan of Miss Piggy so I was glad to see her with a minor role here.
Tim Curry played "Long John Silver" and he was entertaining, as was young Kevin Bishop as "Jim Hawkins." The songs were okay: not outstanding, but not bad. There weren't that many and they were brief enough not to interrupt the flow of the story. The movie is a little loud the first 20 minutes but settles down after that.
Meanwhile, the special-effects with the puppets is the normal high-quality. Actually, this was my first look at a Muppet film, although I've reviewed several others, so I was downright amazed at what I saw. After I had seen others, and then viewed this one again, it wasn't as appealing. It was okay, but I liked a few others better. As I found with subsequent episodes, Rizzo The Rat and The Great Gonzo had the best lines even though Kermit and Miss Piggy have always been the best-known of these puppet characters. I've never been a fan of Miss Piggy so I was glad to see her with a minor role here.
Tim Curry played "Long John Silver" and he was entertaining, as was young Kevin Bishop as "Jim Hawkins." The songs were okay: not outstanding, but not bad. There weren't that many and they were brief enough not to interrupt the flow of the story. The movie is a little loud the first 20 minutes but settles down after that.
- ccthemovieman-1
- 24. Juni 2006
- Permalink
Although this film has taken quite a beating since its release, I fail to understand why. The songs are catchy, the script is hilarious, and the performances are stellar.
Let's start with the music. Whether it's the wonderfully fun "Cabin Fever," the touching "Love Led Us Here," or another one of the wide array of tunes, nobody can say that they are inferior to any other Muppets melodies.
The script is full of one liners and clever dialogue that never grows old, delivered by a cast and vocal talents who are incredibly talented. Tim Curry, sinister and wonderful as ever, plays Long John Silver to perfection. Billy Connolly is also worth mentioning, despite his brief appearance in the film. And young Jim Hawkins is just as he should be, albeit surrounded by a crew of muppet pirates.
This is my favorite Muppet film, and I think everybody should give it a try and embrace a different sort of humor-filled extravaganza.
Let's start with the music. Whether it's the wonderfully fun "Cabin Fever," the touching "Love Led Us Here," or another one of the wide array of tunes, nobody can say that they are inferior to any other Muppets melodies.
The script is full of one liners and clever dialogue that never grows old, delivered by a cast and vocal talents who are incredibly talented. Tim Curry, sinister and wonderful as ever, plays Long John Silver to perfection. Billy Connolly is also worth mentioning, despite his brief appearance in the film. And young Jim Hawkins is just as he should be, albeit surrounded by a crew of muppet pirates.
This is my favorite Muppet film, and I think everybody should give it a try and embrace a different sort of humor-filled extravaganza.
- BroadwayBaby76
- 13. Feb. 2004
- Permalink
While not necessarily the best of the Muppet movies (though that's a tough contest), it is one of the most enjoyable. I'll admit it does start off a little slow (with the exception of Billy Connolly's cameo), but once they actually get on the boat, you can't look away. And for one good reason: Tim-Freaking-Curry. He is having a blast in this movie and is not shy with letting everyone know it. In an interview, Curry once said this was the most fun he ever had making a movie, and that's very apparent to the viewers. Without him, this movie would have been fine, but with him? It's so much fun. The writing is also great and 9/10 of all the jokes land.
Two things I didn't absolutely love, first being the music. It's fine, but it doesn't have that extremely catchy nature that all the other Muppet soundtracks have. Honestly, with the exception of "Cabin Fever," the numbers are pretty forgettable. The second is the kid who plays Jim. He just doesn't have the energy needed for this kind of performance. It might be because Curry eats all the scenery before he can even get there, but he's pretty bland. I kind of even forget when he isn't in a scene. In fact, most of the side-character humans in this movie are forgettable.
It may not be everyone's cup of tea, especially considering how flat-out fantastic the other Muppet movies are, but its a good time to experience at least once.
Two things I didn't absolutely love, first being the music. It's fine, but it doesn't have that extremely catchy nature that all the other Muppet soundtracks have. Honestly, with the exception of "Cabin Fever," the numbers are pretty forgettable. The second is the kid who plays Jim. He just doesn't have the energy needed for this kind of performance. It might be because Curry eats all the scenery before he can even get there, but he's pretty bland. I kind of even forget when he isn't in a scene. In fact, most of the side-character humans in this movie are forgettable.
It may not be everyone's cup of tea, especially considering how flat-out fantastic the other Muppet movies are, but its a good time to experience at least once.
- pisces-kelsey
- 7. Dez. 2021
- Permalink
There's many contenders for greatest actors.of all time, Tim Curry is a solid choice and if someone said he was their favourite, I wouldn't argue the point.
He absolutely steals the show in just about every role he's ever been cast in.
This film is no different. He absolute chews the scenery and looks to be having the time of his life.
Great film, highly recommended.
He absolutely steals the show in just about every role he's ever been cast in.
This film is no different. He absolute chews the scenery and looks to be having the time of his life.
Great film, highly recommended.
It's by no means bad, just when they sing it can be very hit or miss. Many of them are catchy and well written, but there's one dud in the beginning sung by Jim Hawkins. Tone deaf songs aside, this was an enjoyable film to watch. Another welcome reinterpretation of a classic story starring the muppets. The boy playing Jim is good though I'm not a big fan of his singing voice. Tim Curry as the main antagonist is a delight to see here(then again, he's always a delight).
If that's not great enough, who can forget Kermit and the respected captain? The fight scenes and gags are hilarious. They never get old. I love how Sweetums helps our heroes during the final battle. That was funny and kind've touching.
Muppet Treasure Island is a movie that anyone can sit down and enjoy. Just goes to show that even without Jim Henson, the muppets still haven't lost their magic. With that being said, swing on in for another adventure and see for yourself.
If that's not great enough, who can forget Kermit and the respected captain? The fight scenes and gags are hilarious. They never get old. I love how Sweetums helps our heroes during the final battle. That was funny and kind've touching.
Muppet Treasure Island is a movie that anyone can sit down and enjoy. Just goes to show that even without Jim Henson, the muppets still haven't lost their magic. With that being said, swing on in for another adventure and see for yourself.
- mitsubishizero
- 26. Sept. 2020
- Permalink
I am 16, and I absolutely love this movie. I absolutely love Muppets Christmas Carol as well, but here there is Tim Curry and a great storyline based on one of the best children's books ever. It is a little slow at the beginning, but that is the ONLY thing wrong with it. i can't believe the rating is so low for this movie, it should be more than a 6.5 surely. Don't rate it low because of the target audience, which is children. Believe me, adults will enjoy it too. The set designs as usual in a Muppet movie are splendid, and the songs by Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil are fun, and are embedded with great jokes. My favourite is Professional Pirate, which has the best lines of the film, but Cabin Feaver is wonderfully upbeat as well. Tim Curry, the most underrated actor and performer alive today, gives an outstanding performance, that has only been surpassed by Pennywise the Dancing Clown and FrankNFurter. He is at his element here, and he even gives his trademark...The Cheshire Cat grin! The relationship between Silver and Hawkins, played by the immensely talented Kevin Bishop, was so well developed, that the ending seemed poignant.(I could see that both Curry and Bishop looked as though they were fighting back tears in that scene) In fact their relationship was developed better than it was in the book. The Muppets were excellent here, especially Gonzo and Rizzo, who never disappoint. There were some absentees and some additions, most notably Clueless Morgan. Kermit and Miss Piggy have a touching romance, that for once doesn't take too long. Billy Conolly gives an entertaining rendition of Billy Bones, and Jennifer Saunders was hysterical as Mrs Bluebridge. One word of advice; never watch the Muppets Wizard Of Oz! It is dreadful, and without doubt is the worst Muppet movie to date. Watch this though! You'll never regret it. Two Thumbs up and a 9/10. Bethany Cox.
- TheLittleSongbird
- 4. Feb. 2009
- Permalink
While not nearly as good as "The Muppet Movie", "The Muppets Take Manhattan", and "A Muppet Christmas Carol" this movie manages to entertain. I'm glad Brian Henson and Frank Oz are keeping the art of puppetry alive, as well as the magic of the Muppets. Jim Henson would be proud.
- El Queso Loco
- 5. März 2000
- Permalink
The shame of it! There I was, comfortable in the arm chair with a beer and a bag of popcorn, bouyant in the hope of another splendid Muppet night of entertainment. What did I get? Disappointed! How can the Muppets go from the sublime Christmas Carol to this? The humour was dreadful, the songs were worse than Country and Western (and that's saying something) and the plot was as confused and poor as Blind Pew. I think the main problem was that they bit off too much in attempting Treasure Island. A short tale, such as Christmas Carol, is perfect because you can weave the Muppet high jinks around it....here the need to drag the plot along stopped all the fun. Where do the Muppets go next? How about Muppets Wizard of Oz?
Awsome Muppet Adventure. I don't care how many people hate this movie, I still think it's smart, funny, and amazing. The muppets still have it. Though I agree by most by saying it's not the best Muppet movie, it sure beats the hell outta "The great muppet caper" (How slow was that movie?!). Tim Curry, the greatest and most under rated musical preformer alive, is at his element here. The music is awsome and his one song ("Upstage Lads, this is me only number!") is awsome. This is a good movie. For a pirate movie, and a muppet movie.
- CaptainChunk
- 22. Jan. 2003
- Permalink
The Muppets are back! And they're having another great adventure.
The story seems like a poor excuse to let the Muppets do so more and new crazy things. But does it really matter? I don't think so, it's very entertaining and good for more then a few laughs.
The characters are highly amusing and Sam The Eagle as always steals the show! But the human cast is also amazing and forms the best Muppet movie cast. Tim Curry is excellent! And Jennifer Saunders and Billy Connolly are very entertaining. Kevin Bishop however seems like a better stage player then a movie actor.
The movie features some wonderful songs and the music by Hans Zimmer is surprising good! The sets and all are however obvious fake and shot in a studio which is a bit of a shame but it doesn't make the movie less entertaining. Not at all!
Granted that it's not the best Muppet movie every made but still it's worth watching if you like the Muppets or if you like Tim Curry because he really is excellent in this one.
6/10
http://bobafett1138.blogspot.com/
The story seems like a poor excuse to let the Muppets do so more and new crazy things. But does it really matter? I don't think so, it's very entertaining and good for more then a few laughs.
The characters are highly amusing and Sam The Eagle as always steals the show! But the human cast is also amazing and forms the best Muppet movie cast. Tim Curry is excellent! And Jennifer Saunders and Billy Connolly are very entertaining. Kevin Bishop however seems like a better stage player then a movie actor.
The movie features some wonderful songs and the music by Hans Zimmer is surprising good! The sets and all are however obvious fake and shot in a studio which is a bit of a shame but it doesn't make the movie less entertaining. Not at all!
Granted that it's not the best Muppet movie every made but still it's worth watching if you like the Muppets or if you like Tim Curry because he really is excellent in this one.
6/10
http://bobafett1138.blogspot.com/
- Boba_Fett1138
- 2. Juni 2003
- Permalink
Muppet Treasure Island (1996) was directed by Brian Henson. It's based (obviously) on the novel by Robert Louis Stevenson. Tim Curry plays Long John Silver, and does a good--and serious--job of it. Kermit the Frog plays Captain Smollett, and he too does a good--and serious--job of it.
The film doesn't work too well. Unlike The Rocky Horror Picture Show--also starring Tim Curry--it never became a cult classic, and it never became a children's favorite either. Incidentally, although it's supposed to just be good fun, it's relatively violent, and I think it would frighten younger kids.
I know this film was produced 20 years ago, but there are actually parts about the religion of the inhabitants of the island that are stereotyped and not funny. (OK--they are spoofing the religions of Oceania, and Treasure Island is in the Caribbean. Still, I don't think they'd put those scenes into the movie today.)
Believe it or not, what saves the film is the fact that Treasure Island is one of the greatest adventure stories of all time. The Muppets don't really graft onto it well. There's Muppet mayhem, and then director Henson remembers that he needs to move the plot forward, so things happen, and then there's more Muppet mayhem. I loved the Muppets, and I still do. However, Treasure Island just isn't their place.
One problem is that the film doesn't work well on the small screen. There are many "big production numbers" (as Kermit would say), and there are so many Muppet figures on the screen that they just look like a moving mass. Maybe, on the large screen, it would work better.
P.S. We found Muppet Treasure Island on a home-made VHS cassette in a cabinet we rarely use. It's apparently been sitting there for 20 years, waiting for us to watch it. Now, of course, we'd buy it on DVD. But that was 1996, and DVD's had just been invented a year earlier.
The film doesn't work too well. Unlike The Rocky Horror Picture Show--also starring Tim Curry--it never became a cult classic, and it never became a children's favorite either. Incidentally, although it's supposed to just be good fun, it's relatively violent, and I think it would frighten younger kids.
I know this film was produced 20 years ago, but there are actually parts about the religion of the inhabitants of the island that are stereotyped and not funny. (OK--they are spoofing the religions of Oceania, and Treasure Island is in the Caribbean. Still, I don't think they'd put those scenes into the movie today.)
Believe it or not, what saves the film is the fact that Treasure Island is one of the greatest adventure stories of all time. The Muppets don't really graft onto it well. There's Muppet mayhem, and then director Henson remembers that he needs to move the plot forward, so things happen, and then there's more Muppet mayhem. I loved the Muppets, and I still do. However, Treasure Island just isn't their place.
One problem is that the film doesn't work well on the small screen. There are many "big production numbers" (as Kermit would say), and there are so many Muppet figures on the screen that they just look like a moving mass. Maybe, on the large screen, it would work better.
P.S. We found Muppet Treasure Island on a home-made VHS cassette in a cabinet we rarely use. It's apparently been sitting there for 20 years, waiting for us to watch it. Now, of course, we'd buy it on DVD. But that was 1996, and DVD's had just been invented a year earlier.
Tim Curry is the reason to watch Muppet Treasure Island. He chews up the scenery in every scene he's in and savors every bite. It's fun to watch. The rest of the movie is good, but not great. The jokes aren't as witty as they have been in past Muppet productions, and the musical numbers are forgettable. Nevertheless, this is a good way to introduce small children to Robert Louis Stevenson's classic pirate tale.
- cricketbat
- 28. Jan. 2021
- Permalink
Muppet Treasure Island relies heavily on incongruity, and the contrast between the Muppet world and reality. The directing and music are pure swashbuckler -- the opening sequence is brilliant, with a dark pirate song with sprinklings of straight-faced jest, setting the mood for the film.
Many of the gags are cheap shots -- roll is called for Old Tom, Real Old Tom, and Dead Tom, along with Headless Bill (yes, he's headless) and Big Fat Ugly Bug-Faced Baby-Eating O'Brien (a Geena Davis look-alike who barks "Aye" in a rough bass). Others are character humor, such as the exchange in which Rizzo laments that they are "captured by crazed wild pigs and about to be sacrificed hideously on a pagan altar," to which Gonzo breathlessly adds, "Are we lucky or what?!" Anachronisms abound, such as when Miss Piggy reflects on her dalliances with the murderous Captain Flint and her most recent beau, Long John Silver, who has tied her by the feet and left her dangling at the edge of a cliff. "You know," she muses, "I'm beginning to see a pattern in the men I date." A Greek chorus of tourist rats adds a surrealistic touch of The Love Boat.
For all the silliness, characters are still able to develop. Jim's love for Long John Silver is real, and the betrayal cuts to the quick. Their parting scene is heart rending but not overdone. Jim simply chokes out, "Now take your oars and row away. I don't want to see you again, ever."
Brian Henson has done his father proud.
Many of the gags are cheap shots -- roll is called for Old Tom, Real Old Tom, and Dead Tom, along with Headless Bill (yes, he's headless) and Big Fat Ugly Bug-Faced Baby-Eating O'Brien (a Geena Davis look-alike who barks "Aye" in a rough bass). Others are character humor, such as the exchange in which Rizzo laments that they are "captured by crazed wild pigs and about to be sacrificed hideously on a pagan altar," to which Gonzo breathlessly adds, "Are we lucky or what?!" Anachronisms abound, such as when Miss Piggy reflects on her dalliances with the murderous Captain Flint and her most recent beau, Long John Silver, who has tied her by the feet and left her dangling at the edge of a cliff. "You know," she muses, "I'm beginning to see a pattern in the men I date." A Greek chorus of tourist rats adds a surrealistic touch of The Love Boat.
For all the silliness, characters are still able to develop. Jim's love for Long John Silver is real, and the betrayal cuts to the quick. Their parting scene is heart rending but not overdone. Jim simply chokes out, "Now take your oars and row away. I don't want to see you again, ever."
Brian Henson has done his father proud.
Has some classic moments alongside some really boring and tedious ones. Muppet Treasure Island is a bit of a mixed bag!
Tim Curry was great in the role of Long John Silver. It features some fantastic one-liners in typical Muppet-style. Some of the songs are significantly better than others.
The English guy playing Jim Hawkins was rather annoying - which given this is a Muppet rendition of Treasure Island is somewhat of a problem.
To be honest, was kind of disappointed with casting Miss Piggy as Ben Gunn. The rest were perfectly cast though - loved the Swedish Chef scene and the ongoing "rat tour".
There were some fun scenes and it has that general Muppet vibe. But the film was at its best when making fun of itself. The rest just kind of overstayed its welcome.
Tim Curry was great in the role of Long John Silver. It features some fantastic one-liners in typical Muppet-style. Some of the songs are significantly better than others.
The English guy playing Jim Hawkins was rather annoying - which given this is a Muppet rendition of Treasure Island is somewhat of a problem.
To be honest, was kind of disappointed with casting Miss Piggy as Ben Gunn. The rest were perfectly cast though - loved the Swedish Chef scene and the ongoing "rat tour".
There were some fun scenes and it has that general Muppet vibe. But the film was at its best when making fun of itself. The rest just kind of overstayed its welcome.
- maccas-56367
- 22. Sept. 2021
- Permalink
- DarthVoorhees
- 19. Juli 2014
- Permalink
Though it does not have the reputation of its predecessors, this is perhaps the most consistently entertaining Muppet movie so far; like the previous entry, MUPPET Christmas CAROL (1992), it transposes the lovable 'characters' into the environment of a popular children's classic in this case, R.L. Stevenson's quintessential pirate yarn "Treasure Island". Unlike the Dickens tale, this particular plot had never before been attempted as a musical (much less a lampoon)
but, for the most part, it retains the flavor of the original (despite innumerable modern interjections and in-jokes that sometimes fall flat) and proves surprisingly faithful (with the obvious modification so as to accommodate Miss Piggy). She appears as Benjamina Gunn, while Kermit is the 'fearsome' Captain Smollett (with Sam Eagle as his first-mate who likes to anticipate his would-be ruthless commands). Though usually the major figures in a Muppet show, Kermit and Miss Piggy (their best bit involves them hanging over a precipice, with the former's eyeballs virtually bursting out of their sockets as he valiantly holds the latter by her feet) are overshadowed here by Rizzo the Rat who, apart from being perennially hungry (as was his custom), is instilled with a cynical outlook and nervous demeanor but also a shrewd business sense (turning the "Hispaniola" into the poor man
er
mouse's cruise liner)! and a dopey-looking pirate goat appropriately dubbed "Clueless". Also notable, though, is the vicious Blind Pew (who prefers to address his particular affliction in modern parlance i.e. "visually challenged"!); The Great Gonzo is basically no more than his weird-looking self (and that is all he needs to be, really), but Fozzie Bear is a hoot as the self-proclaimed "half-wit" son of Squire Trelawney (who has named and carries conversation with his index finger!). On the human front, we get two name actors Tim Curry as an adequately roguish Long John Silver and Billy Connolly (with heavy Scots accent intact) as Billy Bones; the kid playing Jim Hawkins acquits himself well enough, too, and there is a hilarious running-gag early on involving the female inn-keeper's acute sense of hearing. Typically, the songs are no great shakes per se but serve their purpose for the duration.
- Bunuel1976
- 21. Feb. 2009
- Permalink
This is simply my favorite Muppet movie. The adaption of this classic story written Robert Louis Stevenson into a Muppet world is, in my opinion, one of the best adaption ever made in the history of Muppet movies.
The movie is quite family friendly, but I can say, as an adult, that I enjoyed it immensely. The humor is never dull, and the numerous musical numbers in this movie makes it a pearl in the world of the Muppets.
I'd just like to point out Tim Curry's role in this movie. Casting him as Long John Silver just adds to the already sky-high quality. With Tim Curry you get both good acting AND good singing.
If you like pirate themed movies, and are not afraid to please your inner child, this movie is most definitely for you!
The movie is quite family friendly, but I can say, as an adult, that I enjoyed it immensely. The humor is never dull, and the numerous musical numbers in this movie makes it a pearl in the world of the Muppets.
I'd just like to point out Tim Curry's role in this movie. Casting him as Long John Silver just adds to the already sky-high quality. With Tim Curry you get both good acting AND good singing.
If you like pirate themed movies, and are not afraid to please your inner child, this movie is most definitely for you!
- poebelsmurfen
- 29. Dez. 2006
- Permalink
- jboothmillard
- 6. Sept. 2005
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Anyone with brains knows that Hollywood has never made an honest movie in its life . . . . and muppet creator Jim Henson's handy relation, Brian, keeps the b.s. of Hollywood alive by occupying Jim's position as muppet movie director just because he's related.
Typically claustrophobic muppet mess which seems to lack a script -- or at least a coherent one. Brian Henson's choppy direction remains a sore spot accompanied by the usual patented muppet movie noise and confusion. Tim Curry expectedly overacts as 'Long John Silver' and he looks adequately embarrassed while he does it.
Jim Henson was a genius who was responsible for the rise of the muppet empire, but that empire should finally fall by disappearing from American movie theaters for good.
Typically claustrophobic muppet mess which seems to lack a script -- or at least a coherent one. Brian Henson's choppy direction remains a sore spot accompanied by the usual patented muppet movie noise and confusion. Tim Curry expectedly overacts as 'Long John Silver' and he looks adequately embarrassed while he does it.
Jim Henson was a genius who was responsible for the rise of the muppet empire, but that empire should finally fall by disappearing from American movie theaters for good.
- Matthew_Capitano
- 21. Dez. 2014
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