The Adventures of Swiss Family Robinson

If you like the Walton's and Little House on the Prairie you will really enjoy this epic. I couldn't help but root for it- and have to give it an "A" for effort because it's clear everyone is really giving their all to this production. Anyone complaining about the authenticity of the story isn't aware of its origin, which defied logic far more than this particular adaptation. The Swiss Family Robinson was never meant to be anything but an allegory and because of that it lends itself to being adapted to whatever the morals of the day happen to be. Earlier versions are unbearably classist and downright cruel in comparison. The Robinson's were colonists dominating this "new world" they inhabit. 20 years after it was made its clear this late 90s PC version is trying to redeem its own history and make sense of that colonial past. You won't find these Robinson's finishing a baby monkeys mother, taking the baby and then feeding it foods they suspect to be poisonous. Instead you have them adopting a young slave boy and freeing him (so he can act as their personal servant.) This is an inherently problematic story that's always going to seem outdated in hindsight. That's what makes it valuable and telling and should absolutely be viewed with a critical eye and historical perspective.

Seriousness aside this could almost have been directed by John Waters. The acting is inconsistent but 100% committed. It's a mix of professionals and amateurs but all the actors are giving it everything they have. I blame the wooden script more than them- but overall The beautiful location and a good sense of humor on the part of the viewer makes up for the low production value. If you enjoy survival stories, family dramas with a wrong/strong moral code or content you can watch with your kids or classroom and discuss, this might just be for you- just be ready to forgive the inconsistency and moral relevancy. Or at least see beyond it. This show screams Sunday night public access television. With 30 episodes it's not a quick watch- but you may be surprised how much you end up enjoying it if you give it a chance. That said? I'd you can't get through the first few episodes I'd move on to something else. If you're willing to put reason aside and jump the shark with this show it has the potential to be endlessly endearing. The fact that it's problematic is part of its charm- as well as it's legacy.

New to DVD, you can find the complete series set of this fun family adventure series at your local Best Buy. Based on the classic novel, Richard Thomas (John Boy of The Waltons) heads a cast of unknowns in this castaway adventure, playing the patriarch to the Robinson clan as they struggle to survive pirates, wildlife, weather, disease and each other on their mysterious island. Their adventures are simple enough yet fun to watch. It's obvious that the show was made on a low budget for syndication purposes, but that didn't detract from my enjoyment. If anything, I found it enhanced the viewing as kind of a pure guilty pleasure. Basically, it's good wholesome family entertainment, just don't look for Shakespeare here.

The only other actor American audiences might recognize is Kieren Hutchison, who plays oldest son Ernst. Hutchison had a recurring guest role on One Tree Hill as the Australian boyfriend to the mother of Chad Michael Murray's character. However, my favorite character ended up being Ben, played by Gareth Howells, the reluctant accomplice of the series' main villain. I found myself really falling in love with this lost soul, who is caught between following the wrong path while longing to do what's right. Howells was a revelation, and I hope to see him in other productions in the future.

The show plays out in ten separate story arcs of three episodes each, for a total of 30 episodes, and wraps up nicely in the end. Not sure if that was planned from the start, but appreciated it for its nice overall story. Oh, and the settings are absolutely breath-taking. I'd love to be trapped on this island with the Robinsons...

-Dane Hill

How do you survive on a deserted island when you're used to being served? That's what this series is all about. It takes us to a normal family in Boston many years ago. Back then in Boston people aren't equal. All people have their certain place and it has to stay that way, but once the family is shipwrecked and has to fight for their lives all the rules seem to change and even disappear. They develop friendships with people who are less important than them according to Boston's standards, they have adventures, survive illnesses, find love and have experiences that changes them forever. The series is sometimes a bit naive and moralistic but in the end it has a few lessons that some people seem to forget: love and friendship stand way above all society's rules and standards. It is that lesson that made me love watching this series. It's great for children, but I'm sure some of the older members of the family will enjoy watching this too!

Binge watched all 30 episodes over the Easter weekend mostly because I enjoy watching Richard Thomas act. The episodes were filled with excellent storylines and adventures that built upon the Disney movie version I saw and loved as a child.

Loved that their faith and reliance in God was unfiltered and bold and the patriarch of the family was intelligent, a leader and was respected.

Wonderful supporting cast. Mr. Thomas and the actress wife embodied the strength and love of his Waltons parents. And the fact that family was the most important thing and worth fighting for regardless of color or creed (or even species).

Dealt with societal prejudices and equity among different cultures and classes and even legal corruption which surprised me since I was thinking it was just going to be about survival on the island.

For family watching an absolute winner all the way with lots of life lessons.

Terrible writingVery contrived and simplistic. It's also funny that they have two daughters that have accents from Australia or New Zealand when they are supposed to be from Boston. they have had numerous chances to eliminate the bad guy but have failed to do so and they keep carrying on as if theyHaven't a care in the world even tho The bad guy keeps coming back over and over again they have made no real provisions to protectThemselves from this danger. and no one has yet put their foot down as to the antics of Annie the Chinese pre-Madonna refuses to do anything except for her self.