Disney takes the classic tale of Robert Louis Stevenson and gives it a modern update in the 2002 film, “Treasure Planet.” Instead of sailing on seas and oceans to look for Captain Flint’s treasure on an island, they are now traveling through space looking for his treasure on a believed to be uncharted planet. But, in the end, this retelling of the literary classic leaves a lot to be desired.

“Treasure Planet” is the only movie I’ve ever got up and walked out of the theater before it was over. I went to see it with my brother and nephew and the three of us were less than impressed. My nephew, who was 4 at the time, was able to lay out the plot despite knowing nothing of the tale of “Treasure Island” at the time. So, I walked into this viewing with trepidation. And, while this film is certainly more appealing to me at 37 than it was for me at 17, it’s still in the bottom five of Walt Disney Animation Studios films I’ve seen.

It’s not all bad. I love the animation style. Yes, it’s a little dated given the 3D advancement animation has made in the past two decades, but it still looks good. Joseph Gordon Levitt does a great job as the voice of Jim Hawkins and Martin Short steals the show as Ben. Plus, in this age where popular musical acts release songs that are part of the movie, John Rzeznick of Goo Goo Dolls fame did a wonderful job on the two songs “I’m Still Here” and “Always Know Where You Are.” They fit right into the theming of the film, even if John Rzeznick’s voice stands out as a relic of the early 2000s.

But that’s all the good I can really say about it. “Treasure Island” is a favorite book of mine and I’ve liked several film incarnations of it, but this wasn’t one of them. Disney has told the story better. The Muppets have told the story better. It’s not a bad movie, per se, but it’s unappealing to me.

Ranking: 2 stars

What did you think of “Treasure Planet?”

Jeremy Brown

Jeremy has been a big Disney fan since he was a kid growing up during the Disney Renaissance. One day he hopes to go to every Disney Park in the world.

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