Treasure Planet

Jim Hawkins (Gordon-Levitt) had never been the same since his Dad left. Always in trouble with the law and a terrible burden on his poor, overworked mother, Jim dreamed of adventure and nothing else. When it falls on his doorstep, quite literally, in the shape of a Holographic Orb that projects a treasure map, Jim and family friend Dr. Doppler charter a Star Galleon to take them to Treasure Planet. But they aren't the only ones interested in the spoils of the map. The ship's motley crew led by John Sliver will do anything to get their hands on the loot, even mutiny.

Disney is usually the master at adapting classic novels in to animated classic, but with Treasure Planet they've changed it a little too much.

Just look at Beauty and the Beast, The Jungle Book, Peter Pan, Tarzan and most of their other novel adaptations that have worked commercially at the box office have all been quite faithful to the books. Even when they have added songs, Disney has usually kept the setting and the themes of the story in tacked. With Robert Louis Stevenson's Treasure Island however, they have decided to add a twist by setting it in space. Now don't get me wrong this is a very interesting idea, as Treasure Island has been adapted to film so many times it is good that Disney have come up with a fresh take on the story. The problems start when you realise their main reason for doing this, merchandising.

At the moment, Pirate movies are not the genre of choice but Sci-Fi is. Aliens and Robots are box office gold and Disney must have seen dollar signs flashing in front of their eyes. Jim Hawkins (Action figure), Star Galleons (Playsets), Aliens (Happy Meals), Morph (Cuddy Toy), the list is endless. But Disney's biggest crime is that they have come up with is one of the most annoying Sci-Fi characters since Jar Jar Binks in robot B.E.N., voiced by Martin Short. You just want in to die and as this is a Disney movie you know it isn't going to happen. Luckily he only appears in the final act, so there are some small mercies.

The story is good, it's Treasure Island after all, the animation is superb and John Silver is an excellent villain but the movie seems to be lacking the magic that previous hits like Tarzan, The Little Mermaid and The Lion King had in abundance. Maybe it's the blatant merchandising opportunities on screen all the time or that 2D animation is losing its charm after the success of 3D computer generated hits like Toy Story and Monsters, Inc that makes this movie nothing more than just an above average piece children's entertainment.

3D tour of the RLS Legacy, DisneyPedia: The Life of a Pirate Revealed, Story art gallery, Character galleries, Still art galleries, The Brandywine School, The 70/30 Law 3D/2D World, Maquettes, Disney's Animation Magic, The Hook Test, Dr Delbert Doppler, Silver Animation Progression, Pencil Animation: Amelia's Cabin, Rough animation to final film comparison, Deleted scenes, Colour keys gallery, Layout demonstrations, Treasure Planet Found, Lighting, Pose Camera, Effects animation, 'I'm Still Here' (Jim's Theme) music video & Trailer

The Usher Home | Hush, Hush... | The Big Story | The Usher Speaks

Stuck @ Home | Coming Soon | Links | Contact the Usher

2003