It's a funny thing, memory. I found myself humming a particular song, yet just couldn't remember anything about it a few weeks back; after a ruthless internet search I found the song in question ? ?I'm still here? by John Rzeznik; the lead singer for the hit US pop band the Goo Goo dolls. The song was created for possibly one of the last classic Disney films ? Treasure Planet. The film was one of Disney's classic remakes ? taking a classical tale, in this instant Treasure Island ? the famous novel written by Robert Louis Stevenson and recreating it. Of course being Disney its never a traditional remake, but rather a near complete re-think. You have your basic plot elements and characters but its a completely different universe, and an elevated sense of action.
The universe itself is what drew me into re-visiting this film, released back in 2002, as it reminds me of a number of Role-playing games; primarily Rouge Galaxy. However, the film has obviously been influenced by the likes of Star Wars, due to certain characterizations and the overall tone. It's this tone that keeps the film interesting, an exciting mix of fast-paced action sections followed moments later by drama and character building. As a film, it shouldn't work, chiefly because it goes against unwritten rules yet at the same time it gives the film a slightly realistic edge to it, despite the subject matter - never once letting the audience pause for thought.
The story is rather straightforward and a very basic plot synopsis may convince you it stays true to the book's plot. A young man, Jim Hawkins, discovers a map that leads to the secret treasure of an legendary pirate; Captain Flint, fortune hands him the means to follow his dream and he does so learning important life-lessons along the way. Well what Disney went and did is upgrade this classic set-up and turn it into a pirate themed science-fiction adventure. Boats can fly in space, there are such things as rocket powered hover-boards ? its all got an excellent Steam-punk styling to it. The themes sometimes clash however, guns fire what appears to be lasers, and the map Jim finds is actually a large touch-sensitive hologram. So whilst the fiction may seem a little off, and many ideas out of context, it is possible to ignore these thoughts and accept the stories universe. If you do so the world can become engaging and immersive.
However fantastic the setting maybe, its the characters that hold the film together. Jim Hawkins, a likeable teenage delinquent seeks to find acceptance and a goal in life after his father abandoned his family. He fails his classes, is in trouble with the law and doesn't really see his role in life ? he doesn't want to give up his childish dreams of adventure and treasure. Its the stereotypical teenage delinquent character but actor Joseph Gordon-Levitt does an outstanding job of making Jim much more than that thanks to his excellent dialogue. Despite the quick-moving plot, Jim's consistent characterization and child-like wonder maintain familiar elements.The other lead, John Silver, who's motivation's consistently change as he plays havoc with Jim's emotions, is voiced by Brian Murray. Silver is the leader of a pirate gang that attempts to find the treasure Hawkins is looking for - his motivations are unclear, unlike Hawkin's who wishes to gain gold to build a new life. He befriends Jim then maintains support for his own group of thugs ? he consistently double-bluff's both Jim and his men, which brings an extra layer of complexity to his otherwise straight-forward characterization as a father-like figure to Jim. Murray also does an excellent job, giving Silver a playful personality whilst subtly displaying his darker incentives as the plot thickens.
Minor characters such as Doctor Doppler, a rich scientist that funds Hawkins expedition and travels alongside him throughout the adventure is played by David Hyde Pierce. Pierce, who has voiced in a number of Disney films such as A Bug's Life and Hercules; does an excellent job as the comedic support character, and actually brings some rather intelligent comedy to the film. These moments include a Star Trek parody "Dang it, Jim, I'm an astronomer, not a doctor! I mean, I am a doctor, but I'm not that kind of doctor.". The final relevant minor character is an interesting shape-shifter by the name of Morph. As its a Disney film the blob is really there for the children, as he act's out certain emotions or actions that the youngsters may otherwise not understand. He's well animated and brings an element of fun into an otherwise rather dark film.
Music is excellent throughout, with a large array of pirate themes and bold action pieces. The film won an Oscar for its sound quality and was nominated in another 9 categories, including best animated film.
Besides the terrific art-style, its the animation that really stand-out's within this film. A mixture of 2D and 3D computer animation has been used to create some stunning visual effects. Sure looking at it now it may seem rather primitive, but its still excellent to view ? in particular an action sequence in which the ship is being drawn into a black hole caused by a supernova. Yes, I said supernova, and that may be the biggest problem with this film ? it doesn't seem to know what it's target audience is. The plot is easy to follow ? boy wants treasure and travels to get it ? but the complex relationship's and extremely long words used by the ship's captain to advance the plot may alienate younger viewers - whilst the older audience may be put off by the childish humour and cliché plot-line.
In the end however, this film is very well done. Its concise with its subject, contains some interesting / well-diversed characters and trap's them all within an dynamic universe. It's certainly a film you should watch if you haven't seen it ? if only to see one the last great cartooney animated films done by Disney, even if it does have a slightly longer run-time of 95 minutes, the style is similar to that of, say, Beauty and the Beast.
Rent it.
