Muppets take to high seas
By Daily Bruin Staff
Feb. 15, 1996 9:00 p.m.
Muppets take to high seas
Kermit and friends make pirate movie shipshape for kids
By Judy Hu
Daily Bruin Contributor
"The Muppets Treasure Island" brings forth the familiar
goofiness of the Muppets ensemble within a dark setting of pirates,
shipwrecks and sword fights.
The feature centers on the adventures of a young boy, Hawkins,
who attains a map revealing the location of a hidden treasure.
Accompanied by Gonzo and Rizzo, the trio sails off to search for
treasure aboard a ship of sleazy characters such as Headless Joe,
Bony Bill and the "one-legged" man Long John Silver.
Kermit the Frog makes his grand entrance aboard as the dignified
and articulately soft-spoken captain. He places Hawkins under his
care even as the treacherous greed of Long John Silver threatens
their lives.
Done in typical Disney fashion, the film is a happy and lively
childish experience. The exploits of the Muppets are infinitely
amusing; Gonzo and Rizzo, especially, provide an overdose of comic
relief. Their bickering encounters with Long John Silver’s lobster
– "the finest crustacean alive" – are terribly funny. However, the
highlight of the film is Miss Piggy as the squeaky, overly feminine
Queen Benjamina, the love of Kermit’s life. Her outlandish manner
causing Kermit to proclaim "my love for you is the rhythm of the
deep blue sea" is a hilarious addition to the movie.
"The Muppets Treasure Island" is primarily aimed at the
elementary audience. Adults may find the movie a bit too childish
and corny. The simplicity of the film (no main theme, no special
effects) may bore some viewers.
Yet some scenes may be too frightening for the young crowd. The
cruelty and degrading insults of Long John Silver will surely cause
5-year-olds to squirm. Many scenes throughout the film contain
kidnapping, torture and forceful language.
The Muppet characters, however, are as familiar and affable as
Sesame personas. Their likability factor is high, as well as their
entertainment ability – as long as its viewed from a child’s
perspective. Grade: B-Comments to [email protected]
