For the purposes of this review, I'm going to assume a certain amount of knowledge of Stevenson's original work. After all, to not have any clue about the basic plot line of Treasure Island, you'd have to be living Ben Gunn-like on a deserted island... in which case, you're probably not reading this anyway. Before I get started on the actual story, however, I want to mention how great the soundtrack is for this movie. It was composed by Paddy Moloney, and performed by his Celtic music group, The Chieftains, and is simply amazing. Here's a little taste of it:
T.I. 1990 was written and directed by Fraser Heston, Charlton Heston's son, but his casting as Silver wasn't simply a case of nepotism (I'm looking at you, 'After Earth'), because Heston was actually really well suited to this role- taking it seriously, never winking at the camera, or descending into camp.
Where was I? Oh, yes- as I said, the cast is really well chosen, and in particular, the decision to go with an older child actor as Jim Hawkins is an inspired one. I believe that Christian Bale was fourteen at the time, and this allows the movie to be darker and more realistic. It is easier to accept a fourteen year old accomplishing all that Jim does, rather than a younger child. As well, his being a teen allows the film to portray the pirates as evil and violent as they would realistically be.