First Movie Up: Treasure Planet ...

Treasure Planet

Disney Production, 2002

Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Jim Hawkins in this animated version of the Robert Lewis Stevenson Classic

Okay, so maybe it isn't the most sophisticated place to start reviewing Mr. Gordon-Levitt's movies, but it does have the most meaning for my family what with "Treasure Island", being my oldest daughters all time favorite book. We really enjoyed the film as a family.

And man, it was just a whole lot of fun to watch.

I did read a review on this movie, by high ranking reviewers’ type personnel, claiming that the existence of this movie is unnecessary. That the story had been done enough times -- The Muppets had done it in 1996 with Kermit playing an amazing Captain Smollet, but then Kermit usually nails whatever role he plays (I am a long fan and read his biography last year, though I did hear it was ghost written).

But so what? This movie has been done but it was never done like this. With much visual excitement. With the unbelievable -- galleons in space -- presented in a way that actually worked. The villains, as in true Disney fashion, were portrayed by creepy crawly creatures, were creepy enough to keep even the adult son the edge of their chair.

Joseph Gordon Levitt, resembling his animated self -- well it is harder to evaluate a

performance just on voice: "Wow, he sounded great!!" But I can say, from the moment he screeched across the barrier into the bad area, cops right on his tail, there was no doubt who we were watching. And he did make a really, really great Jim Hawkins!

And the supporting cast such as Martin Short as Ben -- Perfect!! '"Was I dancing with an android named Lupe?" :)