MPAA Rating: PG
Distributor: Disney
Directors: Ron Clements and John Musker
Actors: Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Jim Hawkins, Brian Murray as John Silver, Emma Thompson as Captain Amelia, Martin Short as B.E.N., David Hyde Pierce as Doctor Doppler, Laurie Metcalf as Sarah Hawkins, Roscoe Lee Brown as Mr. Arrow, Michael Wincott as Scroop and Patrick McGoohan as Billy Bones.

Set in space, Treasure Planet follows the story of Jim Hawkins, a sullen 15-year-old who has been in and out of trouble with the law since his father walked out. The free-spirited teen has gotten in trouble for reckless skyboarding and wind-surfing in restricted areas. He dreams of more, but lacks direction. That changes when a one-man spaceship crash-lands nearby, and Jim helps the wounded pilot. He receives a treasure map and a secret message—his ticket to redemption.

Accompanied by scholarly dog-man Dr. Doppler, Jim sets off to find Treasure Planet with a group of professional spacers led by the feline Captain Amelia. But unknown to Jim, most of her crew are actually bloodthirsty interstellar pirates. As they traverse the cosmos, Jim discovers the rewards of labor, teamwork and responsibility in the role of cabin boy. His mentor is the genial John Silver. Silver becomes a friend and father figure to Jim. But everything is not how it seems. The remainder of the story involves wild chases, amazing discoveries and an unlikely romance.

Treasure Planet is a cleverly offbeat, yet faithful adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s literary classic. Instead of crashing waves and heaving swells, the ship gets bumped around by space storms, cosmic debris and a black hole. In addition to being visually active and highly entertaining, the movie incorporates playful comic relief. Some bloodless gunfire and swordplay, and the disappearance of several characters into voids may disturb young children. Nevertheless, Treasure Planet is one of the best holiday releases.

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