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“Treasure Planet” (2002), Walt Disney Animation Studios’ 43rd animated motion picture. Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island set in space. The story is basically the same but with a few variations. Jim and his mother are the only humans in the film; all other characters are some animal/alien/robot hybrid. Long John Silver is a cyborg. The sailing spaceship’s crew look like they came from the Mos Eisley Cantina in “Star Wars: Episode IV.” The treasure map is a sphere that turns into a giant holographic projection. And the buried treasure is on, well, a planet. While not a terrible film, this sci-fi action film isn’t a great one either. As with most Disney films of this era, the visuals are top notch and the story is problematic. The film has a compelling beginning, a dreadful middle and, thankfully, a satisfying conclusion. The excellent vocal talent, including Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Emma Thompson, David Hyde Pierce, and Martin Short, do their best with what they’re given. Original songs are by John Rzeznik of Goo Goo Dolls fame. “Beware the cyborg.”
Stanford Clark 