Muppet Treasure Island (1996)
★★★ — Muppet Treasure Island (1996)
Muppet Treasure Island was the third Muppet theatrical feature produced after Jim Henson's death in 1990, and the second directed by his son Brian Henson, who had previously helmed The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992) to solid family-friendly success. The film adapts Robert Louis Stevenson's 1883 novel Treasure Island, one of the most filmed books in cinema history, with the Muppet franchise's usual approach of grafting the source material onto its ensemble rather than retelling it straight. Tim Curry, cast as Long John Silver, was by 1996 a reliable hand in broad, theatrical villainy, while Billy Connolly and Jennifer Saunders appear in smaller supporting roles. The film was a modest rather than spectacular box office performer, earning just over $34 million against a $31 million budget, making it one of the quieter entries in the Muppets' Disney-era output.
Muppet Treasure Island (1996) is a delightfully silly, high-seas romp that sails smoothly on charm, catchy songs, and the Muppets’ signature brand of meta-humor. Loosely adapting Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic, it follows young Jim Hawkins (played by a human Kevin Bishop) as he joins Captain Smollett (Kermit the Frog), and a crew of familiar felt-faced friends on a quest for buried treasure, while dodging the scheming Long John Silver (Tim Curry, gleefully hamming it up in full pirate mode). The film’s greatest strength is its infectious energy. The musical numbers, especially “Cabin Fever”, are fun, clever, and surprisingly well-produced, and the comedy lands with both kids and adults thanks to the Muppets’ trademark wit and self-awareness. Tim Curry is an absolute joy, balancing menace and mugging with theatrical flair, while Gonzo and Rizzo provide nonstop comic relief. That said, it’s undeniably "for the kids". The plot simplifies the source material into broad strokes, the stakes never feel real, and the emotional beats are light enough to float away on the tide. Adults may enjoy the nostalgia and the jokes, but the heart and depth of something like The Muppet Christmas Carol aren’t quite here. A cheerful, colorful, and consistently entertaining family film. Full of laughs, music, and Muppet magic, but best enjoyed with younger viewers in tow. Not a masterpiece, but a perfectly pleasant voyage for a rainy afternoon.
Rating: ★★★ | Year: 1996 | Watched: 2026-01-25
Where to watch (UK)
Stream: Disney Plus
Rent: Sky Store
Buy: Apple TV Store · Sky Store
Physical: Amazon UK
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