WesternAnimation Quite possibly the best adaptation
Let me start off by saying that this film is even better than some of the Renaissance stuff. From the start, we are treated to an exhilarating tale. First of Nathaniel Flint's exploits, resulting in the titular, Treasure Planet, the loot of a thousand worlds. After this exposition, we are treated to Jim Hawkin's own coming-of-age story, and it is masterfully told.
The animation is spectacular, both 2D and 3D. Speaking of which, the 3D animation is well-integrated. Silver's cybernetic components move like a natural part of his own body, and B.E.N. doesn't actually look out of place.
The production design is one of the films biggest draws. It's a perfect mixture of sci-fi and 18th century, with Steampunk and Cyberpunk design influences. Technically though, it's Solarpunk. The galleons are amazingly done, and thanks to the Etherium, a space filled with atmosphere, the they look like a galleon should, but with a number of sci-fi details. All of the aliens are interesting to look at, from Petting Zoo People to red-faced behemoth, truly some of the best character designs in any sci-fi film.
Sure, you can say that the characters are all stock ones, but the writers did enough different things to make them more unique. Jim Hawkins is a boy with father issues and acts out the way he does because of this, which I find to be more believable than being a well-adjusted lad. Dr. Doppler is a composite of both Trelawney and Dr. Livesly, one part comic and one part straight. Captain Amelia is an Action Girl who can hold her own against any Disney hero. Mr. Arrow is just a badass from mere presence. This time around, Silver makes a genuine connection with Jim, becoming a real father figure to him. He is more complex than your standard villain. He's an anti-villain, a villain who is outlined by his nicer qualities.
James Newton Howard's awesome score is yet another draw, being a perfect fusion of old and new.
Stellar performances all around. Brian Murray gets a special mention for dropping a Newton-esque accent in favor of one filled with Irish brogue.
This film is proof that there should be more sci-fi animated films. It's one of those cartoons that is the best at show what animation can do that live-action cannot.
WesternAnimation Fantastic, Not Flawless
Treasure Planet has it all for a young man to enjoy: - Pirates - Space - Space Pirates
I remember seeing this film when I was a kid and I was in love, I didn't understand why it wasn't more widely beloved until I was old enough to do some research on the issues it had upon release. But enough about that, onto the review.
Treasure Planet is an animated sci-fi adventure film, and an adaptation of the famous Treasure Island story. Starting with the positives, it looks amazing, has great music, memorable characters and a gripping story. During my most recent rewatch, I was floored by how good it still looks. How the relationship between Silver and Jim makes me feel. I have so many good things to say about this film it's insane.
But my rewatch also told me that the film is not perfect. Aside from the simplistic story one of the biggest problems is ironically characters. Hey, I didn't say they were all memorable for a good reason. Some of my issues are with the treatment of some female characters. I feel that Jim's mom, Sarah, could've had more agency in the plot. When her inn was destroyed, there was nothing to stop her from tagging along on the adventure. Hell we don't even know where she was while Jim and Dr. Doppler were out in space. Captain Amelia is...strange. Her personality as a cocky Action Girl seems more fitting for a member of Silver's pirate crew than a high ranking Naval officer. For that matter, what is she exactly? Amelia is apparently a military Captain but Doppler was able to hire her for a civilian voyage. Probably just a nitpick. Doppler was fine as a character but he got shafted on screentime, as the first half of the film focused on Jim and Silver. I genuinely don't know what he was doing for the trip to the eponymous planet. Perhaps he was getting the vacation treatment since he financed the expedition, spending all his time hanging out in his cabin and wooing the Captain. Worst of all though, Treasure Planet has not one, but two annoying sidekicks that are only onscreen to make jokes and nothing else. Morph and Ben, the former clearly only existed to sell merchandise but the latter was necessary as an adaptation of the character of "Ben Gunn" from Treasure Island. While they are both deeply annoying and I very much was happy whenever they weren't around, I will say that I found Ben tolerable. At least he was actually funny, Morph was just in your face and didn't contribute anything.
The story suffered from a few weird plot issues that I doubt came up in the book it was adapted from. First of all, if the fact that this voyage was about searching for Treasure Planet how did the pirates know to sign up for it? Secondly, why not mutiny from the start if everyone onboard except Amelia, Arrow, Jim and Doppler are pirates? You're rebelling against 2 people at that point. The planet being a big machine was interesting but it never really went anywhere until the very end.
Great movie though, deserves much more love. 8/10