Treasure Planet (2002) Dir: John Musker & Ron Clements
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When people talk about the most underrated Disney films ever, there's a very good reason why this 2002 sci-fi adventure comes up a lot. Directed by John Musker and Ron Clements, and adapted from the classic Robert Louis Stevenson novel 'Treasure Island', this has to be one of my all-time favourite films.
The narrative follows the rough outline of that classic story relatively closely, although it naturally has changes to help ot fit a more futuristic and science fiction world.
It also features one of the best songs in a Disney film; "I'm Still Here", by John Rzeznik. At 95 minutes, it's a really easy watch, especially with the exciting action scenes, which keep the audience's attention very effectively.
The film stars Joseph Gordon-Levitt, who provides an exceptional performance that reaches a surprising level of depth throughout the film. He embodied his character emotionally and managed to create a sense of believability that you don't always get.
Brian Murray provides the voice of the film's antagonist, and manages to tow the line of his character's personality very effectively. The result of this is a well presented character whose devicive mindset carries much of the story's progression forward.
David Hyde Pierce provides many of the laughs in the film, with his delivery of comedic lines being immensely entertaining. He makes a character that could've been very unlikeable extremely endearing.
I forgot Emma Thompson was in this film until I was rewatching it, but she really nailed her vocal performance, despite having far fewer lines than some of her co-stars. She knew exactly how to deliver her lines for her character to work, and did so quite easily.
Martin Short has even fewer lines than Thompson, and his character is in far less of the film, and yet he leaves a very sizeable impression. His eccentric and over-the-top voice work suits his character to the bone, and makes for some truly hilarious moments.
Finally, I'll give mentions to some other noteworthy cast members; Michael Wincott, Laurie Metcalf, Dane A. Davis and Roscoe Lee Browne.
Overall, I have so much sentimental love for this film. It has so much to enjoy for people of all ages and features a great soundtrack and storyline that should satisfy just about everyone. It really deserves to be talked about more, although, I am very happy to see it slowly becoming a real cult classic.
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