Lost Treasures: The Adventure Gallery

After failing a test at school, 11-year-old Sage, more dreamer than scholar, runs away from home, hooks up with a mysterious old sea captain who claims to have a treasure map, and embarks on an adventure, pursued by a trio of bungling pirates. Aimed at families and elementary school audiences, this fictional featurette, according to the cover copy, strives to emphasize the importance of families and other positive values. Unfortunately, without a compelling storyline, it fails to grab the viewer's interest or deliver any real message. Sage's motive for running away from home remains murky throughout, and the viewer is left to wonder whether he intends to: find lost treasure; gain first-hand experience as an explorer to write a report for school and earn a good grade; find his absentee father; or retaliate against his mom for taking away his fantasy books. At several points, the action lapses into music video sequences that do not serve to move the story along. Although it tries to deliver mystery, excitement, fantasy, humor and a message, the real "lost treasure" here is a decent script. Not recommended. Aud: E, I, P. (J. McDaniel)