Director Steve Barron's Syfy-aired adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson's Treasure Island takes some liberties, both with the iconic characters and the ending, which radically departs from any previous screen incarnation, ranging from the beloved Disney classic to the Muppet version. Still, any adaptation sails or sinks with the quintessential pirate character of Long John Silver, and Eddie Izzard's interpretation joins the ranks as among the most memorable. The transvestite comedian cuts an indelible swashbuckling figure with a shaved head and a characterization reportedly inspired by, of all people, Winston Churchill. Toby Regbo is a decent Jim Hawkins, who possesses the map to the treasure that Silver covets. Donald Sutherland makes the most of his fleeting screen time as double-crosser Capt. Flint, although the less said about a miscast Elijah Wood (as castaway Ben Gunn) the better. A strong optional purchase. (D. Liebenson)
Treasure Island
Vivendi, 183 min., not rated, DVD: $19.98, Blu-ray: $29.95 Volume 27, Issue 6
Treasure Island
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