Another remake of the classic story by Robert Louis Stevenson, Jim Hawkins (Toby Regbo) one day meets a mysterious stranger with a map to the loot of the famous pirate captain Flint (Donald Sutherland). With the help of his friend Dr Livesey (Daniel Mays) he hires a ship and a crew to find the treasure, a crew containing the mysterious peg legged chef Long John Silver (Eddie Izzard).
First thing to say is that this is a Television film. It was made as one story but divided into 2 halves and played over a couple of days. I technically count this as a film, rather than a series.
The first half is about the build up to when the crew arrives on the Island. It is predominately built around establishing the characters and getting everyone there. To be honest it drags a bit...well a lot. Technically a large amount of story happens and there is plenty to take on board. Unfortunately it has been made in such a way that makes it feel very long and it only really picks up at the end.
The second half is all about what happens when everyone gets onto the island. This time there is less going on in terms of story, but its a lot more interesting and lively. There is plenty of gun shots and swash buckling sword fights, but towards the end it starts to drag again.
All together, this was a very enjoyable film. It sticks more closely to the original written story, and there is plenty of suspense, action and entertainment overall. Some of the language can get a little confusing, but it is easy to get the general gist of what people are saying, especially when it is Eddie Izard leading an all star cast. The trick is to make sure you see both halves otherwise it get a little confusing (a given really).
