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Muppet Treasure Island (G, 1996)

common sense media says

Hilarious high seas adventure with lots of pirate action.

parents & educators say
  • 33% say violence is an issue
  • 33% say there are positive role models
See all 7 reviews | Review it

What parents need to know

Parents need to know this comedy is filled with cartoon action throughout and is best for kids who already know the difference between real and make-believe violence. It's a pirate swashbuckler with swords, knives, gunshots, captures, and exaggerated villains (including the outrageous one-legged Long John Silver). Many of the beloved Muppet characters are in comic danger over the course of the movie. Setting the tone, one puppet early in the film asks in disbelief: "He died? And this is supposed to be a kids' movie!" But no one actually dies in the film, although one character is an orphan who is still grieving for his father. In an early scene some characters are seen drinking in a tavern and one is intoxicated.

Educational value: This movie is meant primarily to entertain. It is very loosely based on Robert Louis Stevenso's Treasure Island and introduces characters and situations from that book. Some terms are defined (i.e. "helm, "North star").
Positive messages: People may not be what they seem at first. Long John Silver appears to be a friend to Jim and his friends initially, but turns out to be a dastardly villain. Young orphan Jim who feels as though he has no family finds out that the concept of family isn’t easily defined: a family can be made up of people (or Muppet creatures) who aren’t necessarily related to you, but love you, protect you, and have your best interests at heart.
Positive role models: Jim Hawkins, the adventurous human child at the center of the story, is "honest, brave, and true" throughout. The key authority figure, the ship’s captain played by Kermit the Frog, is reliable, trustworthy, and compassionate. The overblown, comic villains are greedy, destructive, and suffer the consequences of their misbehavior.
Violence & scariness: Cartoon action throughout involving both Muppets and humans. Included are: villainous pirates and other ruffians, explosions, fire, gunshots, chases, and captures, narrow escapes, swords in combat, skeletons, knife threats, puppets who are tied up and suspended over a precipice, cannon fire, references to torture and death, wild tribal pigs. It's all exaggerated and meant to be funny, not really scary.
Sexy stuff: Miss Piggy makes a slightly sexual comment to Long John Silver.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Rowdy men are seen drinking from pewter mugs in a tavern. A drunken pirate requests rum. A ship's captain announces that there will be "no drinking on this ship."
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on Muppet Treasure Island

What to talk about

Talk to your kids

  • Families can talk about the violence in this movie. Did anything seem too intense for a kids' movie? What's the difference between funny and scary action?

  • How does this Muppet movie compare to others? What makes a movie endure through time?

What's the story?

What's the story?

The Muppets take to the high seas in this lively version of Robert Louis Stevenson's novel. The adventure begins when pirate Billy Bones (Billy Connelly) gives a treasure map to young orphan Jim Hawkins (Kevin Bishop) and his friends Gonzo and Rizzo the Rat. After a narrow escape from map-seeking pirates, the three manage to get on board the ship of Captain Smollet (Kermit the Frog). But trouble brews when nasty pirate king Long John Silver (Tim Curry) and his monster Muppet minions appear, dead set on getting the map and treasure. Wild comedic adventure ensues, including a narrow escape from a gang of wild boars and their very beautiful queen (Miss Piggy), who's livid at the frog captain for abandoning her at the altar.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

This loose adaptation of the classic tale is full of the kind of humor the Muppets are famous for, from jokes about Disney to a pirate with a talking lobster instead of a talking parrot. Tim Curry has a blast as the pirate Long John Silver, and Kevin Bishop is believable and earnest as young Jim Hawkins. There are funny songs, zany characters, and an entrance by Miss Piggy that's right up there with Elizabeth Taylor's in Cleopatra.

Through all the joking, though, the message of loyalty, friendship, and finding your destiny comes through loud and clear. This is a very funny movie that both kids and adults will enjoy.

Movie themes & details

Movie Details
Studio: Buena Vista
Director: Brian Henson
Cast: Jennifer Saunders, Kevin Bishop, Tim Curry
Genre: Family and Kids
Run time: 99 minutes
Theatrical release: July 26, 1996
DVD release: June 4, 2002
MPAA Rating: G
MPAA explanation: all audiences
This review was written by Sarah Wenk
 
 

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What parents & educators say

7
Based on 3 parent & educator reviews:
  • 33% say violence is an issue
  • 33% say there are positive role models
  • 33% say there are positive messages
Read the reviews

Most useful reviews by all members

FrenchyGirl9
kid, 9 years old
6
 
A golden movie
Best muppet movie ever!!!!!!!!! Sort of violent sort of scary and pirate attacks this is by far the most action packed muppet movie ever.
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helped me decide (11) | had useful details (8) | read my mind (10)
4kidshater
teen, 14 years old
8
 
I like this movie. It is a very funny movie. It is very hilarious. I like it. I recommeded it.
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helped me decide (9) | had useful details (10) | read my mind (9)
allietron
kid, 13 years old
6
 
Not the best movie
This isn't the best movie in the world. I like some of the humor, but I not very great.
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helped me decide (8) | had useful details (10) | read my mind (9)
nduns
adult
7
 
Compared to other muppets stuff...
This one's a little intense for the children, and that's why this remains my favorite to this day. Again, it seems people only review this film based not off of what THEY thought of it but rather what they think all kids will think of it. This, imo, was the most well-written of all the muppets films and remains my personal favorite to this day.
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eswanson
parent of 10 year old
 
Ok - not great - for the older end of the age range
There's more violence and peril in this movie than I'm comfortable with for my 5 yo son. Tons of guns too - couldn't be a pirate without them I guess. We watched it once and will stick to the other Muppet movies.
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CSM Screen ...
kid, 13 years old
 
I think it's age appropriate for 8 year olds but not 6 year old
When I was six I watched Muppet treasure and I was really scared but now I would call it okay.
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yellowking
adult
 
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helped me decide (6) | had useful details (5) | read my mind (7)

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