Common Sense Media Review
By Alistair Lawrence
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Adventure comedy sequel has mild peril and violence.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Jumping Ship
What's the Story?
JUMPING SHIP stories the adventure of Michael Woods (Joey Lawrence), a selfish and irresponsible college graduate, who hires a boat for him and his younger cousin Tommy (Andrew Lawrence). But when they are chased ashore by pirates, they must attempt to survive as castaways on an uninhabited island. Michael and Tommy work with their boat's captain, Jake Hunter (Matthew Lawrence) to find food and shelter and brave the elements in the hope that they will be rescued.
Is It Any Good?
A Disney TV movie from 2001 that shows both its age and limitations, this sequel to Horse Sense requires the suspension of a lot of disbelief. Supposedly set in Australia -- that looks suspiciously like America -- several of the cast speak with faux Australian accents, all of which makes the setting a bit pointless. The soundtrack is another distraction, with pop music playing for long periods in some scenes where an instrumental score would normally feature to add tension or laughs.
The character's ultimate goal -- to escape capture by the pirates and flee the island -- is pursued with no real urgency, not least because the bad guys barely feature. The tension between the castaways -- played by real-life brothers Joey, Andrew, and Matthew Lawrence -- is slightly more interesting, particularly when Michael is eventually forced to be honest about what he wants out of life. But even the good guys' actions do little more than nudge along a very dull plot, meaning that Jumping Ship runs aground fairly early.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the lessons Michael learns in Jumping Ship. How does he gain a better appreciation for money and material goods? What character strengths does he show? What do you think the overall message of the movie is?
Tommy is struggling to deal with his widowed mom dating someone new. Why is it important that people's lives move on after the death of a loved one?
Despite Michael's faults, he cares about Tommy and tries his best to look after him. Why is it important to help other people?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : August 17, 2001
- Cast : Joey Lawrence , Matthew Lawrence , Andrew Lawrence
- Director : Michael Lange
- Studio : Disney Channel Original Movies
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- Topics : Adventures , Friendship , Pirates
- Run time : 93 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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