Parents' Guide to Muppet Treasure Island

Movie G 1996 99 minutes
Muppet Treasure Island Poster Image

Common Sense Media Review

By Sarah Wenk , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 6+

Hilarious high seas adventure with lots of pirate action.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 6+?

Any Positive Content?

Parent and Kid Reviews

age 8+

Based on 7 parent reviews

age 7+

Based on 14 kid reviews

Kids say this movie is a hilarious and adventurous take on the classic treasure hunt story, featuring beloved characters and comedic performances, especially highlighting Tim Curry as Long John Silver. However, some reviews criticize it for its violent humor and slightly inappropriate jokes, suggesting that it may not be suitable for all young audiences.

  • funny
  • adventurous
  • mixed reviews
  • inappropriate humor
  • memorable characters
Summarized with AI

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?

Our review:
Parents say ( 7 ):
Kids say ( 14 ):

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.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • 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?

Movie Details

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