Common Sense Media Review
By Andrea Beach
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Low-budget family adventure has peril, mild scares.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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The Lost Treasure of Sawtooth Island
What's the Story?
Orphaned teen Danny wants to find THE LOST TREASURE OF SAWTOOTH ISLAND, and not only because he needs the money to be able to keep his father's boat. He also wants to find out if his father was right or wrong about the quest for treasure that cost him his life. With his best friend Rufe, old family friend Toby, and Toby's niece Jeanne, Danny sets sail on Lake Michigan looking for some answers. Along the way they'll have to face some bad characters who also want the treasure, a one-eyed banshee, and figure out if they can trust the mysterious Mr. Brand.
Is It Any Good?
Unfortunately, the brief presence of Oscar-winner Ernest Borgnine is not enough to save this movie from its problems. The Lost Treasure of Sawtooth Island suffers from poor acting, a predictable story, and props like swords that even kids will easily spot as fake. It doesn't build enough excitement to keep younger kids interested, but tweens who can add a lot of their own imagination to the story may find it mildly enjoyable. But with so many other great treasure-hunting adventures out there, this one should go to the very bottom of the list.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why Danny was searching for The Lost Treasure of Sawtooth Island. Was it because he's greedy?
What other pirate adventure movies have you seen? Which one's your favorite?
Did anything scare you? What makes you feel safe when you're scared? How do you know you'll be OK?
Movie Details
- In theaters : December 1, 1999
- On DVD or streaming : September 7, 2004
- Cast : Ernest Borgnine , Seth Bernard
- Director : Richard Brauer
- Studios : Brauer Productions, Inc. , Picaroon Film Associates
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Adventures , Friendship , Pirates
- Run time : 92 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : Some adventure action.
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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