The Lost Treasure of Sawtooth Island
Parents say
Based on 1 review
Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
The Lost Treasure of Sawtooth Island
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that The Lost Treasure of Sawtooth Island is an adventure that's mildly suspenseful and scary, with a one-eyed banshee, sword fighting, finding a skeleton, and the (not-at-all gory) body of someone who fell from a lighthouse. There's some sadness, too, because Danny's an orphan and an important adult in his life dies. There's some name calling like "gooberhead," and one use of "butt." Positive modeling and messages are weakly conveyed, but the teens are brave, loyal, and work together as a team. It's fine for most kids, but it's not likely to hold the littlest ones' interest.
Community Reviews
Deserving of fewer stars
Report this review
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: Magic and Fantasy, Adventures, Friendship, Pirates
- Run time: 92 minutes
- MPAA rating: PG
- MPAA explanation: Some adventure action.
- Last updated: March 31, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
-
The Goonies
Classic '80s adventure has lots of swearing, some scares.
-
Muppet Treasure Island
Hilarious high seas adventure with lots of pirate action.
-
Treasure Island (1950)
Avast! Disney's live-action, seagoing landmark.
For kids who love adventure
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate