I haven't seen this film as a kid and while it brought back memories, my question is does it still hold up well and will newcomers like it? ON WITH THE REVIEW...
The films about a kid named George (Nathaniel Moreau) who lives with his Grandpa by the sea, across from George's Island. His strict teacher separates George from his Grandpa sensing that he's a mean old man and has George live with nasty foster parents. On Halloween, George escapes from the foster home meets up with his Grandpa and head off to "George's Island" where dead pirates come back from the dead and kill people. Not pretty much of a pirate adventure film for kids due to its subject revolving around legal separation from a guardian. With that said, I still find it enjoyable and engaging for kids, but the adults talking about legal stuff seems kind of boring. It bored me when I was a kid, in fact, I wanted to see more Pirate action! Again with that said, watching these scenes as an adult not only make perfect sense, but those scenes are indeed needed to tell the story. Honestly, I think there's enough to balance the fun, the action and the drama. So it works fine.
Let's talk about the characters. Our main character George is likable, enjoyable and the actor does a decent job playing him. By the way, did you know the kid who played George, played "Midnight Society" member David in "Are You Afraid Of The Dark?"? His friend Bonnie is just as likable and decently acted as George, and the build up and chemistry to their friendship works fine, even if it is predictable. Shelia McCarthy as the strict teacher is cartoonishly nasty and mean as the character, but the film does show that she's not all bad. Maury Chaykin as the head member of Children Services is also as over the top as this nervous and childish person, and he and the teacher also serve a great chemistry together as well. I just find myself laughing at how they try to hide their true feelings for each-other. The mean Foster Parents are actually more nasty and meaner than the teacher with nothing likable about them whatsoever, and if I were doing a mean parent and guardian list, they would defiantly be on it. And yes, they too are just as exaggerated with their nasty faults as the teacher is. The best actor and best character goes to Oscar Nominated actor Ian Bannen as George's Grandpa. He's perfect at playing this old salty sea captain with his grouchy personality, but of course he's not really a mean guy because he does have a loving and caring side.
The Pirates in this movie are awesome. When the film opens up, we see legendary Pirate Captain Kidd eliminate all the pirates by shooting them and cutting their heads off. That's a pretty dark way to start a kids film. The actor playing Captain Kidd is very fun, very evil, and I love his evil and classy deep voice, it's one of the best pirate performances that I have ever seen. When we see them as ghosts, they're all over the top, acting like fun loving pirates as they dance, drink, and take off their body parts.The Island is really cool, and I enjoy all the surprises they throw at you.
The special effects in this film aren't jaw dropping or incredible, but they are very decent. The score is nice, and captures each moment so well. The cinematography is nothing impressive, but it's still good. As for it's Halloween feel, it's great and brings the fun and scares of Halloween. However, there were a few scenes or moments that go nowhere such as the pin drop by the teacher; the Foster father sitting down and drinking wine to classical music; and the film did leave a few questions, such as why did it take the Pirates that long to find out that Captain Kidd killed all his men and doesn't want to share his treasure when they became ghosts? Yeah, I'm probably nitpicking, but come on, that last question is legit.
The film is not what I call a great film because it is very silly, and at times kind of dull for a pirate film aimed towards kids; but the story is decent, the characters as cartoony as most of them are are still fun and likable, the scenes with pirates are a riot and at times grim, the Halloween atmosphere is great, and the film is creative. Overall, I say it still holds up despite being goofier than I remember, and is a fun film for kids especially if they love pirates.
RATING 4/5
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