Muppet Treasure Island Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A young boy and his rat friends join a pirate with a peg leg and a knack for show tunes to find gold while a frog yells about nautical rules.

🍿 Muppet Treasure Island: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Legend of Captain Flint

Young Jim Hawkins, yearning for adventure, listens to the tales of pirate Captain Flint from Billy Bones at the Benbow Inn. Billy Bones possesses a treasure map, which makes him a target for other pirates. Gonzo and Rizzo, inn inhabitants, also dream of adventure.

The Black Spot and the Pursuit of Treasure

Billy Bones receives the ‘black spot,’ a pirate death warrant, and dies shortly after, leaving the map to Jim. Jim, Gonzo, and Rizzo escape pursuing pirates and deliver the map to Squire Trelawney, who finances an expedition to find Captain Flint’s treasure. They hire Captain Smollett (Kermit the Frog) and a crew, unaware that Long John Silver, the ship’s cook, is secretly a pirate planning a mutiny.

Mutiny and the Search for the Treasure

During the voyage, Jim overhears Long John Silver plotting a mutiny with the crew. Upon reaching Treasure Island, Jim, Gonzo and Rizzo go ashore and encounter Benjamina Gunn (Miss Piggy), marooned by Flint. The loyal crew and pirates clash as both sides search for the treasure.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Jim Hawkins (Kevin Bishop): A young boy who embarks on a treasure hunt, learning about loyalty and betrayal.
• Long John Silver (Tim Curry): A charismatic pirate who befriends Jim while secretly plotting to steal the treasure.
• Kermit the Frog (Steve Whitmire): The captain of the ship, who tries to maintain order while facing mutiny and danger.
• Miss Piggy (Frank Oz): A castaway who helps the crew and provides comic relief with her diva-like personality.
• Gonzo (Dave Goelz): Jim’s adventurous and loyal friend who joins him on the treasure hunt.
• Rizzo (Steve Whitmire): Gonzo’s pragmatic and often fearful sidekick, adding humor to their adventures.
• Billy Bones (Billy Connolly): A pirate with a treasure map who is desperately trying to hide from his past, giving Jim the map before his demise.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Rizzo: “He died? And this is supposed to be a kids’ movie.” – Rizzo breaks the fourth wall upon the unexpected death of Billy Bones in the film’s opening scenes.
• Long John Silver: “Upstage lads, this is me only number!” – Long John Silver says this before singing during a musical number on the ship.
• Gonzo: “Are we lucky or what?!” – Gonzo says this after they got captured by crazed wild pigs.
• Jim Hawkins: “Now take your oars and row away. I don’t want to see you again, ever.” – Jim says this to Long John Silver during the heartbreaking ending.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $31,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $34,327,391
• Worldwide Gross: $34,327,766

💥 Muppet Treasure Island Reviews

Personal Review

I absolutely adore ‘Muppet Treasure Island’! From the moment the pirates started singing, I was hooked. The blend of Muppet humor with a classic story is just perfect. I remember laughing so hard when Gonzo and Rizzo got kidnapped by the pigs, it was hilarious. And Tim Curry as Long John Silver? Genius! I felt like I was on a real adventure, sailing the high seas with my Muppet friends. The ending always gets me, when Jim and Long John Silver have to say goodbye. It’s a sweet and sad moment that really shows how much they cared for each other. This movie is a gem and I can’t recommend it enough!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Families looking for a fun movie night”
  • “Fans of the Muppets”
  • “Those who enjoy pirate adventures with a comedic twist”
  • “Tim Curry fans”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mild peril and pirate-related violence”
  • “Some scary imagery (pirates, skeletons)”
  • “Brief depiction of death”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “A rollicking adventure that blends the classic tale with Muppet madness. Tim Curry shines as Long John Silver, adding a layer of charm and menace. While some of the songs fall flat, the overall experience is a delightful voyage for kids and adults alike.
• The New York Times: “Muppet Treasure Island is a fun, fresh take on the Robert Louis Stevenson classic. The humor is sharp, the Muppets are at their best, and the film’s energy is infectious. Though the human actors hold their own, the Muppets are the real stars of the show.
• Empire Magazine: “A swashbuckling adventure that perfectly captures the spirit of the Muppets. The film is a visual treat, with vibrant sets and costumes that bring the story to life. While the plot is familiar, the Muppets inject new life into the tale. A must-see for fans of all ages.

Audience Reactions

Tim Curry’s performance as Long John Silver is legendary and elevates the entire movie.: Viewers universally praise Tim Curry’s portrayal of Long John Silver and the catchy musical numbers.

The movie perfectly blends Muppet humor with a classic story, making it enjoyable for all ages.: Fans love the blend of Muppet-style comedy and the classic ‘Treasure Island’ narrative.

Overall Consensus: A beloved Muppet movie that combines adventure, humor, and heart, making it a timeless classic for families and fans of the Muppets.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “This was the second Muppet film released by Walt Disney Pictures, following “The Muppet Christmas Carol”.”
• “Tim Curry was given a Muppet made in the likeness of him as Long John Silver after shooting was completed.”
• “After complaints about the cinema version, the BBFC removed all occurrences of the word “bloody” to retain the U-certificate on video.”

🖥️ How to Watch Muppet Treasure Island?

Muppet Treasure Island is available for rent or purchase on various platforms including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and Vudu. Check your local listings for television airings, and physical copies of the film can be found at most major retailers. Streaming subscriptions are not currently offered.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Muppet Treasure Island, you might like these similar films:

• The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992): Another classic novel adapted with the Muppets, offering similar humor and heart.
• Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003): A modern pirate adventure with humor and swashbuckling action.
• Treasure Island (1950): A live-action adaptation of the same Robert Louis Stevenson novel, providing a more serious take on the story.
• The Great Muppet Caper (1981): Features the same humourous Muppets as they attempt to solve a mystery in London.

🛒 Muppet Treasure Island Related Products

• Muppet Treasure Island (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack): Relive the swashbuckling adventure with the complete soundtrack, featuring all the original songs and score. A must-have for fans of the film’s music.
• Funko Pop! Disney: Muppet Treasure Island – Long John Silver: A Funko Pop! figure of Tim Curry as Long John Silver. This collectible is a must-have for any Muppet Treasure Island fan and Funko collector.
• The Art of the Muppets: This art book explores the making of all the Muppet movies, with some special emphasis on ‘Muppet Treasure Island’.
• Muppet Treasure Island Blu-ray: Own the swashbuckling adventure in high definition with the Blu-ray edition of ‘Muppet Treasure Island’. Enjoy enhanced picture and sound quality.

🎧 Soundtrack

Muppet Treasure Island features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Shiver My Timbers” – performed by The Muppets
• “Something Better” – performed by Kevin Bishop
• “Cabin Fever” – performed by The Muppets
• “Love Led Us Here” – performed by Kermit the Frog & Miss Piggy

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Muppet Treasure Island – Disneycember

Ever wondered if Muppet Treasure Island holds up? Doug Walker, the Nostalgia Critic, gives his honest take on this Disney flick. Prepare for some laughs and a trip down memory lane – I think you’ll agree with most of his points!

Muppet Actors

Want to see the faces behind your favorite Muppets? This short video gives you a peek at the talented performers who make the magic happen! It’s amazing to see who’s behind those characters.

✨ Rate