Review of Muppet Treasure Island (1996) by Marion R — 18 Apr 2010

(from The Watermark 02/17/96).

Following the successful adaptation of A Muppet Christmas Carol, the li'l critters are now having a stab at Robert Louis Stevenson's classic. Unfortunately, it doesn't measure up to their previous work. The fantastical edge of Christmas Carol lent itself well to incorporating Muppets into the body of the story, but the grittier and more grounded material of Treasure Island never seems to integrate the people with the puppets. They used to be the stars, now they're just garnish to the humans playing the lead roles. The script even trips over itself trying to over-justify their presence at times - as though the writers were self-consciously aware that they hadn't chosen the best of material for their ensemble. Queer Quotient: As always with the Muppets, gay undertones abound: Curry has more eyeliner on his upper lids than he wore in Rocky Horror, not to mention the tres gay "Cabin Fever" song in full Carmen Miranda drag. Most importantly, Miss Piggy's role is bigger than her disappointing cameo in Christmas Carol. Though it's not the Muppets at their best, moi still enjoyed seeing the flamboyant old gang again.