Greetings & Salutations Fellow Movie Fanatics!
In a departure from the ‘normal selections’ of what you’d see presented in Skewed & Reviewed,
we revisit two of the most beloved characters in American literature with the film ‘Tom Sawyer & Huckleberry Finn’. Based on the characters created by author Mark Twain, the film takes us back 19th century America and the shores of the great Mississippi River. After witnessing the murder of a local doctor by Injun Joe, Tom and Huck make a pact never to tell anyone of what the saw for fear of their lives. However, upon hearing that one of Injun Joe’s partners Muff Potter is being blamed for the crime Tom Sawyer realizes he cannot be silent and speaks at the trial determined to do the right thing. Before he can finish his testimony though Injun Joe attempts to kill him before fleeing town. After hiding out for a time on an island in the heart of the Mississippi, Tom and Huck return to town believing it to be safe. In a fantastically bizarre set of circumstances they discover evidence of a treasure in Huck’s hideout but unfortunately must face Injun Joe once again before they can claim the treasure for themselves.
This film would be a great way to introduce the writings of Mark Twain to young folks. There are a few scenes of violence and instances of smoking by Huck Finn but other than that, the film is quite tame and I’d expect to see it shown on a family-based TV channel like Disney. There’s nothing ‘extravagant’ about the film but it goes to show that you really don’t need millions upon millions to make a decent movie especially if it has potential educational value for young folks. The appearance and narration of Mark Twain by Val Kilmer is hopefully a prelude to a more extended role as Kilmer’s performance as Twain was brilliantly executed from his appearance to his voice and mannerisms matching those of historical accounts to Twain. Joel Courtney and Jake T. Austin’s performances as Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn were also well executed as the legendary fictional characters. 2.5 out of 5 stars.
