[yasr_overall_rating]
The adventure unfolds as Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn – Tom’s friend from the streets – witness a murder in the graveyard. Tom and Huck flee to Jackson Island and make a pact never to tell anyone about the incident. However, when the good-natured Muff Potter, who has been blamed for the murder is sentenced to death by hanging, Tom breaks his promise and returns to exonerate Muff Potter.
“Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn,” while entertaining, is not as good as “The Adventures of Huck Finn” starring Elijah Wood or “Tom and Huck” with Jonathan Taylor Thomas and Brad Renfro. I think, however, it’s a fun, updated movie for kids. Like the adaptations that came before it, the film contains some elements that may scare younger children. The music is fitting for the movie, and the scenes are nice; full of nature as you’d expect. I’m not a big fan of the narration but I understand the point of it. I just think it is too slow and deliberate, like when you are reading a story to a child who is too young to understand all the words.
It would be better if all of the acting was stepped up just a bit, too. Also, some of the audio seemed a little off, like when Tom’s teacher was speaking to him, most of the scenes with Aunt Polly, and then later the court scene. Several lines were simply dubbed poorly. This one will entertain kids, though, so it’s worth the time. A younger audience may be happy recognizing Jake T. Austin as Huck, who has been in several feature films, including “Hotel for Dogs” and Disney’s “Wizards of Waverly Place.”
Other viewers may recognize Tom, portrayed by Joel Courtney, who starred in “Super 8.” Val Kilmer makes an appearance as Mark Twain, the narrator, but he is unrecognizable in his layers of makeup. Overall, I give “Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn” 2½ stars because, well, call it nostalgia, but I would just rather show a child the previous versions. Today’s kids, however, will probably prefer this one.
Available on DVD and VOD now
