RIP Tim Curry. Losing Dolly Parton was a national tragedy but Tim Curry was a personal loss. He made up so much of my childhood between Annie, Legend, Clue and this movie.Jim Hawkins (Kevin Bishop) loves hearing the old, salty tall tales of Billy Bones (Billy Connolly), the local sailor-turned-drunk, at his seaside inn. Especially the ones about Captain Flint's buried treasure. One night, the inn is attacked and Bones confesses that the treasure is real and he has the map. He gives it to Jim, Gonzo (himself), and Rizzo the Rat (himself) for safe-keeping. The three decide to hire a ship and go after the treasure themselves. Squire Trelawney (Fozze Bear) finances the trip under Captain Smollett (Kermit the Frog). Jim signs on as a cabin boy and is taken under the wing of the friendly ship's cook, Long John Silver (Tim Curry).
If you've read Robert Louis Stevenson's novel, you know the plot. If you haven't, it's a classic for a reason and a childhood favorite. Obviously, this is also a Muppet movie. I had forgotten it was also a musical. In fact, it had been so long since I'd seen it, I might as well have watched it for the first time. In a word, this movie is great. Not just a great kid's film, or Muppet movie, but a legitimately good comic adaptation. Jennifer Saunders and Connolly steal early scenes but Curry is the draw, here. He carries the film and that's hard to do surrounded by Muppets. It's streaming on Disney+ and is a great way to introduce your kids to the legacy of an incredible performer.
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