The New Swiss Family Robinson (1999)

The New Swiss Family Robinson

My family and I watched this movie aboard the charter sailing ketch the movie was filmed on "Erin Go Bragh III" while cruising the Spanish Virgin Islands in the Caribbean. It provided good entertainment for our kids and inspired them to learn and get more involved in the life-style of sailors at sea. Jane Seymore is great in any movie. July 1, 2006

New Swiss Family Robinson doesn't cut it

Swiss Family Robinson was a good book and entertaining to read. This new movie based on it is not, however. Much of the action isn't very believable and other factors limited the movie experience. The action isn't very realistic or believable at all. Some kids who probably have never picked up a gun in their lives are better shots then these supposedly highly trained mercenaries. Even at almost point-blank range the pirates can't seem to hit their targets. The one time when they managed to hit their target, the older brother Shane, the brother keeps going and it doesn't even seem that there is a wound. In fact, you probably would have forgotten that he had supposedly been wounded if it weren't for the blood on the shirt. When Shane gets into his first firefight with the pirates he fires fourteen shots with a revolver. Yeah right! Maybe for a M9 Beretta or something, but it doesn't take a rocket scientist to find the lack of believability it that. One of the pirates uses almost a whole magazine on a dingy just to deflate it. Later, a crocodile clomps its powerful jaws on his head, holds it there and does the croc version of chewing for a bit until the pirate leader distracts him (then the croc turns on him). And the attacked pirate survives and looks like he wasn't even injured. He's back in combat operations shortly after. Considering the severity of the wound, that's highly unlikely. All this phony stuff really takes away from the movie's quality. The only reason this doesn't get just one star is because of the technical aspects of the film and the acting of the main characters (except maybe the girl; she always seems to be screaming and it's get annoying after a while). If you're willing to look past the lack of believability, then you might be entertained. February 3, 2005

Awsome 4 all ages

This movie is awsome for all ages. We watched at a family reunion while it was raining. People from ages 5-70 can enjoy this wonderful film. As soon as we watched it we knew we had to buy it. And if your into classics being modernized than this will be a great selection 4U. Thanx February 1, 2004

The New Swiss Family Robinson

I LOVE this movie. It has action, it has romance, and it is totally appropriate. I think its great! December 2, 2003

a gem

This movie contains a nice balance between action on the one hand and the human relationships between the members of the family and the young native girl on the other. The translation to modern times is quite believable, and the questionable elements of the story--for example, how to get them stuck on the island--are handled more convincingly than the usual storm-at-sea. The bad guys are not cliche pirates, as in the older versions, but smugglers. And there's a nice touch in that the leader has pretended to be their friend and has set them up. The silliness of the Disney version is completely absent here, nor are any of the kids brats. Nor does this film have the unrelenting oppressiveness of another film version entitled "Stranded", a film which were better titled "Dysfunctional Family Robinson." All in all, a pleasant, interesting film with good music, good scenery and good characters that will leave you with an optimistic feeling at the end.

A note on the cover: Cover artists are truly clever. This picture of Anne Seymour is the ONLY one in the entire film in which she is not beautiful. The artist chose this one! This film is much, much better than its cover. October 9, 2003

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