Mark Twain’s Tom Sawyer is brought to life in this rollicking account of mischief and misadventure. When he is not tricking someone else into doing his work Tom is irritating Aunt Polly with his antics and stirring up a boiling pot of woe for everyone else he meets! He is smitten for his young love Becky Thatcher and goes to great lengths to win her heart, trying to put his best foot forward as he does. While his actions may cause disarray for them on occasion, we see tenderness in him -a direct contrast to the troublemaking that often follows in his wake on a moment by moment basis! He puts himself in harm’s way to protect her and even takes a punishment meant for her.
Tom’s frolics and his friendship with Huck Finn result in a chain of events that get them in over their heads when they witness a murder and vow to keep it to themselves. They decide to head down the river on a raft and leave trouble behind … unfortunately trouble finds them wherever they go and now the whole town thinks they are dead, drowned in the mighty Mississippi.
The story line is engaging as expected from Mark Twain’s classic tale. While the film portrays a great deal of yelling, slapping and “old fashion” discipline that is not uncharacteristic of the time in which this story is set, it may be uncomfortable for young children and parents are cautioned to be aware of its presence. It is also notable there is a cemetery setting with some talk of body snatching, the devil “coming” after someone and grave robbing.
Families will be drawn back in time as they enjoy the antics and actions of this animated young boy and his pal in their small Missouri town. Laughter abounds and the tale is timeless and we are happy to approve this film for viewers 12 and over.
