This new adventure of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn has call backs to the original Mark Twain stories, but it adds some science facts and knowledge to educate young viewers, especially those who are new to Twain’s books. Starring Luke Partridge as Tom Sawyer and Jackson Fults as Huck Finn, the two have good chemistry together. The movie feels modernized as Tom is constantly making comments about science, such as parasites living off something else, the speed of sound travel, kinetic energy and inertia, just to mention a few examples. Tom is obliged to even give a talk about physics while skipping rocks on the lake with Huck and their friend, Joe Harper (Lawson Touliatos).
However, he doesn’t plan to lose a bet when a fellow named Sid bets the rock he is going to drop down from an overhang, will hit the ground before Tom’s bag of bird feathers. Tom says they will fall at the same speed. However, Sid outsmarts Tom in this one instance, having a signed agreement from Huck that Tom would drop the feathers down without the sack. This results in the stone hitting the ground first. Some valuable lessons are taught in this movie, including how pride can get in one’s way, humbling a person.
The movie kicks off with some nice artistic illustrations, and the music throughout the picture is timely and appropriate. It hits the right notes during the light moments, the tense ones, dramatic and even heroic scenes. And a dash of romance is added between Becky Thatcher (Marcelle LeBlanc) and Tom. She gives him a quick kiss in one scene and it’s obvious that they both enjoyed the magical moment.
Tom’s science lessons pay off, such as when he uses a magnetic wand, with the explanation of the magnetic fields and north and south poles, which enables Huck to eventually use a magnetic wand to free himself from trouble.
There are bad guys in the film, but also good guys, such as Becky’s father, Judge Thatcher (Jeff Lapidus), who explains Tom’s and Huck’s options to them with some money they have coming their way.
The familiar characters in the story help to bring a modern feel to a timeless and classic story. The scenery is also awesome, featuring a lot of greenery in the woods. Peppered with science facts along the way, the story manages to show what teenage behavior is like, and the importance of having loyal friends.
Content Analysis: Although not featuring a strong Christian worldview, there is a Bible shown in one scene, with family inscriptions in it, and a comment about having a master if you serve something. It’s also stated that a widow taught Huck “religion”. The part of having a master could be good or bad, depending on what or whom one is serving. And characters help one another out.
Think About It: Discussion points can include the scene in which Becky falls into a pit, and her friends find a rope and help pull her out. The importance of helping others can be a focal point. In one scene, Huck has helped Tom, but he is quiet when Tom gets all the credit. He tells Tom he wants him to have the credit, so humility is another nice quality for a discussion topic. The importance of learning is also another good discussion topic, as various scientific principles are mentioned throughout the picture.
The Dove Take: This wholesome picture has earned our Dove Seal for All Ages, with its lessons and portrayals of friendship, loyalty, and the importance of education. It is not intended, however, for young children.
