The New Swiss Family Robinson
When Angelino Jack Robinson gets a new job in Australia, he decides to take his sissy wife Ann, brave sons Shane and Todd and wining daughter Elisabeth 'Lizzy' by sailing yacht from Hong Kong to Syndney. The gun he gets thrown in by Sheldon Blake proves disabled, and for a sinister reason: near Borneo, Blake's men turn up to capture them. The family escapes but loses the yacht on a reef. They build a cool camp on an island. But the pirates keep coming back, and the boys discover why: he hid a treasure in the yacht. Shane is also discovered and captured in more then one way by French plane wreck survivor Françoise, who later teams up with the family.
Insights
Plot Summary
A modern retelling of the classic tale, this version follows the Robbins family as they are stranded on a deserted island after their plane crashes during a storm. Initially struggling to survive, they must work together to build a new life, encountering wild animals and various challenges. The family learns valuable lessons about resourcefulness, cooperation, and the importance of each other.
Critical Reception
This made-for-television film received a mixed to negative reception, with critics and audiences often finding it a weak imitation of previous adaptations. While some appreciated its family-friendly nature, many felt it lacked the charm, adventure, and compelling storytelling of its predecessors.
What Reviewers Say
- Lacks the charm and adventure of earlier versions.
- A predictable and somewhat bland family film.
- Offers minimal excitement or originality.
Google audience: Audience reviews for this adaptation are generally scarce and lean towards disappointment, with many viewers finding it uninspired and failing to capture the magic of the original story. Some appreciate it as a simple, inoffensive family viewing option but often note its derivative nature.
Fun Fact
This adaptation was filmed in and around the Philippines, utilizing its tropical landscapes to portray the deserted island.
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