I usually watch modern versions of classic tales with great trepidation, having discovered that the simplicity of great books and old movies is destroyed by a total lack of charm and too much phoniness through the overabundance of computer generated animation. The casting too is usually based upon whoever is hot at the time, regardless if they are right for the part or not. In the case of this modern version of two Mark Twain classics, it has a lot going for it, sharing the joy of classic literature from the moment that Tom Sawyer makes his first appearance, showing joy at the sight of the Mississippi river. So it's not perfect, but I wasn't expecting anything to improve on the 1930 version starring Jackie Cooper or the technicolor version starring Tommy Kelly.
As Tom, Joel Courtney is an absolute charmer, completely in tune with the character, and totally perfect in the time period. Jake T. Austin tries too hard to be "the cool kid", often rapping his lines, which is out of place with the classic Americana feel. But he's perfect in comparison to Katherine McNamara as Becky Thatcher who seems like she should be in "High School Musical" (actually college musical) than the mid-late 1800's. The supporting cast isn't perfect as an ensemble, with the male school master extremely effeminate, a rather cool Aunt Polly, and famous characters not at all giving off a Midwest feel.
But the music score is excellent, the photography breathtaking and the presentation of already familiar adventures really exciting. With modern sensibilities, this could be a great way to interest young audiences in classic literature. If only they had realized with all the recent Grimm Fairy Tale ripoffs and the two "Alice in Wonderland" tales that less is more. If this shows anything important, it's the value of friendship and the adventures one can find as a kid, no electricity or batteries needed.
As Tom, Joel Courtney is an absolute charmer, completely in tune with the character, and totally perfect in the time period. Jake T. Austin tries too hard to be "the cool kid", often rapping his lines, which is out of place with the classic Americana feel. But he's perfect in comparison to Katherine McNamara as Becky Thatcher who seems like she should be in "High School Musical" (actually college musical) than the mid-late 1800's. The supporting cast isn't perfect as an ensemble, with the male school master extremely effeminate, a rather cool Aunt Polly, and famous characters not at all giving off a Midwest feel.
But the music score is excellent, the photography breathtaking and the presentation of already familiar adventures really exciting. With modern sensibilities, this could be a great way to interest young audiences in classic literature. If only they had realized with all the recent Grimm Fairy Tale ripoffs and the two "Alice in Wonderland" tales that less is more. If this shows anything important, it's the value of friendship and the adventures one can find as a kid, no electricity or batteries needed.