Treasure Planet

Frankly, it's the dazzling animation that saves "Treasure Planet" from being just another so-so Disney cartoon feature. Which isn't to say that the film wouldn't be a decent one by standards of other studios. But given the Mouse House's recent slate of so-so films (not counting Pixar co-productions), this is yet another feature that's too derivative and too formulaic for its own good.

To its credit, though, "Treasure Planet" is refreshingly music-free (aside from James Newton Howard's unobtrusive score and a pair of songs by Goo-Goo Dolls frontman Johnny Rzeznik). And it does have that state-of-the-art animation that can be compared favorably with Disney classics.

That alone helps compensate for the film's weaknesses, such as the requisite wacky sidekick (which seems to be in the movie simply to sell action figures) and other gimmicks that have become Disney clich�s (including the fatherless or orphaned child as a main character).

The story is surprisingly faithful to its source material, Robert Louis Stevenson's oft-filmed "Treasure Island." In this version, Jim Hawkins (voiced by Joseph Gordon-Levitt) is a troubled teen providing no shortage of consternation for his hard-working mother.

Jim longs for excitement, which he gets — and then some — when he heads off in search of treasure with astrophysicist Dr. Doppler (David Hyde-Pierce). The two join the crew of the RLS Legacy, a solar-powered vessel under the command of the catlike Capt. Amelia (Emma Thompson).

However, Jim's not too thrilled to be consigned to cabin boy under the guidance of the ship's cyborg cook, John Silver (Brian Murray). But the two seem to hit it off — at least until Jim finds evidence that suggests Silver may be planning a mutiny.

This is one of the more exciting Disney animated features. It moves quickly and has some good, distinctive voice performances. (Except for Martin Short's turn as an aggravating robot character.) And there's no denying the pleasures in seeing a smooth blending of traditional painted cel artwork and digital backgrounds and other enhancements (all would-be animators should study the John Silver character for inspiration).

"Treasure Planet" is rated PG for animated violence (laser blasts, combat and scenes of peril), some mildly vulgar humor (flatulence gags) and scattered use of mild, religiously based profanity. Running time: 95 minutes.

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