taikung1 It's doubtful that even the B level talent would have put their names on this if they were allowed to sample the cgi beforehand. Fortunately there are only a handful of creatures to endure that unintentionally provide this film's only comic relief. There was a total lack of effort put into involving the viewer in any aspect of character or story development. Labeled as "Made for TV" doesn't absolve this movie for desecrating Jules Verne's name and vision..To get through this film.. Image that it was produced in a 1950's black and white style picture and change all the cgi creatures to a paper mache equivalent. This will make all the awkward "horrified" expressions and poor camera cuts easier to accept. Be sure to watch the preview before investing any time into starting this show.

Neil Welch Mysterious Island proved its worth as a Ray Harryhausen feature back in the 60s. Then you start watching this TV mini-series, and you are impressed with the cast (which boasts some relatively high profile talent - Patrick Stewart and Kyle McLachlan far outstrip anyone in the 60s movie) and with the gorgeous location work.And then you stop being impressed. Because the script is not so good. It meanders, it abandons Verne's story to plot its own course (which wouldn't matter if it was going somewhere better, but it doesn't), and it is generally hugely underwhelming.Then you get to the critters, the raison d'etre of Mysterious Island as a screen spectacle. Well, to be fair, they aren't the worst made-for-TV critters I've ever seen, but they're not good.And then you get to Vinnie Jones. Now I love Vinnie (I have to say that in case he comes round to my house and hits me) and, in the right part, he is very effective. This isn't the right part. By all means play Captain Hook as a pantomime villain in a pantomime. But the pirate chief here isn't in a pantomime, and playing him like one is excessively hammy.Where's Percy Herbert when you need him?

rlange-3 I read Mysterious Island as a child many years ago and I remember being fascinated by it. This version might be OK as a family evening to pass the time -- there is no foul language, no nudity, barely a hint of a romantic relationship with one kiss.However as entertainment for adults it fails on every level. As many have mentioned, the special effects are not special at all, the dialogue is stilted, the acting for most of the cast is charitably mediocre, and the plot elements come across as contrived. And it is long, without good timing.Apparently the director decided that this timeless classic novel needed a major rewrite to pass muster in the new millennium. Two woman are thrown in as major characters; the younger manages a new wardrobe almost daily, and neither have so much as their hair mussed for more than five minutes, despite fighting off pirates, giant ants, sea monsters and what have you. They manage to build a house inside a nice clean cave with amenities that probably rival those available to a typical country cottage in the 30s. I was almost surprised that they didn't manage a washing machine. Smokeless fires conveniently illuminate the giant cave better than track lighting. Everyone in the main party manages to be fresh scrubbed and well groomed at all times.The pirates are like the Pirates of the Caribbean at Disneyworld, highly stereotyped caricatures. At least the Pirate Captain is entertainingly bombastic, but realism has definitely been left marooned on the shore somewhere.Nothing even approaches being frightening, or intriguing. For a movie for those interested in Verne's work or a well told adventure tale, this is a waste of time.

RLARKT199 Hallmark entertainment should leave these Jules Vern films alone. They did a bad job on filming,20,000 leagues under the sea,which was around a 3 hour bore,now,their version of Mysterious Island,again another bore which lasts about 3 hours. The special effects were bad,a bunch of relatively unknown actors,do not waste your time with this one. If possible,go to your video store or purchase a copy of the 1961 version which is far superior than this one. The 1961 version has well known British and American actors,good special effects that were outstanding for that year,even today they stand out,this film also has a Bernard Herrmann music score.