KnotMissPriceless Why so much hype?

Blake Rivera If you like to be scared, if you like to laugh, and if you like to learn a thing or two at the movies, this absolutely cannot be missed.

Ortiz Excellent and certainly provocative... If nothing else, the film is a real conversation starter.

Scotty Burke It is interesting even when nothing much happens, which is for most of its 3-hour running time. Read full review

ptusler1 This was one of the first movies I ever saw in a movie theater. It's a lot of fun, imaginative, optimistic, and entertaining. It's still a great family movie. That's all it presumes to be. It's a great vehicle to demonstrate ingenuity in the face of adversity. Classic Disney fare, naive, simple and demonstrating high ideals, morals, and ethics. As to those that think there was any cruelty to animals during the filming: really? Come on. Do you really think the film crew would sic a pair of dogs on a tiger just to film it? This should be re-released to the public, even if only on TV. It's worth letting new generations enjoy it. It's a shame Disneyland has changed the "Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse" into the Tarzan tree-house...

eigaeye There are some films made for children (or, more correctly, featuring children) that have lasted and retain their appeal, such as 'Whistle Down the Wind' or 'The Railway Children'. The 1960 production 'Swiss Family Robinson' was pitched at eight year olds then but is unlikely to satisfy a modern-day eight-year-old. Certainly it should be avoided by any 1960-era eight year old (now 60 year old) tempted to believe the charm can be conjured a second time. In the hands of an imaginative director, the story has elements that might have been made into something lasting. Nothing about this production, however, suggests those involved felt conviction for what they are doing. It looks, sadly, like a cash register in celluloid.

beresfordjd I still love this movie with all its faults. I first saw it around the time of its original release and just loved it. I have seen it countless times and it always entertains me. It is not great art but it does what it does well. John Mills is his usual dependable self as the father and Tommy Kirk and Kevin Corcoran reprise their brother double act that we saw in Old Yeller et al. (a shame that Kirk's career was blighted by his sexuality-shame on you Disney!). I notice a lot of reviewers are concerned about the animals in this film but being Disney I am sure none was harmed.... etc. It is an enjoyable, improbable adventure story that appeals to all ages, so suspend your disbelief and just go with it.

cutterccbaxter The only thing this movie lacks is Haley Mills. Apparently she was hanging out at the location with her dad when it was being filmed. Too bad old Walt didn't have her do a cameo as a mermaid or something. Anyways, this movie is way better than the book it is based on. I just finished reading it and all the Swiss family do is kill wildlife every other page. If the movie stayed true to the book there would not be much drive in the narrative. The book has no love interest, no pirates, no savages, no Gilligan. I'm sure in the future they will keep making versions of it, but this one sets the gold coconut standard of tropical island fun.