The Modern Adventures of Tom Sawyer (1998) User Reviews

Not Tom Sawyer, But Still Fun

[djeld13 · 22 August 2003]

Please forget the fact that this is supposed to be an updated Tom Sawyer, because it doesn't work as such. But it is a very fun movie for kids, and has some greatly clever moments. The characters and story seem simple, but that's just fine, they don't need to be any deeper. One of those movies that is helped by the inclusion of several classic TV stars (depending on who you are, that could be a good thing), including Laraine Newman as Tom's aunt, David L. Lander as the town's mayor, and Erik Estrada as the requisite bad guy. Give it a watch, but don't expect anything more than a neat little time waster.

Best childrens Film EVER, I think so!

[Ashlyn · 10/10 · 22 May 2004]

This film is an terrific kids movie. It's light, but lots of fun. My kids make me play all the time. And as an adult, I have no problem sitting through it repeatedly. In fact, I found it to be very heartwarming. It's worth it just to see Eric Estrada playing the part of Joe, (Engine Joe) in the original. If it had gone to theaters, I do believe that it might have become a kids favorite for generations. As for the setting, it does say, "Modern Adventures" in the title. The film wasn't trying to debate or relive the days of racism, and prejudice as the original did. It's meant to be cute, and TRULY for kids, which the original wasn't actually designed for, even tho it dealt with young adults. The original was never meant to be a GOONIES type movie. I also noticed the earlier comment about bad acting? It's exactly the opposite. Kids movies rarely have acting of this high caliber. The movie revives some familiar, old-time actors that are well noted for their comedic skills. And the films "kid leads," (since this films original release a few years back) have become fairly familiar faces in Hollywood. Even "notable" careers in fact. I would encourage you to view it for yourself tho, and you decide.

Worst. Movie. Ever.

[WeaponXProject · 14 June 2003]

This is the worst movie ever made. The only thing it has in common with the classic story of Tom Sawyer, is the name and a scene with painting the fence. If you are to make a movie based on something, please leave something from original. And if you change stuff from the original, please do it for a good reason and to make the movie better. This movie is just a terrible movie stand only. But then add the name Tom Sawyer, and make it a "modern adventure", it becomes a terrible movie that is just ripping off a name. I have watched some bad films in my life, and enjoyed many of them. But this movie, AHHHHHHHHHHH. Bad acting, bad characterization! Bad filming, bad story! This movie contains a bully who is, guess what: fat,trouble making and then turns good real easy. You got the girlfriend character who, no matter what stupid things happen, is still in love with the so called modern "Tom Sawyer". You know what, I'll just stop because this movie already wasted too much of my time. This movie is the worst movie I ever seen in my life! Don't, please don't watch it.

This is, the best movie ever made.

[worldwide-genocide · 10/10 · 29 August 2006]

Okay. Disregard all comments on this movie that other people have written because they don't know anything. This is in fact, the greatest piece of modernized theatrics the world has ever seen. I can't stress enough the social and political factors that this movie portrays in it's epic, dramatic like re-telling of the original 'Tom Sawyer' story. It's the classic movie: It has an evil mayor, a nerd with big ears, a kid with a backwards cap, a giant bully who's about as scary as a box of kittens and a damsel who supremely beautiful. The acting (especially by Adam Dior AKA Chuck) is simply superb. I especially fell in love with the evil Mayor, played by Eric Estrada.

The plot line in this movie is far more talented and complex than anything Stanley Kubrick could ever make, and this film is indeed a Reservoir Dogs for kids.

Basically, you have to see this movie.