This rendition of Jules Verne's novel is, like all screen adaptations of fictional literature, definitely not accurate as far as the book plot goes. However, like just about every production, it has its bad parts and its good parts (but mostly bad in this case). The actual cinematography is good, and some of the acting is fairly well done. I found it interesting that the producers were able to get a notable actor such as Sir Patrick Stewart. But when it comes to some of the post-production, it was terrible. The computer graphics for the giant creatures are HORRIBLE! If the computerized graphics are not jerky then they are quite noticeably out of sync and do not match up well with the video clips. If you decide to watch this poor production I think you will find yourself saying, "Oh my gosh; that's so bad!" out loud and more than once.

I could list all the reasons why this movie fails but honestly just watch the the trailer and you'l get a good idea of how bad this movie is. I actually enjoyed this movie when I saw it a couple of years ago but in the same way I enjoy 'the Room' and 'Cool cat saves the kids'. this movie is laughably bad particularly the scenes with the pirates, so unless your with a bunch of friends who enjoy watching bad movies than I wouldn't recommended this movie. Honestly the only reason why i'm bothering to review this mess of a movie is to complete my profile checklist.this is the kind of movie that gets given out for free with the Mail on Sunday.(that's a newspaper in England.) In fact that's actually where I found this movie so I think that tells you all you need to know. I'm going to end this review now and never think about this pirate,giant rat,praying mantis,Patrick Stewart,Volcano themed monstrosity ever again.

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?

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.