If I had to guess, I'd say I read "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" about fifty years ago when I was in my teens, most likely a high school literature class assignment. The scene I remember most vividly from the book was the one where Tom gets a bunch of neighborhood boys to whitewash the fence by using a good old brand of reverse psychology. The movie probably could have done a better job of exploring that scenario, as Tom only managed to convince his first victim in a one on one conversation, the rest were implied to be similarly duped by his engaging manner. Can't really fault the picture much for that because there was a lot of ground to cover from the original story.The story is about "Tom and Huck", but Huckleberry Finn (Brad Renfro) seemed almost like an ancillary character in the movie. HIs involvement as an on again/off again friend and sidekick to Tom leaves the character out of the picture for a good portion of the time. Perhaps if the title of the movie were the same as the novel, Huck's frequent disappearances wouldn't have been so noticeable. But they did serve to reinforce the idea that he wasn't going to let Tom down when things really got rough, as in the Injun Joe (Eric Schweig) matter.Barring minor inconsistencies between Mark Twain's written word and this film adaptation, this appears to be a nice, family friendly movie that handles it's dark moments responsibly enough. It's not what one would consider a cinematic masterpiece, even though for a single year way back in 1996 it managed to land a spot on IMDb's Top 250 list. As did a lot of pictures geared to a younger audience, which probably indicates that in it's first couple of years, it was a young adult crowd that brought the site into some prominence before older and more mature viewers came on board. It's actually kind of interesting to see the types of movies that were predominant year by year to the present day. Today, those teen flicks seem to have given way to a host of Bollywood films that hold some sway with modern audiences.

It may not be exactly like the book but its really good movie. Jonathan Tayler Thomas really always looked to me as the real Tom Sawyer just something about him as TOm fits it to a T. Got some funny characters and Muff seems realistic to me believeable when hes about to die Injun Joe looks terrifying if was around him like hes some insane killer. The very look of him when hes like stick me i mean if a kid dang id be scared too. Huck plays his part well makes him believeable there is other tom and sawyers that been out that follow the book this is just follows it some and makes ire ally good i dont know the down hate on it gesh there is real movies that are bad in every line. But this is fun cool and everyone i think fit it i have the movie and i love it.

Nineteenth century Mississippi River boy Jonathan Taylor Thomas (as Tom Sawyer) tries to runaway to New Orleans with his pals, but has to abort the mission with a bloody forehead. As punishment, young Thomas is directed to whitewash a fence, by guardian Amy Wright (as Aunt Polly). Thomas cleverly gets neighborhood lads to finish the job. He shares adventures with rebellious best-friend Brad Reno (as Huckleberry "Huck" Finn) and pretty girl-friend Rachael Leigh Cook (as Becky Thatcher).While nothing to write Mark Twain about, the Disney studio's follow-up to their "The Adventures of Huck Finn" (1993) is serviceable. Both films would have (and will) be much more appealing to the elementary and primary school set, who will hopefully read the books. Strengths from the earlier version look better with a simpler music score and more appropriate leads. One wishes they had waited on the previous film to release as a sequel to this "Tom and Huck", as the original author intended.***** Tom and Huck (12/22/95) Peter Hewitt ~ Jonathan Taylor Thomas, Brad Renfro, Eric Schweig, Rachael Leigh Cook

Rase your hand if you thought no one could get into more trouble then Tom Sawyer. Rase your hand if you thought on one could bet into more trouble then Huck Finn. Everyone who rased their hand is WRONG! They can get into more trouble together then any other boys in the world of fiction!Between running away, wittnessing a murder, and an adventure in a cave, Tom and Huck are trouble magnets! Of course, it's no wonder, what with Huck's forced wildness, and Tom's wild nature. The real wonder is that they manage to stay alive!I watched this movie for the first time today. It's the first time I've gotten emotionally involved in a Tom Sawyer movie. There are moments when the tention gets so thick you want to scream with fear. Other moments are so sad that you want to cry. And the ending will have you in stitches!This movie is great to watch when you have some time off. It's a great way to spend an hour or so in the afternoon. But if your sensitive, remember the tissues!