Here's the thing: Treasure Island is a legitimately great story. But this 1990 TV movie version? It's the definition of "fine." The bones are good—pirates, treasure, moral complexity, a kid hero—but the execution is so dated that most modern kids will zone out.
The violence is real (shootings, stabbings, a child in genuine peril), so this isn't for little ones. But for 7-10 year olds who can handle that and are patient enough for slower pacing, there's value here. You're introducing them to a classic adventure tale that's influenced everything from Pirates of the Caribbean to One Piece.
Just know you're fighting an uphill battle against 35 years of production evolution. If your kid bounces off this, try the 1950 Disney version (better production) or just read them the book. The story deserves to be experienced, but this particular version isn't doing it many favors.
