Most versions of Robinson Crusoe focus on the title character, played here by Pierce Brosnan, his ingenuity in surviving, and his amused musing on his relationship with Friday, played here by William Takaku. This one concentrates on Crusoe's relationship with Friday, and finds a warm human story thereby.
There are the usual gaffes caused by a behind-the-screen team that gives the audience what they expect, rather than what is real -- a toucan is featured prominently, in what turns out to be Melanesia. Mostly, though, I was impressed by Brosnan, who was able to hold my interest for the considerable length of time he's alone on the screen. When I first encountered him in REMINGTON STEELE, he struck me as a performer whose good looks would propel him to leading roles he lacked the star power to sustain. At first I was even certain he could act. Here he certainly does.
There are the usual gaffes caused by a behind-the-screen team that gives the audience what they expect, rather than what is real -- a toucan is featured prominently, in what turns out to be Melanesia. Mostly, though, I was impressed by Brosnan, who was able to hold my interest for the considerable length of time he's alone on the screen. When I first encountered him in REMINGTON STEELE, he struck me as a performer whose good looks would propel him to leading roles he lacked the star power to sustain. At first I was even certain he could act. Here he certainly does.