Photo: Chris White

Tom Sawyer & Huckleberry Finn is, more or less, an adaptation of Twain’s novel The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. The film is set up as Twain telling a story to his grandchildren. The story follows Tom Sawyer (Joel Courtney) and his pal Huckleberry Finn (Jake T. Austin) and their being witness to a murder after sneaking out to the town graveyard late at night. Tom and Huck make a pact to never speak of the incident again but, when the good-hearted Muff Potter is charged for the crime, that pact becomes not so strong. Meanwhile, Tom and Huck uncover a hidden secret about their town that ends up placing them in danger. We, too, uncover a secret at the end of the film. That’s all I’ll say to avoid dishing out any spoilers!

I liked the film overall. I mean, for a straight-to-DVD film, Tom Sawyer & Huckleberry Finn was well done. Like any novel adaptation film, there were a few differences, but this film did a nice job of pretty much sticking to the main plot of Twain’s writings. The casting was also brilliantly done with Joel Courtney, Jake T. Austin, Kat McNamara and Val Kilmer – with McNamara and Kilmer playing Becky Thatcher and Mark Twain, respectively. I’ve been a huge fan of Courtney since I first saw him in Super 8 and I’ve also been a fan of Austin even longer – yes I admit it, I watched “Wizards of Waverly Place” back in the day. McNamara is a very talented actress in her own right and Kilmer made a great Twain.

By the way, what’s my special connection to Twain? Although it’s distant, I’m related to him. My great-great-great grandfather and Twain’s mother were siblings. I know, it’s distant but I still claim it. I guess that’s from whom I get my love of writing!

I’d definitely recommend watching Tom Sawyer & Huckleberry Finn. You can buy it on iTunes and Amazon anywhere from $10-12 or rent it on iTunes for $5. This is a film that you shouldn’t miss, especially if you’re a fan of Twain’s classic story.

I Give It A: B

Check Out The Trailer Here