Back in the long long ago that was my sophomore year of high school, back when Johnny Depp was still trying to live down 21 Jump Street, back before Pirates of the Caribbean was anything more than a ride, there was Cutthroat Island.  Featuring Matthew Modine and Geena Davis, this fun pirate action thriller of the past comes back to us on Blu-ray courtesy of Lions Gate.

When the quasi-legendary pirate Morgan Adams (Geena Davis in a big surprise) goes forth on a quest to find the treasure that comprises her family’s legacy, she’s pursued by her uncle, who wants the treasure himself, and the various authorities of the British Crown who want both her brought to justice, and while they’re at it, a cut of that treasure.  Can Morgan manage to lay claim to her legacy and dodge most of the Caribbean, who just happens to be after her?

Considering that this one beat Pirates of the Caribbean to the punch by somewhere in the neighborhood of half a decade–even had the adorable monkey sidekick–you’d think this would get a lot more attention than it does.  That and it’s a downright entertaining movie, let’s not forget that.  There’s lots of sailing and fun and explosions and treasure and suchlike to be had here, and it’s a great watch that I’ve loved ever since my high school days.

The Screenhead Ten Scale, thusly, hands over an eight out of ten to a fantastic pirate romp that beat Pirates of the Caribbean to the punch by a good long while.  If you liked witty Jack, there’s no reason you won’t enjoy Morgan Adams.