Considering how wonderful most of Buster Keaton's films are, being an average one isn't really that bad. While Keaton had done other films about ships (such as THE BOAT and STEAMBOAT BILL, JR.),this one takes a very leisurely pace during much of the film. While this means that many of the typical Keaton acrobatics are saved for the end, the sweet, good-natured film is still well worth seeing for the many cute scenes on the boat. Buster and his lady love are stranded on a derelict ship and have absolutely no idea how to take care of themselves, as they both had been pampered rich kids. Later, the action picks up though I don't think the story improved, as the two fought off an attack by hostile cannibals (are there any FRIENDLY ones?). The very last scenes when they are rescued didn't do much for me--this segment seemed pretty contrived, even for a silent comedy.

The movie was well-paced and director Donald Crisp (yes--the famous supporting actor that appeared in almost 200 movies) did a good job, as did the actors.

Buster Keaton was, and still is to this day, one of the funniest and most daring comedic actors, as well as being one of the biggest influences, in film history and ever. His comic timing was seldom off and he was one of the few to not be afraid of taking risks. There was much more to him than that though, with him again being one of the very few to pull off being stone-faced because he did it with such expressivity and nuance.

'The Navigator' may not quite be quintessential Keaton or be among his best efforts, in a filmography full of good to masterpiece films. This is not just feature films but short ones too. Others are bolder and fresher, and others also have more of a warm heart. Having said that it is hard not to fault the entertainment and charm value of 'The Navigator', and there is a lot of both. Similarly it is easy to see why it was Keaton's biggest commercial success, even if he did do better a huge part of me does feel that the appeal is not going to be lost on people.

As said, other Keaton films have more warmth and heart than 'The Navigator', though it is hardly devoid of either. There are occasions where the momentum dips and the action drags a bit in the middle.

However, 'The Navigator' looks great visually and technically. The underwater sequence is made to look more expansive and easier than it actually was, in fact it was a nightmare to film and none of the difficulties show. Never does the photography look cheap. The comedy never feels too much or too little, it is all beautifully timed and never less than very funny. All of them work, it is not one of those films with a few misfire gags or a film that is not funny at all, even when not quite classic quality it's an example to all. The scene aboard the deserted boat and the use of the deck levels in the scene are timed perfectly and really put a smile on my face.

For me, the underwater sequence, having seen people that found it overlong and dull, was extraordinary in comic timing and visual technique. There is charm and heart and did love the chemistry between Keaton and Kathryn McGuire, the latter handling the physical comedy with aplomb and she is worked to the limit here and giving a likeable performance too. Donald Crisp, who also directs, is his usual reliable self. The presence of cannibals in anything understandably makes one feel nervous, but didn't have a problem with them actually here (there are far more offensive, unsubtle and unflattering elsewhere).

Keaton's comic timing is spot on and he has a character that is easy to endear to and root for. is physicality and how he copes with the stunts is awe-inspiring and he is one of not many to make deadpan interesting and entertaining because he still makes it very expressive and nuanced.

Overall, not quite classic Keaton yet still very good. 8/10

Rich sap Rollo Treadway (Buster Keaton) pines to marry sweetheart Betsy O'Brien (Kathryn McGuire). He sets all the arrangements to sail to Honolulu except she says no to him. Her father John O'Brien (Frederick Vroom) had sold his ship 'The Navigator' to one side of a conflict. The opposing agents intend to set the ship adrift and then sunk. John goes to retrieve some documents but is captured by the spies. Betsy goes on board to find him but is stranded on board as the ship is set adrift. Meanwhile Rollo goes to the wrong Pier and finds himself on board 'The Navigator'. He wakes up to find himself alone with Betsy on the giant ship.

The setup is a little wonky. Once the two characters are alone on the ship, they get up some good hijinx. They don't have much chemistry at first but the more wacky adventure they get into, the better they become. She's almost just as game although Keaton's physical comedy is still king. The highlight is probably the underwater work and then fighting off the cannibals. It's always funny to have a monkey.