Let’s face it – I have nothing better to do. So, just like I figured I might as well review every book I own, why not start in on the movies? Gotta keep my Top Reviewer status somehow don’t I? So here I am, eating Turkish Delight and going over a movie I simply loved.

Hook. You know, so many fairy tale stories we never know some of the true “after” of the ever after part. Here, we get to find out. What happened to Peter Pan after Wendy and the others were safely home once again? With Robin Williams as Peter Pan, Dustin Hoffman as Captain James Hook, and Julia Roberts as Tinkerbell, we find ourselves brought back to Neverland, a place where mermaids swim and shadows don’t always obey their masters.

Peter Panning is married. He’s also married to his job, which seems to take precedence over his family; wife Moira, and two young children, Maggie and Jack. He hates flying and doesn’t believe in fairies. He’s just a regular guy, and continues to think so when he goes back to England to visit Granny Wendy – even though Wendy knows better.

Peter’s views of what’s real and what’s not are about to get turned upside-down, as Maggie and Jack are suddenly kidnapped, the only clues are one long scratch on the wall, and a piece of parchment paper demanding Peter’s presence stabbed into the wall with an ornate dagger. Wendy knows it’s time for Peter to remember what he’s forgotten over so many years. Hook wants his final battle with Peter Pan and if Peter can’t remember who he is, even with the help of Tinkerbell and the other Lost Boys, he may lose his children forever.

Ah, I so love this movie! It’s just so much fun! I don’t think any actor but Robin Williams could have pulled off being Peter Pan, crazy green tights notwithstanding. You would absolutely never guess that it’s Dustin Hoffman under that pirate getup – the man is Captain Hook, through and through. It’s so perfect; beautifully gold embroidered red fabric, shining, silver hook, long dark curls, a hat with an extremely large feather in it. Fantastic. Julia Roberts made for a pretty good Tinkerbell; feisty little pixie poking Hook in the nose with her tiny dagger. Every actor was cast right into their character and performed with gusto – this is one of those movies where you know the actors had some fun. The writing for this movie was just as fantastic, though I am curious as to know just how much of it was ad-libbed; you never know with Williams. Either way, I always did think the insults hurled over the dinner table between Peter and the current ruling Lost Boy, Rufio, were just great. And Amber Scott as Maggie and Charlie Korsmo as Jack? Delightful in their parts and both exceptionally cute. I really did love Jack, especially that part when he was in the room of broken clocks and Captain Hook starts freaking out when he hears ticking.

The acting is a great part of what makes this movie work. Without it, this could not have been half as good. The other aspects – ok, well we already know that the costuming is great – such as setting, special effects, and music, were all right alongside with everything else. Though I’m pretty certain most of this is shot on a set, the scenery was very detailed with a lot of embellishments to give it that Neverland fantasy look, very colorful, very unique, yet keeping with much of what most of us are familiar with in the ways of Lost Boys and Pirates. Special effects, though looking at it now, it is obvious they are a little dated, I remember at the time thinking they were super cool. I still don’t have any problems with them because even though they’re not as streamlined as some of today’s are, the lack of an abundance of computer generated images and more of the actual actors and scenery work make me a very happy camper.

I honestly can’t say enough good things about this movie. As a Steven Spielberg production, it wasn’t a big surprise to see John Williams’s name under the music area. It also is distinctly his work, and he does it just as wonderfully here as anywhere. I admit – I still tear up at the end when Maggie and Jack’s mother awakens and starts to cry. I want to review this soundtrack really bad now.

I know there are some people out there who have some problems with the movie, may it be the dated FX, or the situation that arises between Tinkerbell and Peter…ok well that’s all I can think of. Hahaha. Seriously though, this is the kind of movie with plenty of comedy, adventure, and fun, things that any family can sit down and enjoy. Parents can become kids, kids can be totally enthralled, and you may even learn something yourself.

A tiny warning though for those of you who are sensitive to this kind of thing – there is a battle that goes on between Pirates and Lost boys, and while there is only a little blood (just a scratch from Hook to Peter is all), one person does die (very sad). Aside from that, you’re good to go.

NT

Like the music? Check out the Hook Original Soundtrack

Recommended:
Yes

Viewing Format: VHS