Hook (1991) ***1/2
Hook (1991) is one of Steven Spielberg's most divisive films among audiences. It's even divisive to me, within my own opinion of it. Part of me unabashedly loves most of it. But part of me also recognizes the flaws that a lot of critics and reviewers have pointed out—that it's overlong, that it strikes a weird tone as it tries to appeal to both adults and children. But there are moments in this film that leave me positively grinning from ear to ear—at the wonder of it all.
When I first saw the film in the theater at 11 years old, I knew who Spielberg was (I mean look at the guy's 80s track record), but I was less concerned with "filmmaking" and the art of filmmaking. It was a fun fantasy adventure film and that was all it needed to be. As I grew older, I saw the film in a different light (both a blessing and a curse). Seams start to show, technology ages, and as I began to consider it among Spielberg's filmography, it sits just below the middle.
Robin Williams, as the aging Peter Pan, along with Dustin Hoffman, as the sinister titular character, are both fantastic, really sinking their teeth into their roles. Julia Roberts, as Tinkerbell, mostly works for me, and Bob Hoskins as Smee is an absolute delight (as he always is). Along with the leads, there is plenty to appreciate—the insult battle between Peter and Rufio, the swashbuckling, the production design that brings Neverland to life, the outlandish costumes, Dean Cundey's cinematography (here eschewing his signature moody blues). Even though Hook is not a Disney film, there are cute nods to the 1953 animated Peter Pan (as well as Mary Poppins (1964)) too.
While Hook undoubtedly contains those Spielberg hallmarks that fans know and love, it is far from a perfect film, even to someone who saw it and loved it as a child. It sort of lives in the same zone as Labyrinth (1986)—movies that I value for various (sometimes sentimental) reasons, but don't outright love. One thing I cannot deny—Hook is filled with movie magic.
You can find my Steven Spielberg Feature Films Ranked list here.
When I first saw the film in the theater at 11 years old, I knew who Spielberg was (I mean look at the guy's 80s track record), but I was less concerned with "filmmaking" and the art of filmmaking. It was a fun fantasy adventure film and that was all it needed to be. As I grew older, I saw the film in a different light (both a blessing and a curse). Seams start to show, technology ages, and as I began to consider it among Spielberg's filmography, it sits just below the middle.
Robin Williams, as the aging Peter Pan, along with Dustin Hoffman, as the sinister titular character, are both fantastic, really sinking their teeth into their roles. Julia Roberts, as Tinkerbell, mostly works for me, and Bob Hoskins as Smee is an absolute delight (as he always is). Along with the leads, there is plenty to appreciate—the insult battle between Peter and Rufio, the swashbuckling, the production design that brings Neverland to life, the outlandish costumes, Dean Cundey's cinematography (here eschewing his signature moody blues). Even though Hook is not a Disney film, there are cute nods to the 1953 animated Peter Pan (as well as Mary Poppins (1964)) too.
While Hook undoubtedly contains those Spielberg hallmarks that fans know and love, it is far from a perfect film, even to someone who saw it and loved it as a child. It sort of lives in the same zone as Labyrinth (1986)—movies that I value for various (sometimes sentimental) reasons, but don't outright love. One thing I cannot deny—Hook is filled with movie magic.
You can find my Steven Spielberg Feature Films Ranked list here.
Comments
Post a Comment