Review of Hook (1991) by John A — 12 Jan 2011

So four years ago, I wrote, "Best. Movie. EVER!" here in reference to Hook. But as true as that statement may be, it doesn't explain the "why" behind this film's #1 spot as my favorite film of all time.

I figured then, that I'd take this moment to finally flesh out the reasons why Spielberg's critically, well... criticized film has held my interest for so long. First off, going in, one has to understand that this is foremost a children's movie.

That said, the themes introduced (ie. parental neglect, childhood rebellion, suicide, murder, revenge, forbidden love, etc.) all add a mature quality that takes this film a step above, say, Disney's hokey rendition of the Peter Pan story.

Painting Peter as an adult, unaware of his origins, lost in a world of politics and material things, ultimately makes him the polar opposite of his childhood self, thus necessitating the greatest change possible of the character by the end of the narrative.

And giving him kids with whom he's all but estranged, but must travel to Neverland and face his past in order to rescue? Brilliant. Secondly, the setting. Some might call it corny, others might call it fake and contrived.

.. I think that the feeling you get when you enter the world of Neverland for the first time isn't far from the feeling you get walking into a large theater. With set pieces hanging, and props laid out, and lights casting shadows onto decorated walls.

You know it's artificial, but there's a certain magic about it because of that. Peter Pan was originally written as a play, and having Neverland mirror a stage set brings the enchanting story of Peter Pan back to its foundation.

Everything from the Lost Boys' tree to Captain Hook's ship gives that same synthetic impression of a dreamlike world imitating reality. Which, in essence, is what Neverland was from the beginning.

Finally... and I'm sure I missed dozens of minor elements that make this film what it is, but it would be nothing without the incredible score by John Williams. He captures every possible tone of this film with brilliant complexity.

From the title screen to the epic Hook versus Pan battle at the movie's climax, the entire musical composition is like a living organism. Breathing along with the action of the film in perfect rhythm.

Amazing... So yeah. That's why this movie is so awesome. And yes, I've seen all other versions of Peter Pan, and I've read the original script "Peter Pan, or the Boy Who Wouldn't Grow Up" by author J.

M. Barrie, and I have to say that Hook does the original source material the most justice in every way. In short... Good form, Spielberg.