Review of Hook (1991) by Matthew D — 16 Jul 2012
A childhood favorite of mine looking back at nostalgia.
However childish Hook may seem now, Steven Spielberg's Hook (1991) is a sweetly sentimental look at a Peter Pan who grew up. Reflecting on childhood, fatherhood, maturing, and love leaves the audience adoring Hook while never finding it perfect.
The strangely long Hook feels the length as the charms of Neverland begin to fade towards the end. The childish immature tone feels too quaint to be taken seriously.
Robin Williams is excellent as the adult Peter Pan. His stingy personality works as does his fun adventures as Peter Pan. I really like Julia Roberts Tinkerbell. She's sweet as the legendary fairy in love with Peter. I wish she ended up with Peter as their romance feels more real than the ones between Peter and Wendy or Petter and Moira. It's a bittersweet ending for sure.
Dustin Hoffman makes for a fearsome and delight Captain Hook. His style is fabulous and extravagant. Hoffman adds some funny humor and devious charisma. The bumbling Bob Hoskins is very likable as Smee.
Much of the supporting cast is wasted to minor roles. The child actors are all passable, but forgettable. Spielberg has so much style to his directing. He clearly loved this story, but it feels so hollow and empty by the end.
This review of Hook (1991) was written by Matthew D on 16 Jul 2012.
Hook has generally received positive reviews.
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