Review of Hook (1991) by Patrick K — 22 Aug 2014
Lavish production, an always lovable Robin Williams, a deliciously villainous turn by Dustin Hoffman, a gorgeous music score by John Williams, and a sure hand direction by Spielberg..... who also committed a few missteps. The failures lie in the script which is corny at times, heavyhanded, redundant, and wonderful in other times, but Spielberg gives in to the corniness quite often to the point of sugar overload. Lots of looking in amazement, lots of syrupy moments, and cringe worthy moments when the kids are on screen which brings up a big faux pa.
The cast of children are unanimously awful. I didn't expect Goonies level likability, but good God give those kids some lessons before letting them loose onto celluloid. Not that it took much, but they were easily outclassed every time Robin and Dustin even entered the same frame. Those kids belonged in a McDonald's commercial, not a big budget Spielberg film.
Overall, it is sweet as a family film with life lessons to be learned in glorious fashion. The kids would enjoy it for sure, while the adults would appreciate the visual magic while rolling their eyes at the sap and ghastly performances of the lost boys.
Not his top tier accomplishment, but Spielberg has and always will direct a solid picture.
This review of Hook (1991) was written by Patrick K on 22 Aug 2014.
Hook has generally received positive reviews.
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