'Hook'—A Movie Review

Don’t tell me that you’re too grown up to watch a Disney movie! That was Peter Pan’s most important rule about living in Neverland!

Soaring into theaters in 1991, Hook is a magical fantasy film about Peter Pan who grew up forgetting about the life he once lead. Captain Hook is out for revenge so he kidnaps Peter’s children. Having to rediscover himself, Peter Pan learns to believe and fly again to beat his evil nemesis.

Whenever I see an airing of Hook I am immediately pulled into this dazzling world feeling like a kid again. Peter Pan is a symbol of our childhoods. We cannot forget about our childhoods. Nor our inner child. Sure, we grow into adults but we should never forget how to have fun.

Hook is a heartfelt adaptation based on a "what if" scenario if Peter Pan ever grew up. One of my favorite aspects of writing is creating. Fan fiction is a unique world. Based on an already published work, Hook adds in a creative element to embody a new story for fresh eyes.

Robin Williams was the right choice for Peter Pan. Williams always enjoyed putting a smile on audiences faces. He’s relatable, especially to those who have lost their inner child. My favorite aspect about Williams was how he could play a dramatic character mixed in with a touch of comedy.

Dustin Hoffman was a delight to watch as the sinister Captain Hook. He was so genuine that it's easy to forget that Captain Hook is just Hoffman dressed up as a pirate. Hoffman easily chews the ham in all of his scenes. He and Bob Hoskins perform so well off one another.

A shipload of child actors carried the film, especially Charlie Korsmo and Amber Scott as Jack and Maggie Banning. The most important aspect of childhood is imagination. The lost boys were truly a magnificent part of the film. You never know what you can do, until putting your heart into it. We can’t grow up too fast.

I have to commemorate Amber Scott’ for the beautiful lullaby she sings in the middle half of the film. Listen to it, and it will give you goosebumps.

With appearances from the talented Julia Roberts (Tinker Bell), the late Bob Hoskins (Smee), Maggie Smith (Granny Wendy) and Caroline Goodall (Moira Banning) Hook would not be as memorable.

I thoroughly enjoyed Julia Roberts performance as Tinker Bell. There are not many opportunities to play Tinker Bell considering that she’s played by a bright light and piano keys in play adaptations. Roberts added the needed spunk and attitude to Tinker Bell.

From the costumes, beautiful scenery, and a powerful musical score by John Williams, Hook has not lost its magical ability. Steven Spielberg captured a beautiful tale for all audiences to enjoy. The story is moving and has the right audience appeal.

The film is the best symbolism for those who have lost their ability to fly/identify. Growing up is one of the most agonizing times in anyone’s life. I can agree with that. Hook resonates with me on a personal level because I have never lost my love for Disney. Who says that Disney is only for kids?

Hook is an important mark of history to never let life take over our minds. It’ll keep you laughing, mostly from humorous lines brought to you by Robin Williams and several talented actors who put their charisma and hearts into this meaningful work.

Don’t ever let Hook drift off into the shadows. Audiences have brushed it off due to its cliches, but they’re realistic and much more original than some films that have been released now.

Enjoy life while you can. Love, laugh and have fun. Have an adventure.