Hook (1991)

View with an open mind...

I am a true-blood, die-hard fan of Barrie's original Pan, and inconsistencies and the ways modern adaptations/sequels/prequels can skew the original concept usually bug me. It's easy to be put off by the premise of Peter growing up. Of course he would never grow up to be a stuffy businessman! Even so, I can't help but like this movie to some extent. This may sound kind of cheesy, but they way I've come to regard it is not so much as a literal "when Peter grew up" story, but kind of more metaphorical... playing towards the idea that we all have a bit of Pan-ness in us, finding your inner child etc etc. Does that make sense? Maybe I just say that to justify not completly hating it, lol. It's not the best movie out there, but there's no denying it's a fun one. October 27, 2008

Great moral

Hook was a movie that reminded me of what life should be about. Having fun and not pushing the ones you love aside for business. It was an enchanting revisit to a place we all forgot about when we grew up, even Peter Pan. October 4, 2008

Film resonates with contemporary lifestyle

I saw Hook for the first time, years after it's release. With its premise, and musical score, it certainly was an emotional atmosphere for a story that still resonates with busy families,and those where one parent or both are absorbed in work. It's a relevant metaphor even though it is a fairy tale. Great, playful and endearing accomplishment by Spielberg and a complimentary cast that clearly had chemistry. The movie was a bit long, and some of the sets/effects clearly were not as sophisticated as those that we may see today. However, this is a great family film, but at 32 years old, and not having kids, did not prevent me from enjoying a bit of "enchantment" before returning to the "real world". Well done! September 15, 2008

Yes, there are a thousand and one flaws over which one can complain, but this is a movie that gets in your heart

I remember being amazed with this movie as a young child. As I grew older, I was amazed to learn that this movie had been scorned by critics as was considered "bad". Now I do not claim to be an expert on what is good or bad with movies beyond what the basic girl knows and what I like, but I still cannot see anything wrong with this.

Yes, part of me hates the idea that someone would take Barry's Peter Pan and ruin everything about him by making him grow up. Yet that just so happens to be the very idea with this film and ironically what makes it work. A grown-up Peter Pan leads to an amazingly creative and poignant story about the oh-so-touching priorities in life.

The special effects and set are, I believe, quite nice for when the movie was made. But still what makes this movie work is the great story and the awesome cast. Oh, and the many bones it tosses out to those who have actually read "Peter Pan".

This is a fun, exiting, and heartwarming movie that yes, has its flaws and may be considered too much of a take on James Barry's tale, but still has apparently become something of a cult classic. It has captured my heart. August 31, 2008

I believe in you, Peter Pan.

Without a doubt 1991's HOOK is my favorite movie of all time.

Granted, if you are a 40-something year old about to view Hook for the very first time you may have trouble truly enjoying, or even understanding it.

The tale of Peter Pan(Robin Williams), the boy who ran away to Neverland; always wanted to have fun and never wanted to grow-up! But what happens when indeed he has grown and he's been away from Neverland for years. Now he must return to Neverland to save his two children from the hands of villainous Captain Hook!(Dustin Hoffman), only things are complicated; He's old, he's fat and Peter has forgotten how to fly(not to mention the fact that he ever was Peter Pan at all!)

"Don't mess with me, man, I'm a lawyer. "

Since as far back as I can remember this film has held a special place in my heart, and it is still true today. Night after night my father and I would pull out our light-up swords and fight in the dark, quoting classic lines from the film. It is one of my most treasured memories and I have Hook to thank for it.
Watching Peter Banning slowly uncover all the facts and hardships he's encountered to find his happy place and fly are touching.

Hoffman and Williams are both brilliant adding different facets to these characters then could have been imagined, and they really have the ability to pull it off! Every character cast is fantastic.

Hook is solely for those who are in-touch with their inner child, what is truly important in life and tying to find a balance between staying true to yourself and realizing we all must grow up. If this isn't you, I don't assume you can even begin to appreciate it. Then again I supposed it's because you're far too enlightened already....

"You... You man! you stupid, stupid man! "



It absolutely never gets old.
August 31, 2008

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