In Defense of Hook

From July 30, 2006:

I know, usually I blog about movies that I've watched for the first time. 'Hook' does not fall into that category. This is one of the films I have on my "Films I Watch the Most" list and is, therefore, one of my true favorites. In fact, though I own it, it's been playing on TBS, and I've been sucked into it each time I've caught it. So why write about it?

I've read lots about Hook. It is widely considered as a weak link on Spielberg's resume; even Stevie himself was reportedly 'disappointed' by the final result of this film.

So, I'll concede some things. It is NOT a masterpiece. It is not even remotely Spielberg's best work. But let's consider something: isn't something that's not Spielberg's best (possibly even the worst) still better than most films out there? Personally, I think AI: Artificial Intelligence is his worst film, but some people might beg to differ.

I remember, at age 14, being so excited to see this movie. I begged for my parents to take me to the theater to see it, which they did, and I remember being moved. There is such a pure innocence about this movie that envelops me every time. It really tickles the fancies of my imagination. Just imagine - what if Peter Pan really grew up and forgot everything and became a yuppie and ignored his kids, only to have to rescue them from Captain Hook, who somehow survived a second run-in with the crocodile? More than that, wouldn't it be great, even as an adult, to go to Neverland and have these adventures?

Dustin Hoffman and Robin Williams are simply superb as Hook and Pan respectively. The weakest actor happens to be Julia Roberts this time out; she was reportedly difficult to work with, though, and didn't like all the blue-screen and solitary acting she had to do. Charlie Korsmo turned in another thoughtful child performance as Jack, and so many of the supporting players are simply wonderful, especially Maggie Smith as Granny Wendy.

It's got a sort of chaos about it, I'll admit, but I see that as a metaphor for the frenzied excitement of childhood. And that's what this movie is all about: childhood and imagination and family and love. I think this movie has been all too often panned just because it's a weak link in Spielberg's repetoire, but it's still a really good movie, and I love it still. Even despite the lost boys, who are annoying.

If you haven't seen this movie, give it a chance. You may be pleasantly surprised. If nothing else, it'll make you feel better about growing up. It does me.