I understand that critics really don't like this movie. Even Steven Spielberg, himself, doesn't really like this movie. However, five years ago, he did say that he really wants to see it again and see if he can appreciate a bit more. I think he should, because I don't thinks its that bad, nor one of the worst movies that Spielberg has made. The movie has developed a strong cult following, and has many fans that grew up with this movie during their childhood. I, on the other hand, am one of them. I have watched this on an old VHS copy of the movie; as an adult, I watched this in its high def glory on Blu Ray, which it really deserves to have special features than just a bare bones release. The movie deserve a documentary about the making of the movie, a vintage featurette from back in the day, trailers, TV spots, deleted scenes, outtakes, and possibly a loving tribute to the two most gifted actors that we lost such as Bob Hoskins and Robin Williams. I was devastated to hear what happen to Robin Williams, and it sucks that he and neither is Bob Hoskins will be interviewed for a future Blu Ray release. I couldn't watch this movie, due to them passing away; until 2017, I was able to get over it as I watched it for the first time, and still love this movie; as well as how much I missed them. With that said, the movie is about Peter Pan, who is no longer the boy who didn't grew up as he is now; he goes by Peter Banning a husband and father who is completely obsessed with his job over his family as he goes on a trip to dedicate a children's hospital for Wendy, who she and Peter had once a romantic relationship; moreover, Peter's children have been kidnapped by his old nemesis Captain Hook, as Tinker Bell arrives to bring Peter back to Never Land as he must rediscover who he was, defeat Hook and save his children. To start out the with the positives, I love the concept of having Peter Pan growing to be a husband and father as the movie itself does deal with the psychological aspects of our main character as Peter is so drawn to his life's work, rather believing in fairy tales as he thought were nonsense. Once Wendy tells him the truth, Peter wonders whether he believes or just out of his mind. Now he does believe, he continues to know more about himself as realizes what were his happy thoughts as all he ever wanted was to be not only a good husband, but be able to be a good father. The movie really has good message, as while there is nothing wrong with work; you just can't put push your family away. Family is always the most important, and as they say "Family comes first." This is definetly one Robin Williams' best performance, and he will always be Peter Pan as he captures the child like quality as well as being a workaholic. Dustin Hoffman is very well cast as Hook, and definetly having a blast with this role; the makeup on him is also good too. Bob Hoskins is really good as Mr. Smee, and really knows how to give a good performance. For Maggie Smith, her performance is also good too, and I thought this is what she look like just as she did in the "Harry Potter" series; it wasn't, it was actually makeup, and that is also good too. The child actors that play Peter's children were good too, as well as the Lost Boys. I didn't think they were as bad as some make them out to be. Of course, you have Rufio, a fan favorite played by Dante Basco is also a really good actor, and still is well known for that role. The sets are, of course look like a set, but still they are really there as you feel that you are in Never Land as opposed to being in place in front of a blue or green screen. The action set pieces are a whole lot of fun, as you get some enjoyment for a good old swashbuckling action adventure. The movie does have some really good laughs, as Spielberg knows how to make the humor work, as well as I thought his direction is pretty darn good. He was able to accomplish for what he had to do, in order to make this concept worked. The concept for Peter Pan growing up may be hard, but should proud on what has done. The run time is over two hours, and I was never bored by it as it kept me going with the story. John Williams' music, I thought, its one of the best scores he has ever done, as I find it both memorable and unforgettable. There were moments that made me cry, like Peter rediscovering his past, Peter saying "Thank you for believing," and Peter crying into tears for every happy thought; its not because of how beautiful the music is or how great Williams' performance is, but its how much I missed him. That is what made me cried. For any negatives, the special effects, don't get me wrong are really good and thought that ILM really did really good job with the matte paintings, the flying scenes, and Tinker Bell's size. However, there were some shots that I find them obvious, as well as being dated. Nevertheless, the effects for the most part are really good. Of course, there is a goof where Tinker Bell takes Peter to Never Land to never grow up, but all of the sudden he is. It may be a plot hole, but sometimes, I like to think that when Peter becomes a teenager, he will never grow up to be an adult as long as he can have all the fun he wants. Not the best interpretation, but its the least that I thought of. Lastly, I am not a fan of Julia Roberts' Tinker Bell, as while its not horrible, its just that she really doesn't have that much of a personality like maybe be a little feisty or be somewhat interesting. I think Spielberg could've picked a better actress for someone to play that role, but if he really wanted her to play Tinker Bell, then she could have done something to make her character interesting. I don't hate Julia Roberts, as she is a fine actress, but just awfully miscast. She did fine, but could've been better. Overall, "Hook" is an underrated Spielberg movie that can crow, as it has a great cast, exciting action set pieces, beautiful music, and has a heart to it. Give this movie a chance, and think many happy thoughts. I am giving this childhood of mine a 9 out of 10.
Review of Hook
