Hook

Starring:
Dustin Hoffman
Julia Roberts
Robin Williams


What if? What if we could fly with a happy thought and pixie dust? What if a kiss came in the form of a thimble? What if dreams could come true? It's a question that renowned children's author JM Barrie asks in his book Peter Pan, and director Steven Spielberg asks with one twist. What if Peter Pan grew up? Obviously set after the book ends, it wonders what might happen if the boy who never grew up found happiness in the real world. Or, at least he thought he did. Leaving Neverland behind, Pan finds a job, a family and forgets the dreaming and earnest love his endless childhood taught him. When his children are taken by Captain Hook, he must step back in time and fight for what really does matter: his family.

It's been argued that Hook isn't an especially good movie. Some would say that it's one of Spielberg's worst. The problem here is that that's not an especially bad thing. Of course, this isn't a bad movie. In a far more whimsical way than most of his other movies, Hook has the careful attention to detail that Spielberg is well known for. It also has casting that makes the story exactly what he means it to be. With the eternal child Robin Williams in the lead role, you are taken from an awfully boring life to one where sword fights are on the menu everyday. Williams is able to steer what could easily be a cinematic train wreck into a fun movie for your whole family. With Julia Roberts as Tinkerbell and Dustin Hoffman as Captain Hook, you get two of our country's best actors in roles you'd never expect them in. Roberts is luminous and strong as Tink and you see a hint of the woman she is today as she helps Peter remember what he left behind. Under a wig, hat and hook, Hoffman snarks his way through the part that never fails to make you laugh. He knows what his part in this movie is, and while it's not the Oscar caliber work he's known for...he's right on point with his performance.

Movies are something people take far too seriously sometimes. What they're supposed to be, and what Hook will always be, is a celebration of fun, family and a reminder that dreams really can come true. So long as they're the right dreams. Make sure you follow the second star to the right, and head straight on until morning as you add this movie to your collection.

Celebrating it's 15th anniversary, Hook is in stores now.

-Jenn Untch
Liberty, Missouri
indigojenn@earthlink.net
Is there a movie you'd like me to review? Let me know!