Hook (1991)

Robin Williams didn't carry this story well for me. He was too obsessive about work -- what kind of monster shows work is more important than his wife and children, even in a hamhandedly scripted movie? -- to believably have been someone who once insisted he would never grow up. I realize this contrast is the premise of the movie but it was too forced and unbelievable; Robin's face didn't carry the emotion for me. Even when faced with the necessary reconnecting with his inner Pan, it was a bit too formulaic and sudden for me not to chafe. It was a surprise to find Pan's stand-in has been the Hispanic boy Rufio -- but I guess we're Americanizing the British tale a la West Side Story. Julia Roberts as Tinkerbell was a gem whose character frankly carried more pathos for me than Pan himself. The stars of this movie are in fact the wild rumpus of lost boys and, of course, Dustin Hoffman as Capt. Hook. OK, maybe his eyebrows should have gotten top billing by themselves but he gives you a great idea of what the foppish and vain villain could have meant to the life expectancies of Peter Pan and the children. The best line is when the little girl scolds Hook, "You need a mother very badly!" Bob Hoskins as Smee was my favorite character. The climax was little more than a cartoon writ large in live action but Hook's costume will go down in the annals of movie costumes, won't it? Anyway if you love fairy tales or are a Peter Pan fan, be sure to see Hook. Sure, it could have been better but don't miss it if you can help it. Even weak Spielberg is still Spielberg! 3 stars.