Hook (1991)

Written by CinemaSerf on August 26, 2023

Ok, so it's not the original 1953 Disney classic, but it is still a great fun adventure that, surely, brings out the kid in all of us. "Peter Banning" is an hot shot businessman who rather carelessly neglects his family. When he heads to London from the USA with them to meet with "Granny Wendy" (Dame Maggie Smith) we learn that he was adopted, but only after being discovered by the old lady who looked after a great many orphans - not least his wife "Moira" (Caroline Goodall). It's only when his two children are mysteriously kidnapped from their nursery late one snowy evening, he begins to remember his life before his adoption - and with the help of some magic and sparkle from "Tink" (Julia Roberts) is soon back in "Never Never Land" facing his arch-nemesis "Capt. Hook" (Dustin Hoffman) in a battle royal to reclaim his children. Still sceptical about the whole thing - he must learn to believe, to hope and to feel joy again before he has any hope of convincing the "Lost Boys" to assist in his dangerous quest. It's great fun, this film. Hoffman is super as the hook-toting' sophisticate-cum-baddie, and even the kids are not too annoying. Indeed, they have some cracking food fights and there is loads of acrobatics and mischief too. I wasn't mad about the concept of "the Pan" - that seemed just a little too oppressive, menacing - sterile even given the whole purpose of Sir J. M. Barrie's book is to remind us about what is important life - people, loyalty, love - and most of all - fun!! Yes, it is a bit lengthy. It takes far too long to get going, but once it does it is well worth a chortle as the script offers humour for all ages and the score, well that is instantly recognisable from John Williams. I'm a great fan of this story, and if this goes half way to perpetuating the delightful sentiment (and partially funding London's Great Ormond Street Hospital) then that can only be for the better. Second star to the right and keep on til morning...