Year of Release: 1991
Director: Steven Spielberg
Starring: Dustin Hoffman, Robin Williams, Julia Roberts, Bob Hoskins, Maggie Smith, Caroline Goodall, Charlie Korsmo, Amber Scott, Laurel Cronin, Phil Collins, Arthur Malet, Dante Basco, Jasen Fisher, Isaiah Robinson, Raushan Hammond
Genre: Adventure, Comedy
Score out of ten (whole numbers only): 7
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Synopsis and Review:
Following his prolific year of 1989, where director Steven Spielberg released two films, the underrated "Always" and "Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade", the director started the 90s with an ambitious project. The film is an adaptation of the books and play by J.M. Barrie, and focuses on the story of Peter Pan. The story introduces us to an adult Peter, a successful attorney in San Francisco, married and with two children. Peter has no recollection of being Peter Pan, and is also a bit of a workaholic, neglecting his children and family to a large extent. When they go back to the UK to visit his wife's grandmother, an unexpected adventure begins. Peter's children are kidnapped by his old nemesis, Hook, forcing Peter with the help of Tinkerbell, to go back to Neverland. While there he has to get reacquainted with his tribe, find his inner magic and happy memories, or face losing his children and his own self.
"Hook" and all the adaptations of the works from J.M. Barrie continue to fascinate directors and film makers (the first adaptation is dated 1924 and the most recent is dated 2015). The fantastic Steven Spielberg seemed like a perfect fit to tackle this material, something that the Disney Studios also did in 1953 and which still retain its impact and quality. This adaptation, finds Peter as an adult, having lost his magic and his connection to family, topics that have always been dear to Spielberg's work. The film is in many ways a story of someone recapturing his sense of self, but also his integrity, and opening his eyes to the wonders of life. There's a certain Frank Capra tone to the film that is quite endearing. The film is beautifully rendered thanks to solid visual effects and production design (by Norman Garwood), not to mention the warm cinematography from Dean Cundey. The considerable cast assembled is a mix bag, with Dustin Hoffman and Robin Williams making for compelling and watchable presences, while Julia Roberts is mostly forgettable, in a role that requires her to do very little. Maggie Smith as usual steals all the scenes she's in and the late Bob Hoskins, has also very little to do. It's an ambitious film from a fantastic storyteller, that though not entirely successful, still manages to be entertaining and gorgeously executed. Worth watching.
"Hook" and all the adaptations of the works from J.M. Barrie continue to fascinate directors and film makers (the first adaptation is dated 1924 and the most recent is dated 2015). The fantastic Steven Spielberg seemed like a perfect fit to tackle this material, something that the Disney Studios also did in 1953 and which still retain its impact and quality. This adaptation, finds Peter as an adult, having lost his magic and his connection to family, topics that have always been dear to Spielberg's work. The film is in many ways a story of someone recapturing his sense of self, but also his integrity, and opening his eyes to the wonders of life. There's a certain Frank Capra tone to the film that is quite endearing. The film is beautifully rendered thanks to solid visual effects and production design (by Norman Garwood), not to mention the warm cinematography from Dean Cundey. The considerable cast assembled is a mix bag, with Dustin Hoffman and Robin Williams making for compelling and watchable presences, while Julia Roberts is mostly forgettable, in a role that requires her to do very little. Maggie Smith as usual steals all the scenes she's in and the late Bob Hoskins, has also very little to do. It's an ambitious film from a fantastic storyteller, that though not entirely successful, still manages to be entertaining and gorgeously executed. Worth watching.
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