I`ve always been a film cynic; one of my earliest movie memories is that of laughing when Bambi`s mom died. Even my icy resolve, however, was melted by the irrepressible spark of ”Hook.”
Peter Banning is having a midlife crisis. A successful attorney, he doesn`t notice his children growing away from him-until they`re kidnapped while on a trip to visit their Granny Wendy. Peter must come to grips with a past he doesn`t remember and follow his children`s captor to rescue them-in Neverland.
Solely on the basis of sheer visual spectacle, this movie is a knockout. But there is much more to ”Hook” than just the stunning effects. Robin Williams is dynamite as Peter Pan; director Steven Spielberg has assembled a fine cast of child actors; even Julia Roberts is enjoyable as Tinkerbell. My favorite performance is that of Maggie Smith as Granny Wendy.
”Hook” is not perfect. Dustin Hoffman, although he tries hard, is miscast as Captain Hook; this movie is too violent to be a kid`s movie but too childish to be a true grownup film. Even these flaws, however, can`t drag
”Hook” down. Even my companion who wasn`t familiar with the Peter Pan story absolutely loved the film. I never thought I`d say something this cheesy about any movie, but the sheer magic of ”Hook” will sweep you up and carry you right along with it. (STAR)(STAR)(STAR) 1/2
