presents
Hook (1991)
Starring Robin Williams (Mrs. Doubtfire and Jumanji), Dustin Hoffman (Meet the Fockers and Kramer Vs. Kramer) and Julia Roberts (Notting Hill and Pretty Woman)
Introduction
I decided to do this film for Throwback Thursday, mainly because I haven't actually talked about the recently died actor and I was thinking of a film, that I personally love as a child and that captured Robin Williams's acting ability. Yes, I could of gone with loads but this one always got me. Throwback Thursday is proud to feature "Hook", it's a 1991 film that's 22 years ago it was released to our cinema screens and has captured thousands of kids imagination. This blog will go into the film, but a very important question is why is this so unique compare to other Peter Pan films?
First Impressions Before Seeing The Film?
I can't remember the first impression because I saw it very young, but I was thinking since Robin Williams is suppose to be playing Peter Pan, I just have this image of a Dad pretending to be Peter Pan. But, think about it, when you see Disney's Peter Pan and Peter Pan 2003 version and even in the stage productions you never see Peter Pan as an older generation. Although, on the stage Peter Pan from what I've seen is played female, but that's not the point. When we think of Peter Pan we see the essence of a child that won't grow up....So, let's reverse it which was my impression of the film that Robin Williams is growing down, and to rescue his kids he has to understand what makes Peter Pan. Which for me as a viewer, can be challenging to accomplish. So, let's get down to the after I thought about the film.
After I Watched The Film?
I think if they did another reboot I don't want them to touch this version, it's perfect and no one can top Robin Williams portrait of Peter Pan. But, I was actually surprised of who is actually in this film! There's Maggie Smith who plays Granny Wendy, Phil Collins plays Inspector Good, Bob Hoskins plays Smee and thinking back I didn't know who these people were. And, considering Maggie Smith was in Harry Potter, and look at Hook, make up did wonders! But, off course we have Julia Roberts, Dustin Hoffman and Robin Williams centre stage of the film. I think Dustin Hoffman's Hook is refreshing, it makes more sense but there's that element of a Captain, and that adventure and what he thinks death is, but we also see the little flaws with Captain Hook like the ticking of clocks and his anger for Peter Pan. Plus, we have Julia Roberts as Tinkerbell now, think about it in the Walt Disney version Peter Pan the old cartoon, Tinkerbell didn't speak... I don't know if they did another Hook or Peter Pan in between but Julia Roberts plays a great Tinkerbell, frisky, playful, laughable, honourable, all the things we saw in the cartoon version. Then, Robin Williams as Peter Pan....that's really something to consider because I think that's challenging. For Robin Williams to start off as this very strict businessman and then along the journey we take with him we discover that he is actually this fun loving, playful, caring farther. And, we actually know more about Peter Pan from Hook then we do in the other films as well. As well, you have to think the Lost Boys really get a story in this film as well, we know Rufio, Thud Butt and when you look at the lost boys they capture the Walt Disney cartoon ones but makes it more modern, like suits and ties, and shirts and caps like a wilderness scout party.
What Makes This Version of Peter Pan Unique?
I think it's the characters, like when you look at Peter Pan the Walt Disney version going back to 1953... that's 61 years ago, and we see Captain Hook as this very paranoid, powerful, dramatic, silly, evil, some form of classy character and we see Peter Pan as just this free spirit, fun loving, pirate battling, mermaid swimming and Indian outing guy. I think this Peter Pan knows no boundaries, and the fact Wendy shares stories it makes him want her to be a mother to the lost boys. Let's jump.....1991 Hook, we see Captain Hook as this more very clever, manipulative, but then comfortable character. We can see the devlish snare he has, but he could of just killed Peter Pan at the beginning but he wanted to be fair so you could see this version of Captain Hook is a more aged, more mature version then we are use to seeing but still a Cod Fish! THEN, we have the 2003 version which for me wins in evilness. The actor Jason Isaacs you can't deny plays a marvellous Captain Hook, he wants to kill Peter Pan....there's no doubt about that. They had this up to date feel about him, and he understands children a bit as well, and he knows how to manipulative, push, hide and plan his next evil plots carefully. Plus, I think this version was more for the generation today, with the "I DO BELIEVE IN FAIRIES" Which probably was taken from the very first film when Wendy says I don't believe in fairies. But, it's just made everything much more serious to watch for children, and there weren't dramatic moments from what I've remembered. Plus, if you look at Jason Isaacs he is also the dad to Wendy as well. Which really shows why Wendy is quite comfortable with Captain Hook. But, lets move to Jeremy Sumpter who plays Peter Pan, I think he brings this more curiosity to Peter Pan, he wants to know about a kiss and he says "To die would be an awfully big adventure", he fears no death, he wants to play and have fun. Which I think when we watch Hook, you see how the development of Peter Pan can happen, so let's bangarang to the bottom line.
So, What's The Bottom Line?
A tear for every happy thought, Hook was truly one of those films you just have to watch as a film. There's some happy bits and some really emotional bits. I think the bottom line is that Hook is telling us that growing up has to happen, but to keep that imagination, the fun and the love is up to you. And, that's an adventure either being a farther, moving away, making friends, we all have our adventures.....But, we all need fairy dust to make those special moments become a reality and that's the bottom line.
Top Trivia You Might Not Know About The Film
1) When the Bannings fly to England, the pilots voice is that of Dustin Hoffman (Captain Hook) "This is your captain speaking"
2) The young Peter Pan is played by Dustin Hoffman's son.
3) Julia Roberts was nicknamed "Tinkerhell" because she was difficult to deal with.
4) Bob Hoskins would later reprise his role as Smee in Neverland (2011)
5) The names Jack and Maggie are American translations of the names Hansel and Gretel
6) The word bangarang is actually Jamaican sland and is defined as hubbub, uproar, disorder or disturbance
7) David Bowie turned down the role of Captain James Hook
8) According to an interview with People Magazine, Raushan Hammond (Thud Butt) reveals that the scene where Peter passes his sword to one of the Lost Boys was improvised. None of the cast knew who he would pass the sword onto, except for Robin Williams and Steven Spielberg, so the reactions of the boys are genuine.
9) Tom Hanks was considered for the role of Peter Pan.
10) Richard Attenbourough was asked originally by Steven Spielberg to play Tootles.
My Rankings
Considering this got 6.6 am actually quite shocked and disappointed, so much effort and work went into making this Hook truly a magical film to watch. I have to give it a 9 out of 10. There were moments which I don't like, and thought weren't needed but this film deserves minimum of an 8 at least, bangarang that.
Here is the trailer:
Here is the IMDB page: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0102057/
If You Want To Keep Up To Date With The Latest Blogs, Join Our Facebook Group, Just Click On The Link Below: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ThatsTheBottomLine/
No comments:
Post a Comment