Movie #113 - Hook

Title: Hook

Director: Steven Spielberg

Release Year: 1991

Plot Summary: When Captain Hook kidnaps his children, an adult Peter Pan must return to Neverland and reclaim his youthful spirit in order to challenge his old enemy.

Thoughts: From what I've been able to determine, there's two schools of thought on Hook; folks either feel it's a masterful continuation of the Peter Pan legend, or a hideous corruption of everything Peter Pan stands for.

If you know me at all, I think it's fairly obvious which camp I'm in. ;)

All I can say is, anyone who thinks that the writers didn't know anything about Peter Pan should read the book (or play) immediately before watching Hook. There's simply so many little quirks and nuggets and tidbits that come straight from the book, it's a joy to watch. And of course Robin Williams is the quintessential "boy who never grew up," and Dustin Hoffman's portrayal of the dastardly Captain Hook is nothing short of brilliant.

(I may be a bit biased.)

Rating (0-10): 9

Recommendations: I can't understand how anyone can not love this movie. From previous experience, though, I'd have to say that if you're a Peter Pan fan, there's only about a fifty percent chance you'll enjoy it.

Movie #112 - Finding Neverland

Title: Finding Neverland

Director: Marc Forster

Release Year: 2004

Plot Summary: The story of J.M. Barrie's friendship with a family who inspired him to create Peter Pan.

Thoughts: I've always loved the story of Peter Pan, and I found the "real-life" story of how it came to be just as captivating. I'm sure the film takes great creative liberties with the "true" life of J.M. Barrie, but I particularly enjoyed getting to peek into Barrie's head, so to speak, and see all the little things that inspired facets of the original play. Also fell in love with the score, which I now own.

You know I like it when I screened it three times before it was even released. ;)

Rating (0-10): 8

Recommendations: If you like Peter Pan, you'll love this film.

Movie #111 - Elizabethtown

Title: Elizabethtown

Director: Cameron Crowe

Release Year: 2005

Plot Summary: Hours after a ruinous product debut, suicidal industrial designer Drew Baylor (Orlando Bloom) learns of his father's sudden death. As the only son, Drew must travel to their small hometown of Elizabethtown, Kentucky to attend to his father's memorial.

Thoughts: Between this movie and Almost Famous, I'm running the risk of turning into a Cameron Crowe fanboy, I fear. I'm not really sure the film holds together really well - the plot sort of meanders, and there are dramatic differences in tone and feeling in different parts - and yet somehow, looking back, it all just seems to work. I'm not really sure how it happened, but that's the beauty of it, right?

Two points on music: number one, I absolutely love Cameron Crowe's musical choices. Every damn one of them. And there are a ton. Number two, they need to release the score as well as the soundtrack, because I adore Nancy Wilson's work.

All in all, I think this one has the potential to become one of my favorites. But I'll have to watch it a couple more times to decide if it works as well as I'm remembering after one viewing.

Rating (0-10): 7.5

Recommendations: Maybe a bit long and seemingly disconnected for most people. I think it's safe to say that if you loved Almost Famous, you'll like this movie.

Movie #110 - My Little Pony: the Movie

Title: My Little Pony: the Movie

Director: Michael Joens

Release Year: 1986

Plot Summary: While the ponies enjoy their festive spring party, the evil witch Hydia is up in her gloomy home, the Volcano of Doom, plotting to turn Ponyland into a wasteland. When her first attempt fails, she decides to cover Ponyland with a purple ooze called the "Smooze". It looks like the end of Ponyland, unless all the magical creatures of Dream Valley answer the Ponies' call for help!

Thoughts: My only defense is that we were having an Ooze Night. Although the Smooze is pretty cool.

"Nothing can stop the Smoooooooze!"

Rating (0-10): 5

Recommendations: Um.... yeah. :P

Movie #109 - Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II

Title: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II - The Secret of the Ooze

Director: Michael Pressman

Release Year: 1991

Plot Summary: The turtles find out where the Ooze, the substance which made them mutate, came from. Unfortunately Shredder learns about it too...

Thoughts: Man, I still love these movies. They're just such cheesy, goofy fun. I can't even pretend to be objective about it, so I won't try.

Rating (0-10): 7.5

Recommendations: Go Ninja, Go Ninja, Go! :D