Reel Thoughts

Under discussion:

Hook  (1991)

I know, usually I blog about movies that I've watched for the first time.  'Hook' does not fall into that category.  This is one of the films I have on my "Films I Watch the Most" list and is, therefore, one of my true favorites.  In fact, though I own it, it's been playing on TBS, and I've been sucked into it each time I've caught it.  So why write about it?

I've read lots about Hook.  It is widely considered as a weak link on Spielberg's resume; even Stevie himself was reportedly 'disappointed' by the final result of this film.

So, I'll concede some things.  It is NOT a masterpiece.  It is not even remotely Spielberg's best work.  But let's consider something: isn't something that's not Spielberg's best (possibly even the worst) still better than most films out there?  Personally, I think AI: Artificial Intelligence is his worst film, but some people might beg to differ.

I remember, at age 14, being so excited to see this movie.  I begged for my parents to take me to the theater to see it, which they did, and I remember being moved.  There is such a pure innocence about this movie that envelops me every time.  It really tickles the fancies of my imagination.  Just imagine - what if Peter Pan really grew up and forgot everything and became a yuppie and ignored his kids, only to have to rescue them from Captain Hook, who somehow survived a second run-in with the crocodile?  More than that, wouldn't it be great, even as an adult, to go to Neverland and have these adventures?

Dustin Hoffman and Robin Williams are simply superb as Hook and Pan respectively.  The weakest actor happens to be Julia Roberts this time out; she was reportedly difficult to work with, though, and didn't like all the blue-screen and solitary acting she had to do.  Charlie Korsmo turned in another thoughtful child performance as Jack, and so many of the supporting players are simply wonderful, especially Maggie Smith as Granny Wendy.

It's got a sort of chaos about it, I'll admit, but I see that as a metaphor for the frenzied excitement of childhood.  And that's what this movie is all about: childhood and imagination and family and love.  I think this movie has been all too often panned just because it's a weak link in Spielberg's repetoire, but it's still a really good movie, and I love it still.  Even despite the lost boys, who are annoying.

If you haven't seen this movie, give it a chance.  You may be pleasantly surprised.  If nothing else, it'll make you feel better about growing up.  It does me.

Under discussion:

Mean Girls  (2004)

I saw this last weekend but haven't blogged about it until now.  I wanted to see it and am glad I did.  I wasn't very focused on it, though, so I need to re-watch it, but this movie is very cute and has lots of "girl power" attached to it.  Make no mistake, it's a teen flick and has all of those elements, even down to the predictable cheesy love story.  I would buy this movie, though, because the plastics?  So true!  That's a timeless concept, isn't it?  It's just a fancy name for the "princess" like in the Breakfast Club.  Plus, there's less schtick and more wit, thanks to the brilliantly funny screenwriter and co-star, SNL alum Tina Fey, whom I adore.  See this movie.

My rating: 8 out of 10.  It's a teen flick and stars Lindsay Lohan, but those are only minor flaws.  Lindsay didn't annoy me as much as I expected.  It passes the test, though.  I just added the film to my "films I want to buy" list.

Under discussion:

Superman Returns  (2006)

Ok, so I talked at length in the fantasy group about this movie.  If you're actually reading my blog, thank you, but I'm about to spoil the plot point that I'm having the most trouble with.

The kid you've seen advertised, Jason, happens to be Supe's kid.  Apparently, there was a liaison between Supe and Lois at some point before he flies away to try to see if Krypton still exists.  What I can't get over, no matter how hard I try, is if they had sex at some point to produce this child (who does have the powers, btw), why in the hell does Lois not know that Clark is Superman?  At the end of Superman II, the only sequel this film acknowledges, Clark kisses Lois and wipes her memory clean of his true identity after she worries the night about him being away and saving the world.  Apparently, his sense of propriety when it comes to his feelings of love for her decides that Superman can have this relationship with her but not Clark.  Wouldn't she still worry?  I mean, that does explain why she is annoyingly bent about him leaving for seven years without a goodbye but leaves a gaping hole in the plot timeline because I feel like there was a whole courtship storyline that we have to guess about prior to getting to this film.  It doesn't ruin the movie for me, but it does make me confused and want more and think that despite all of Bryan Singer's copious attention to detail, he forgot something along the way.

Plus, I wish there had been more background fill-in for why Clark/Supe decides that this astronomer's notion, that he finds Krypton, is credible enough to go check out.  And maybe more about Lex's legal trouble.  They could have added 15 minutes or more to the movie to do some of these plot points a bit more justice.  Maybe they'll be in the DVD extras...or there'll be a director's cut like for Superman I.

In terms of my feelings about the movie, I rate it a solid and unflinching 8 out of 10.  The minor flaws include these plot holes, Kate Bosworth as Lois Lane, and a few too many slomo Supe flights (talk about hero worship).  This movie could have been tighter, but it was still very good.

In terms of the test, though, I will definitely be buying it.  It blows the water out of III and IV, which I never plan on buying (but will accept for free), and I already own the first two, and Superman is my favorite comic book hero ever.  And I think I've got a little crush on Brandon Routh now that he's donned the tights and cape.  I would also recommend this movie, to those who want to see it, at the theater for the big sights and sounds.

*EDIT*

See Imagination of Fantasy for the most details, but I have revised my confused standpoint, though I still keep the rating at 8 out of 10, mostly for want of a little more backstory (no courtship now obviously) and a new Lois Lane.  I guess I won't get that wish, but there you are.