The Troubled History of Steven Spielberg's "Hook" - A Classic That Should’ve Been

[@phoenixfritzinger9185]

Wait people didn’t like Hook when it came out? My family wore out 2 VHS’s of Hook because we watched it so much

[@RomeLoganMusic]

Exactly! Same here. Critics were hating 😵

[@DanielBMS]

I am sure there are a lot of people who can tell you they like the movie. However it is an acquired taste mostly through home video.

[@hobbitpsi]

@@DanielBMS As a kid my dad took me to watch it three times in theaters. Wasn't a home video acquired taste. He said it himself, it did great on the box office for a couple weeks. It had to be a generational thing as not one kid around my age hated that movie when it came out.

[@DanielBMS]

@@hobbitpsi I remember feeling similarly. It took me awhile to figure out that people often do not like Hook.

[@hobbitpsi]

@@DanielBMS I guess it's just who I've met in my lifetime, because for me I've never personally met anyone around my age who didn't like it. Hell if you wanna get drunk, turn the movie on and everytime someone says "Hook", take a shot. Have a good time in the hospital. lol

[@ninab9969]

As someone who watched Hook growing up and every year since at Christmas, I still fail to see the so-called "imperfections". Everything about this film, to me, is magical.

[@illchard]

You goddamn right.

[@jacoriporter-qn5gw]

THANK YOU THIS MAN IS TRIPPIN

[@TimsWildlife]

This.

[@dcrees4190]

It is my belief that all of those critical of this movie were grown-ups and pirates. We kids loved it and continue to love it to this day. Thankfully we have not forgotten about Neverland.

[@merymcnett7592]

AGREED!!! This has to on my top 3 movies from my childhood

[@LeoWhalen1933]

For kids like myself who were born in the 80s, this movie was a masterpiece.

[@TheJarrodAnderson]

TRUTH!

[@sneslover4158]

Still is for a 2010kid

[@sarahdrage3162]

Born in 1993 and this was one of my favourites growing up, I had it recorded off TV on a VHS :')

[@rambo-cambo3581]

90's kid here, grew up on the VHS

[@chatteyj]

Nope, I always hated it I could just never get into it, everything about it felt too contrived. Now I'm learning it was a flop and critics hated it so I feel vindicated.

[@pyromidas]

I can't believe Hook bombed at theatres... My sister and I wore out a VHS rewatching that movie so many times. it was fantastic in every way.

[@Retrorevelations]

It.........definitely didn't bomb at theaters. It was actually a pretty substantial success.

[@RJ-xx5dh]

That is what I did too! I adored this movie and honestly I’m not a big fan of Peter Pan the Disney film, the book by J.M. Barrie or (especially) the Johnny Depp abomination about the author so the fact that this movie is one of my favorite nostalgic movies is kinda weird and it’s funny because a lot of people love the book and specifically the Disney movie Peter Pan but not Hook! I find that so odd especially because Robin Williams was at the height of his game and everything he did was fantastic but somehow not this gem. Crazy.

[@SomeOrangeCat]

I could name twenty absolute beloved classics that were complete box office bombs.

[@Mewtwo_150]

@@Retrorevelations Eh, 40-50M profit isn't much when the budget was 70M

[@WalleyeWalrus]

I feel you. I watched this movie so many times.

[@VitaZed]

I always found it so strange learning later on that Hook was panned by critics and all the controversies with production. Easily my favorite film growing up, totally captured my imagination. I was obsessed with the film and in particular the scene when Peter relearns how to fly, it's such a explosive and triumphant moment and I wanted to learn how to fly like him so badly. Great video, uncovered a lot of tidbits about the film that I hadn't known before.

[@JossCard42]

This was my reaction too. I think it caught on with children at the time better than it did with adults, and there's some irony in that.

[@Avocado11]

John Williams has a good competition between himself for best flight theme between Pan and Superman.

[@amberp8835]

Agree. I was a kid when it came out and I loved it.

[@SummerBayJournal]

Yes. What's bizarre is that the movie is made for kids, not stuffy critics sitting in newspaper offices with columns to fill. Kids absolutely loved this movie. That's what should have mattered.

[@Ryan6586]

Complaining about a slow pace that actually tells a story smh...look what we got now in theaters to see what all action and no story gets you

[@towndweller]

Today I found out that the Rotten Tomatoes critics gave Hook a 29%......a 29%!!!! I couldn't believe my eyes. This was a movie that brought so much magic and meaning into my life -- a reminder to be childlike, to believe, and to have fun. I watched this movie in theaters as a child, and I would watch it nearly every time I had to stay home from school when I was sick. I still find its messages so meaningful as an adult. Hook will always be on my top 5 list of best children's movies and best Robin Williams movies. RIP Robin

[@Saif-zf9vb]

Makes me wonder how they rate movies. It’s gotta be the same they rate the “most beautiful woman in the world”. Just objective definitions to what a good movie “should” be.

[@towndweller]

@@Saif-zf9vb right? Case in point, the new Super Mario’s Bros movie. It definitely deserved a higher rating from the critics, it was such a fun movie!

[@patrickdostie28]

@@towndweller I just watched hook yesterday, and I'm 31 and I still love this movie, same for Mario (the new one not the old one)

[@SharpDesign]

If the 3 hour cut of Hook was ever released, I would totally buy.

[@vaddix9980]

@Maximus Prime GOOD.

[@murphycreationsvideos]

Me too

[@MLEbug]

ME TOO!

[@FerintoshFarmsPhotography]

I'd watch it with ya

[@deliriouslyj]

Let's start a petition!!!

[@Bolovok]

I’m 21 this year and only found out that ‘Hook’ wasn’t appreciated when it first came out. I couldn’t believe it. I adored this film growing up.

[@DaRealKing303]

The critics are idiots, everybody DID love the movie when it came out I was there.

[@zigfaust]

Remember: Critics called John Carpenters "The Thing" one of the worst movies they ever saw when it first came out. Fucking morons in hindsight.

[@jokesterthemighty227]

I agree with you but if you think 21 is "growing up" then i got some really bad news for you... :(

[@vanyadolly]

Same. This is will always be a classic to me. One of the few kids' movies that dared to ask "what if my parents don't love me?"

[@delrey874]

I saw this movie for the first time today and this was actually boring.

[@ImeldaMaguire]

Thirty years later and this is the first of hearing anything of Hook being a "flop". Anyone & everyone I've met all adore this film and have fond memories of watching it.

[@TheMonk3613]

I know, it's weird. It's like finding out Willy Wonka was a flop when it released. Both these films are deeply loved.

[@isabellanicolas]

It was a flop. I watched it in Paris and remember being bored in the middle of the second act.

[@frojoe2004]

​@isabellanicolas what's wrong with you?

[@isabellanicolas]

@@frojoe2004 , don’t kill the messenger, just Google or watch any documentary about Spielberg. The film didn’t come out as expected. It’s no Jaws, no ET. But it’s Spielberg, so, even when it’s bad, it’s still much better than the majority of films.

[@AndyJay1985]

​@isabellanicolas this movie finished 4th for the year behind: T2 Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves Beauty and the Beast I still consider that quite an achievement. This is a wonderful film. I almost wonder if releasing this in 92 would've made a difference.

[@Jaqen-HGhar]

I don't care what anyone says Hook will always hold a special place in my heart as one of the best Peter Pan stories and the idea of "what if Peter Pan grew up" always really resonated with me even as a child for some reason. No as an adult it does so even moreso as you constantly have to try and not lose touch with that part of yourself. It also helps that the movie has Rufio. Also I just love how people always say how movies didn't cost nearly as much to make back in the day as they do now just cause they look at a $50 million budget. $400 million is a crazy budget even today and that was only shooting 2 months. Can you imagine any movie these days that shot for 2 months and spent $400 million dollars? Plus they would've had to make over around $1 billion to be considered a success if that was made today. I mean they made $300 million back then so I don't see how that wasn't at least a moderate success since that was more than 2.5 times the budget.

[@Cell287]

Same here. It’s a cult classic

[@Possi_ball]

Actually I think this is the best Peter Pan story. The original doesn't have the same impact on adults, Hook is much more powerful with an adult trying to became a kid again.

[@SirBlackReeds]

What about what Steven Spielberg himself says? He doesn't even like the movie. He loves the opening and the epilogue, but hates the body.

[@campkira]

yeah i saw it on HBO.. at first..i thought this is slow... but yeah it got good later... and it end.. can see why...

[@Neufertful]

I searched Hook Box office in Google. It made 300.9 million USD in box office. 87% Google users liked this film. So I don't know what this video is talking about.

[@YesterworldEntertainment]

VIDEO CORRECTION: Around 12:47 I mistakenly say that Hook's budget would be $400 Million Dollars Today...this is (obviously) incorrect, it would be just under $200 Million...not sure why I wrote that in the script given how far off it is. Apologies for the blunder. Hey all, so I wanted to expand on a particular aspect of the episode that I went back and forth about including since it’s pretty convoluted, but in hindsight I think it’s important for the sake of clarification of Hook's production: Part of the reason Hook’s shooting schedule & budget skyrocketed was due to a lot of re-shoots. As I said, Spielberg was confident in the 1st and 3rd act, but the 2nd act not so much. This led to many script/scene changes and extra days of filming. However if you recall, I said that the concept of making Hook as a Musical was “abandoned”, and while true, there was at least 1 song and possibly...and I stress possibly, a couple others that made it a bit further into production/filming before the concept was abandoned entirely. So that being said, another part of the reason for re-shoots, while not exclusively, was to re-film portions of the 1 (or more) scenes that were originally expanded musical numbers. “Hook Hook, Where’s The Hook” is the one song that is undeniably certain as to whether it made it into the actual fliming, which had a longer preceding build up as showcased in the link below: kzbin.info/www/bejne/g6PTaqWkbtmsj6M Now here's the problem: There’s a lot of debate and conflicting information as to whether additional songs were filmed beyond the previous example…so to avoid a bit too much speculation, possible confusion and going down a major bunny trail, I decided to just condense this aspect of its history into a few sentences. However in hindsight, I realize I probably should've at least gone into the one additional song that WAS filmed and DOES have at least some visual proof to its existence that was cut...because while saying Hook as a musical was “ultimately abandoned” is 100% true, it's a bit more complicated than that in terms of "when". And then it's even more complicated by "how much" was abandoned in pre-production vs how much was abandoned during the actual filming of Hook. So In summary: Yes, “Hook” as a musical was abandoned, but exactly when & how much beyond that 1 song, which did make it past pre-production and was filmed to at least some degree, is uncertain...at least until I get a call from Steven Spielberg himself who can tell me the entire fascinating story. Which would be amazing. Hope that clears up a few comments. Mark

[@annamarie6228]

Yesterworld Entertainment it’s still one of my sentimental favorites.

[@hillarypritchard9249]

Hocus pocus for Halloween please. Now that’s a movie that’s got a story lol

[@waverider6302]

Was it a mistake when you said temple of doom was a prequel?

[@jacklindsey8400]

@@waverider6302 Nah ToD is set before Raiders. There's years on screen in the film you can check.

[@jacklindsey8400]

Thanks for this, I enjoyed it, though I will say, minor pet peeve when you fully control how long an episode is, don't make the long stories short...

[@SoCalChris]

Hook is severely underrated. It's one of the first movies (along with Christmas Vacation and Aladdin) that I remember every single aspect and detail.

[@VictorianBeauty1878]

I both understand how all the criticism of Hook is valid and absolutely love the movie.

[@YesterworldEntertainment]

Same, it's far from perfect, and I see why a lot of people had issues with it, but it's still one of my favorites

[@jellybabi7600]

@Dennis Mitchell okay

[@zachanikwano]

Dennis Mitchell Over 300,000 people disagree with you (technically millions more who have watched and liked his videos), but go off I guess.

[@travismcdowell8352]

I remember I was 6 when Hook came out and I loved it and is one of my favorite Robin Williams movies to this day!!!!!

[@campkira]

@@YesterworldEntertainment it was good for today but in the year it come out.. there are too many AAA moive...

[@zakarypalacios7687]

Robin Williams was truly a talented actor and comedian and I couldn't see anyone else being better at portraying many of the roles that he played. Thank you for all of the fond memories and may your soul rest in peace

[@ExtremeReviewer101]

R.I.P. Robin Williams. I was on vacation when we heard the news about him dying from drug overdose on vacation in Virginia Beach.

[@weakknees3266]

@@ExtremeReviewer101I believe Mr. Williams committed suicide. He was unfortunately ill with Lewy's disease which plagued him because he truly was losing his mind and he knew it.

[@campkira]

comedian... at the time was not selling ticket..

[@ExtremeReviewer101]

@some guy on the internet I was more terrified of the dragonworld animatronic compared to an actor such as this person. But yeah, I know what happened.

[@BananaCologne]

Weak Knees I say this with respect, and not just to you, but others who may read this - if you’re still using the term “committed suicide”, it’s time to update your vocabulary. Mental health literacy has come a long way, but there is still a lot of work to be done with regards reframing our use of language so we don’t apportion blame upon the deceased. Look up the term, and you’ll learn some shocking facts as to why it’s so deeply ingrained in our lexicon. We need to break that stigma. It could make all the difference to someone. #RobinsWish

[@captainahab2485]

Grew up with this movie, and to me, it’s the definitive Peter Pan film. Great cast, great sets, great story, and great score.

[@simonster-9094]

I wouldn't mind getting a 3 hour extended cut with all of the deleted scenes for the 30th anniversary.

[@queenmedesa]

I would love to see them, maybe they were better than the release version

[@karenhall4645]

It makes sense that there would be more scenes with Jack and Capt. Hook because I've always thought that relationship just happened too quickly. Please give us an extended version.

[@apotheosis2065]

I'd like that very much

[@TylerBabb]

I’d be all down for that

[@lovetolovefairytales]

Heck, yeah, I grew up with Hook; the extended version would be so fun!

[@CH1EFBL1TZ]

Dustin Hoffman was the absolute perfect choice. to this day I still can't even see Dustin in the movie, he embodies the character of Captain Hook so deeply it is a true transformation and masterpiece of acting.

[@kelybal]

I'm 37 and I didn't even know it was Dustin Hoffman until a few years ago

[@matthewlarose289]

I dont care what anyone says...this film IS, and always will be a classic to me.

[@nikmidclayton5933]

"Dont you dare try to stop me Smee; stop me Smee" Hook is so quotable.

[@reaganbrownfnafoc428]

IKR

[@thequeenmac]

"Smee, Smee, what about Smee, Smee is me! What about ME!"

[@pengwin_]

"Pan will fly, and then, Pan will DIE, Ha-HA!"

[@vikingjoebloggs3887]

"SMEE! Get off your Bloody Arse and MOVE!"

[@MJXtube]

Smee: you better get up. Off your ahss. I'm committing SUICIDE!

[@ShaneHampsheirTV]

In my mind, this is a masterpiece. My favourite film throughout my whole life. The Smee/Hook scene is perfection. Every line. Every delivery.

[@nonow1353]

It's a masterpiece Pan is a lawyer, hook is suicidal, come on.

[@ringofasho7721]

The food fight scene is the only scene in a movie that makes me giddy every time I watch it. I'm a 200lb 36 year old man, but I'm 8 years old again every time he actually sees all the food for the first time

[@RealWolfmanDan]

Lightning. Has just struck my brain

[@oioi8745f]

@@ringofasho7721 hit that treadmill, Ringo Fatso!

[@ringofasho7721]

@@oioi8745f lol, ok. I forgot to mention I'm also tall, but sure thing kid

[@matthewstarliper4074]

That people see Hook as "flawed" or "terrible" is baffling to me. I absolutely loved this movie growing up and continue to do so. I think it holds up well over time.

[@emmanuelgutierrez6769]

That was literally the best Peter Pan movie ever.

[@monkeyhumourfilms6429]

It really is. Just the greatest movie.

[@Zed-fq3lj]

Absolutely!

[@shamupeterson2874]

Thank you for distinguishing that this isn’t the figuratively best Peter Pan movie.

[@evanmino]

You're right to characterize the score to Hook not being nominated for an Oscar as "criminal" - it's easily one of, if not THE, most underrated of John Williams's scores.

[@johnnyrobinson7055]

As someone who was a child in the 90s Hook is one of my favorite movies and my young children now even have a love for this movie. It is a classic that will live on forever

[@DarkpawTheWolf]

One of my favorite movies of all time. The fact that there is a 3-4 hour version of this is one of those "shut up and take my money" type of things, but it sounds like there's not enough of people like me that have this level of interest for it to happen. Tragic, as this is probably one of Robin's most spectacular shows.

[@funnyman695]

This is by far one of my favorite movies! I would definitely give them my money!

[@marvin.a.flores]

Nope I'm in the same boat as you, I love nostalgic classic as this one. On of my favorite movies growing up

[@steppinrzr8396]

Popeye

[@CincoMuertez]

This was the best Peter Pan movie in my opinion. It took me places as a child.

[@windowzombie]

Being a kid and then contemplating becoming an adult and forgetting what it meant to be a kid, legit made me tear up as a child. I also felt for adult Peter starting to lose his own kid.

[@octoman511]

seeing it again through an adult's eyes you notice the movie's many flaws.

[@bloqk16]

I recall when Hook came out on home video, which was on a prominent display in a retailer I was shopping at. A fellow shopper commented to me about the positive influence Hook had with her husband, which improved the relationship with their son. She told me her husband, after seeing the movie, noted the errors in his own ways with putting work before family; thereafter he always made time for his family and devoted more time to their son. I was so touched by her comments that here I am, decades later, vividly recalling that encounter.

[@jamesstewart8377]

The movie has a great message there’s no doubt about it. Robin can rest easy he left this one behind.

[@j.a.h.vandelaak3477]

Nice ❤

[@stephennootens916]

I remember when I was a kid, my mom, brother, grandma and me saw it in theaters and all enjoyed it. I still have the VHS somewhere. My brother to this day points to it as proof that film critics don't know what a good movie is.

[@littlesongbird1]

Exactly. Many films that critics hated became classics and vice versa. The same thing with Broadway musicals. CATS got horrible reviews when it opened but for many years was the longest running musical. Same story with Disney's first musical on Broadway Beauty and the Beast.

[@stephennootens916]

@@littlesongbird1 It happens often enough but a lot. And with in my life time I have seen movies that everyone critics and none critics shit on a movie only for it become loved later. Jennifer's Body is the one I remembered every one crapped on it and I went to see it and loved it. Years later I was proven right. Of course the pattern doesn't always hold true. The Shining is much loved now but crapped on when it was first released and I don't think it is that great a horror film. It's too cold for me. But on the other hand the exorcist was a smash all around and it is still thought as an amazing horror movie. I personal think it is a classic.

[@jarlwhiterun7478]

I* Not me.

[@himynameiscorey]

@@stephennootens916 the shining is one of the greatest films ever made…

[@DisneyFan16672]

Definitely one of my absolute favorite films, and one that has stayed with me since childhood. I do like that Sony released some additional deleted scenes for the 4K remastered edition, but I know that many more deleted scenes can be found in Terry Brooks’ official novelization of the film. There’s several scenes of Hook’s manipulation of Jack, an extended flashback with Peter and Wendy before Peter decides to stay with Moira with a glimpse into Peter’s life after making the fateful decision to leave Neverland behind, and Maggie comforting the Lost Boys that she is imprisoned with on Captain Hook’s ship. One can only hope an extended edition will find its way (especially as next year the film will celebrate its 30th anniversary) and would make a sweet tribute to the late great Robin Williams.

[@YesterworldEntertainment]

yup, it's pretty crazy how much there is in terms of deleted material that wasn't included in the 4K release...there was a lot of information I didn't include just for pacing reasons (which I understand is Ironic since I mentioned that as a reason why they cut them from the film), so I'm truly hoping an extended cut could be released in the future.

[@musiqsoundsproductions]

I have the book they made after the film. Still love it!

[@Phyriix]

This movie is still a staple. My mom will occasionally quote the mom when she says” on day they’ll grow up and you’ll want them to take care of you” or something along those lines and just really made me realize how much a parent can love and appreciate a child and how as a child you don’t really see or appreciate how deep that love is.

[@TheKey304]

"We have a few special years with our children, when THEY'RE the ones that want US around." That line gets me every time. I was 10 when the movie came out and now I've heard it in my head so many times, in the years since I've had kids of my own. Great words for any parent to live by.

[@wstine79]

It's interesting that Maggie Smith in old age in 1991 matches how she looks now.

[@Peppermon22]

When I saw her in downtown Abby I figured she just turned 70 at 40

[@Ashleymfranklin1990]

wstine79 how old was she in Harry

[@erichermann1226]

My theory is that she is one of the immortals, she just dyes her hair every few decades to abait suspicion.

[@TravirusTheKing]

Yeah, she looks older in the earlier movies.

[@discardmyfriends]

Same as Patrick Stewart

[@Ethan-pd7nu]

As a kid my favorite part of this movie was when Peter and the Lost Boys sat down for dinner but nothing was there. They told Peter he had to use his imagination. When the food magically appeared all I wanted was to be at that feast. Still want one of those pies to this day.

[@eweseloh]

sum gooooood bubbly

[@ysteinalbrektsson4290]

Literally the words from my mouth.

[@lovetolovefairytales]

Me too!

[@silviathefan]

Me too!!

[@ricardodavis4730]

"Ghandi ate more than this!" -Peter

[@valinn13]

I loved Hook when it released in theaters and had no idea it bombed. I didn't know anyone at the time who didn't at least like it. It still holds a special place in my heart!

[@Peppermon22]

I still love this movie. It’s one of my favorites. When he gets his memory back I cry every time. “ I wanted to be a father” is an amazing story to tell.

[@giraffedragon6110]

I mean... this was my Peter Pan movie growing up. and now it's still my favorite it tells an interesting afterstory of what would happen if Peter Pan choose to leave Neverland forever. it's almost like a message for adults to not lose one's inner child.

[@barbarjinks8170]

It’s a very storybook style film but it definitely outgrew its critics. It’s completely unique as a film, and has always been an interesting twist on the story. None of us really grow up, our grown up personalities just take the wheel. This movie is about letting your inner kid take the wheel again.

[@Zutang777]

Being an ignorant kid I was somehow able to see this connection. and is a huge part of why I’m still a kid today at the age of 34.

[@IrisCorven]

I feel this way about the Mario movie - The Bob Hoskins one, that is. It's a terrible Mario film, but it's so goddamn unique and visually enjoyable, and there hasn't been a film like it since. Same goes for Hook - I don't think there's a single film since that has created such a fun, magical universe in one film's time.

[@TheHeroOfTomorrow]

I'm just gonna say, it might have succeeded were it released as a double feature with The Lottery starring Bette Midler.

[@LL-bl8hd]

😂

[@YesterworldEntertainment]

#releasethelottery

[@MysteryMii]

@@YesterworldEntertainment #PutTheLotteryOnDisneyPlus

[@cityzengirl]

Omg yes! 😂😂😂

[@krono5el]

Classic to me, those sets are still pretty incredible.

[@celieboo]

Yeah they were!

[@VitaEx]

I think most of us can agree it’s still a classic. This is one of those movies I rewatch at least annually because after awhile I start to miss how it makes me feel. It easily the most memorable Peter Pan film

[@KittyCatMo]

I couldn't see anyone else ever playing these roles. Spielberg's HOOK is a timeless classic. 🖤❤🌹 Rest in Peace, Robin Williams.. he sure is missed.

[@TheRadioAteMyTV]

I just finished watching Robin's Wish, the Robin William's biography, done by his last wife before watching this video. If you are a Robin fan it's worth a watch, but you if you are a fan, you will notice it's his last wife's story more than Robin's. None of his children or other wives are in the film at all and only one son is even mentioned. Yeah, it's like that.

[@SirBlackReeds]

I wouldn't say timeless. The lack of digital sets really shows its age. Even Spielberg himself wishes he could have made this film with digital sets.

[@TheRadioAteMyTV]

@@SirBlackReeds Go back and watch CGI from that era, and see if you think they hold better than real sets.

[@clairewilson335]

I remember tweeting once “Hook has to be one of THE BEST movies.” And I stand by that. Welp, time for me to go rewatch it

[@piercestewart2045]

lol remember the Boo Box in this movie? he starts crying like a baby, then Hook basically says, "Aww, did baby make a boo boo?" (because you use the word boo-boo with little babies), then Hook basically says to the crew, "play peek-a-BOO with the baby and take him up to the Boo Box!" lol isn't it funny how the whole thing plays on the baby theme?

[@chazofalsa]

It is! It's one of Speilberg's greatest movies. But all Speilberg movies are great including Ready Player One (even if it wasn't perfect and kinda of dumb but fun movie.) I'm really excited about his next movie this year The Fablemans since it's a biopic of his life and Jurassic World Dominion (I know he doesn't direct JW but it is Speilberg movie if you think about it.) anyways Speilberg is awsome!!

[@jaredbond7908]

Underrated film. Everyone thought this movie was a hit, and especially kids. It was not "boring" or too slow-paced. The only complaint I have is that the sets, despite costing so much, still feel like sets. In other words, Neverland didn't quite feel like a real place. And for some reason, it was just friggin JAM-PACKED with hundreds of pirates.

[@EarthWalkerOne]

I always thought that it not feeling real really worked and was intentional. They could have done more traditional sets and made it a real place, but It's supposed to be Neverland.

[@DavidDiLillo]

Reminiscent of a stage play, though - calling back to the original play!

[@bryangarcia5599]

_'You lewd, crude, rude bag of pre-chewed food, dude!'_

[@pyrobison2002]

Why lewd. I got a kid-diddlin vibe from this film even when my school took us to see Hook

[@jamesreed620]

BANGARANG PETERRRRR!!

[@bryangarcia5599]

@@jamesreed620 Don't mess with me - I'm a _lawyer!_

[@WhiteArrowVR]

@@bryangarcia5599 KILL THE LAWYERRR!!!!!

[@supramike67]

Rufio: Boil dripping beef fart sniffing bubble butt.

[@monicamoss347]

Hook is a classic to me. Not only did my brother and I love it growing up but over 20 years later it was one of my sons favorites as well.

[@Wave_MOMT]

A truly timeless movie, watched it recently and not only does it hold up, it really makes you feel like a kid again

[@dkerwood1]

I was today years old when I learned that there are people who didn't love this movie... Ru-fi-o!

[@queenmedesa]

I hate Rufio

[@simonacannizzo5141]

@@queenmedesa me too, He is more Indian than Lost Boy and he is all threatened by Peter and Peter doesn’t need that drama

[@billyanderson321]

Ru-fi-ohhhhhh

[@billyjacobs190]

Mr skunk head with too much moose

[@Val.Kyrie.]

RIGHT

[@HYDRAdude]

This movie is pure unadulterated kino, and one of Spielberg's best works. I never understood the hate for the film, I think the critics just had it out for Spielberg and were going to badmouth whatever film he put out.

[@magesentron]

Critics have been and are VERY nasty. Very few critics write reviews for actual moviegoers. Most write reviews to make themselves sound clever or to show personal bias.

[@chrisaguilera1564]

I loved Hook. One of John Williams's best scores.

[@glitchedsushi]

In my headcanon, Hook is the actual sequel of Disney’s Peter Pan

[@celieboo]

Yes! But a lot more tasteful.

[@Harkness78]

That doesn't make any sense, your head canon is full of plot holes and slapped together logic.

[@campkira]

same ip...

[@philippeflores6672]

Actually it was set 50 years after the events of Return to Neverland (Sequel to Disney's Peter Pan)

[@fam1234ez]

In my canon, it's a sequel to the 2003 Peter Pan

[@mongul305]

I remember running around in my block screaming "Pan the Man!" Hook is deep in my heart

[@joelbrashear9710]

I will never forget watching this film in a theatre with my family. The audience literally applauded during the flying scene. Still a family favorite 30 years later!

[@sarahk6905]

I love Hook. I think something that also has to be mentioned is that in the eyes of a child ... my generation who grew up and watched Hook, know it’s a classic. It really captured a lot of children’s eyes vs adults and so for adults it may have been mixed views. For children it kinda made us look at parents slightly different just as Maggie and Jack. But I too would like to see the cut scenes.

[@campkira]

it was the time with alot of AAA moive... unlike today...

[@MrSpecialone0848]

Yes! I also liked how they gave so much life to the Lost Boys as Peters cohorts instead of just having Peter show up and become Pan immediately. When he finally thinks happy thoughts and regains his ability to fly, it adds so much weight to that occasion because of how celebrated he is by his companions. Also, Rufus handing over the sword was a much bigger deal because of this, as was his death.

[@ryanpetersen3789]

Just throwing this out there: this movie has the best soundtrack.

[@queenmedesa]

It sounds like Harry Potter, but it's John Williams too

[@englishatheart]

@@queenmedesa All of John Williams' soundtracks sound the same. James Horner was a way better composer.

[@j.a.h.vandelaak3477]

Jerry Goldsmith

[@AcidNoir]

I’m 34, I grew up with this film.. it’s an ultimate classic for me… I don’t watch it as often as I did as a child but I can still recite most of the movie as it plays 😂 long live the 📼

[@VT-es3qn]

I absolutely LOVE this movie and if they ever did come out with a 4 hour long complete bonus edition. I would sit there and happily watch it.

[@KittyCatMo]

Critics don't always know shit. This is a fond memory and a lot of folks favorite movie version of all time. Doesn't matter if it wasn't a big hit with critics then. :)

[@hobbitpsi]

The critics hate on everything, they always have. They'll give a movie bad reviews while the people give it amazing reviews... Hell Rotten Tomatoes proved this.

[@queenmedesa]

They only like the movies nobody watches !

[@maxpower4333]

I remember seeing this in the theater and it was totally NOT a flop! It is a great film and still holds up.

[@justfadingaway]

Didn't The Wizard of Oz also bomb in the theaters and only became the classic that it is. After it was shown on TV in the 50's/60's?

[@MrRowskey]

I was thinking the same thing! Hook WAS the modern Wizard of Oz: a film that did unremarkable at the box office, was panned by critics at the time, and over generations delighted children at home as they aged - all to become a cult favorite that is now considered an undisputed classic of our childhoods.

[@walker1984]

Yes, it did bomb like It's A Wonderful Life and Fight Club. They found their audiences in TV and video releases.

[@Gee-xb7rt]

that's a wives tale, it grossed 10x the production cost at the box office. It cost about 3 million to make and made about 30 million, that's lame by modern standards, but many modern films have propaganda campaigns that exceed the production budget.

[@Moss.Hazlewood]

That's right!! In it's first initial release it bombed! In fact it took a $1,145,000 (over $21,000,000 today) loss for it's original attempt in the box office, making only $3,017,000 in sales worldwide. (About $56,000,000 today, which is a considerable amount of money, but still a loss at the end of the day). However, it tried it's luck at the box office again in 1949 with a re-release earning an additional $1.5 million and much love from the audience. With this box office re-release, the many to follow, and MGM selling the rights to televise the film to CBS for $225,000 per broadcast around 1956, it made it's money back while at the same time becoming a beloved classic in the hearts of many. :)

[@n.d.m.515]

@@Gee-xb7rt evidence please. You are the first to say this.

[@yothomasbarnes]

I am shocked this wasn’t well received. I LOVE this movie. Saw it in the theatres when I was a kid, bought the toys, listen to the score constantly. Fantastic film, glad it’s exactly as Spielberg made it. RIP Robin Williams

[@stahnke_as_pho]

This is probably my favorite film from my childhood. I watched it with my stepson two years ago, and he cried at the end. I carried him to bed, and he wept himself to sleep. He said he was so sad Peter had to leave his friends so soon and would probably forget them again. Rewatching it as an adult was such a treat, especially getting to share it with him.

[@mewdreamer]

This was really interesting. I never knew about Hook's troubled production or that it wasn't received well at the time of its release. Seeing them build the sets was amazing. I was also surprised at the title since I thought that it was a classic. It isn't a perfect film by any means and while I haven't seen the movie in ages, the complaints about the pacing make sense. But I've never heard that much hate towards Hook. Even before Robin Williams sadly passed on, I usually heard a lot of praise for Hook. It could be a generational thing or the movie has been put more on a pedestal over the years, but I thought it was generally considered one of Robin Williams' classic movies.

[@daddywarbuxx5194]

Watched this movie probably a hundred times since I was 7, I'm almost 38 now with 2 kids of my own, a boy and girl. It hits different as a father and the words of the mother in the film stick with me. "Your children love you, they want to play with you. You have a few years then its gone. Then you will be chasing them for attention." Also, I only recently realized Captain Hook is the pilot on the intercom during the plane scene at the beginning of the movie. Amazing.

[@alesenatorephoto]

Honestly this movie IS a classic in my eyes, saw it countless times when i was a kid and even now as an adult i think is great

[@eveguenther3620]

Hook was definitely a classic in my house! I would love to see the 3 to 4 hr cut of this movie. Can't believe this movie got so many negative reviews! 😶

[@ryublueblanka]

I am totally like that as well. I'm a documentary freak and apparently there's a documentary called " the journey" which is 18 hours long. I would love to see the original cuts of movies and documentaries...that should be an industry actually...

[@sandal_thong8631]

I don't think any Peter Pan movie would satisfy critics.

[@ryublueblanka]

@@sandal_thong8631 please change your picture and name.

[@sandal_thong8631]

@@ryublueblanka "please change your picture and name." As they said on _Happy Days:_ Sit on it!

[@ryublueblanka]

@@sandal_thong8631 I would rather sit on a cactus than look at those ugly feet

[@AaronFriedmanDigital]

This is mind-blowing to me because I look at this as one of the most incredible movies and beautiful portrayal of what happened next, which is not often done well. I think people didn't understand it at the time, but it will forever go down as a genius production in my eyes.

[@MrJcoupe96]

To this day, Hook is still one of my all time favorite movies of all time. Man...I miss Robin Williams =(

[@watermeloon314]

I don't care what anyone says. This is part of my childhood.

[@romanfoster3820]

Right? I'm watching this like, "No. This is all wrong. It's not how I remember it at all!" This movie was a masterpiece.

[@BigSimpin420]

Hook was one of the only movies that my family owned. We had it on VHS. I’m not lying when I say I’ve seen it 200 times. I know every single line in that movie. As long as I’m watching the movie, I can say almost every single word in unison with the actor. Hook is one of the best adventure movies I’ve ever seen! We used to fast forward those boring scenes with Hook and jack in act 2 and 3. Hook is a lovely movie. Two thumbs up for sure! 👍👍

[@vaddix9980]

One of, if not, my favorite film ever. There's something truly magical and awe-inspiring about Hook. Perfect movie.

[@JoshuaZangari]

I'm 34 now, and it touches a heart string that Hook is still one of my favorite movies of all time, was originally conceived when he was about the same age as me now.

[@benjaminA.stantonpun]

I saw Hook when I was 7 years old and the movie seemed absolutely flawless. Nothing about it seemed out of place or too weird. I loved it all. 🥰

[@Oldmangamess]

Hook is the most underrated movies of all time.

[@BugVlogs]

I would say “Sorcerer”, directed by William Friedkin, is more deserving of that honor

[@TheLetterTen]

This is the most hyperbolic statement of all time.

[@tynao2029]

the soundtrack and cinematography are particularly great, as well as the set design and costumes. You never forget the feeling of seeing that table full of food, the different colored deserts, the coconut cut in half, the penguins on the snowy mountain cap. To this day I still love vanilla milkshakes because of Pockets saying "Drink your coco peter" and Pan gets that milk moustache and says it's "bangarang"

[@MrCREWCRUSHIN95]

I like how MacDonald’s inadvertently helped their rival film - Hook was released the same year as Terminator 2. In the commercial for the Hook happy meal, you see a kid playing with the Hook Toys saying “Hasta La Vista Captain Hook”!

[@queenmedesa]

It's better than Terminator 2, which is already obsolete

[@DrRiddlez2015]

@@queenmedesa What!?!

[@englishatheart]

McDonald's* There is no "a" in the "Mc."

[@layne721]

@@queenmedesa Terminator 2 was a great movie! if they had stopped there and didn't try to come back and do more. four times. and a television series. but I still haven't seen Dark Fate. I heard it was supposed to retcon everything released after T2, but... just feels like a weird flex to say "yeah, it was a mistake to release stuff after T2... so we're wiping all that out and doing it again woo!"

[@NONE.Dragon]

@@layne721 Dark Fate is arguably the worst of the reboots so far. So don't bother.

[@Sophie-nz9fz]

hook IS a classic. so glad it found new life on home video because it's one of the most nostalgic movies from my childhood.

[@winnie2379]

When we were waiting for our second son to be born, my mother came to stay with us while we waited ... and waited ... and during this long waiting period (and the week following when our new son was in the NICU), my mom patiently sat while “big brother” got to watch a new movie we got for him. Yes, it was Hook, and he watched it over, and over, and over...he was mesmerized by it. Grandma even made him a Peter Pan outfit for Halloween. People thought he was Robin Hood which was frustrating! So Hook thus holds a special place in our family’s memory.

[@princesskristan]

I've heard the MJ rumor so many times but Hook is one of my favorite Robin Williams movies and I had a big crush on Rufio when I was a kid

[@campkira]

mj ruin one sequel is enough...

[@d.g.5230]

I went to see Hook when it came out in theaters. I really enjoyed it as a kid. I remember most of the kids I know went to see it and everyone loved it. We acted like the Lost Boys in school, which I am sure annoyed our teachers. :) I didn’t realize until I became an adult that this movie was considered a failure. No one I knew growing up didn’t like it. Even as adults now we all still love it. I would absolutely buy a 3hr version of this movie to see the cut scenes. Maggie’s character really did need to be fleshed out, and seeing more of the Lost Boys would be great! I feel like this movie will get more appreciation as time goes on, because it really was an interesting take on Peter Pan, and those sets were truly amazing! It would be awesome in they could be turned into a feature at an amusement park.

[@alexandraleavitt6806]

THIS IS LITERALLY MY FAVORITE MOVIE OF ALL TIME AND I JUST WANNA SAY THANK YOU SOOOOO MUCH FOR MAKING THIS! IT ABSOLUTELY MADE MY NIGHT!!!

[@Fire-Wolf-The-Wolgan]

They complained about the violence in Temple of Doom, but not Willie?

[@MrStGeorgeIllawarra]

That's why I HATE that film, all she does is scream, scream, SCREAM.

[@GacMan47]

I don't understand how this film is anyone's favorite Indiana Jones. I just freaking don't.

[@PlaystationSimmer]

Temple of Doom would have been better if they approached Willie as someone thrust into this adventure and who was out of her element rather than an incompetent whiner.

[@Fire-Wolf-The-Wolgan]

@bigevilworldwide1 And bad CG effects.

[@MajesticalHonky]

@@Fire-Wolf-The-Wolgan Not in 1984.

[@pdr5009]

It's so heart breaking that Hook isn't loved by Spielberg. It's one of my favorite films ever. I can't imagine how much we spent on the VHS rental before my Mom finally went and bought it so we could proceed to watch that thing into oblivion.

[@acglass]

Interesting, I don’t know anyone who has seen Hook who didn’t love it.

[@danakscully64]

The music for Hook was fantastic. It still pops into my head every now and then and I haven't seen the film in over 20 years.

[@maxthompson]

I just turned 38 and vividly recall seeing hook in theaters when it came out when I was 6 and it blew my imagination away. It was one of the most magical things I’d ever seen. So despite it not being what Spielberg wanted, I’m sure I speak for many that the impact it had on us kids at the time of release was indelible in the best way. Also one weird personal fact; when I just moved to LA, I decided to watch Hook one night for the first time in years, then the next day got news that Robin Williams had just passed. Almost like the universe wanted everyone to remember him just before he officially left us. Thank you for this amazing video.

[@rustyshackleford6633]

I've got major nostalgia goggles for this movie. I love the sets, and the overall feeling of it. I still say "what about schmee?" all the time. Bangarang!!!

[@sliderx1897]

Bangarang!

[@jwc7215]

Rufio, Rufio, RU FI OOOOO

[@PencilStash]

Absolutely LOVED this movie growing up (and even now!) - to this day I always say “I’ve just had an apostrophe”. so glad you did this video, had no clue about any of this!

[@HalfEatenMedia]

Hook is a damn good film and the best live action Peter Pan film. I loved that it acted as a sequel rather than another retelling of the same story. It felt like a natural sequel as well. Great cast, effects and score. It’s very well put together.

[@CinnamonGrrlErin1]

Also, I love how many cameos are crammed in: George Lucas and Carrie Fisher, Glenn Close, David Crosby, Jimmy Buffett, Phil Collins

[@thomasclavinjr.3817]

Where is Carrie Fisher?

[@CinnamonGrrlErin1]

@@thomasclavinjr.3817 she and George Lucas are the couple on the bridge that get sprinkled with pixie dust and start floating.

[@ashleylabaki2872]

I must have seen Hook hundreds of times, and it never crossed my mind that anyone wouldn’t like it. Lol It’s not perfect, but that doesn’t stop me from quoting it at least once a week.

[@Kimmypurry]

"There you are Peter!"

[@Revkor]

I would love to see the cut fottage jsut to see if that changed thigns

[@weston407]

I remember my dad being so excited about it and the he absolutely hated it when he saw it - I asked him why he didn't like it and he said, " i don't need to watch a movie all about screaming kids- I have three screaming kids at home " (I was 6 when it came out lol)

[@CrazySC833]

I agree with everyone in here. This is an absolute MASTERPIECE. A true TOUR DE FORCE. I watched this approximately a million times in my childhood........and THEN I became a father. I recently watched this movie with my son after like 10 years of not seeing it. It's extremely difficult to describe the profound meaning in the film after having a child. I couldn't keep my eyes dry for like at least 1/4 of the scenes. I identify strongly with adult Peter........I'm admittedly a workaholic and watching Peter progress back into Pan and finding his children again, his sense of PLAY, vulnerability etc.... really affected me greatly. It truly is a film for all ages. You can glean meaning no matter the age. I love this move.

[@Snips.Snails.Fairytales]

I'm kind of shocked that Hook was originally not well received by critics. I might be biased and looking through nostalgia goggles, but I always loved Hook. It has a unique magic quality to it that I can only relate to Wizard of Oz and to a lesser extent Jim Henson's Labyrinth or Willow. At the same time, l do have a habit of watching maybe half the movie before turning it off and doing something else, so I do get the kind of rough pacing.

[@campkira]

it was the time with alot of AAA moive... unlike today...

[@RaptorJesus.]

as a 90s kid, Hook holds a special place in my heart, i'll always see it as one of the best movies ever :P

[@themusicactor]

Are you kidding...Hook is a freaking classic!! I still watch this movie often!

[@nixycane8981]

I love Hook, and I would buy an extended cut in a heartbeat. As a child and as an adult I’ve never thought it boring or long.

[@draykowolf2293]

I love that bob hoskins not only played smee in this movie but also later on reprised the role in a 3 part miniseries that i believe was titled neverland. Whatever it was called, it made it feel like they existed in the same universe/timeline even though they didn't. And he's such a great actor too. I miss him. died far too young in my opinion.

[@thomaspearson2272]

I feel that Spielberg took the critical response too personally which only added to anxiety he experienced during production. It wouldn’t have been any better as a musical. He was too concerned with his reputation as the king of blockbusters than standing with all the incredibly talented and hard working people that made Hook the movie that we know and love.

[@modernnerdentertainment6891]

I remember watching this on Wonderful World of Disney as a child and absolutely fell in love with this movie!

[@cathyprice8510]

I love this movie! It’s definitely weird to think it wasn’t received well! One of Robin William’s best roles

[@piercestewart2045]

lol remember the Boo Box in this movie? he starts crying like a baby, then Hook basically says, "Aww, did baby make a boo boo?" (because you use the word boo-boo with little babies), then Hook basically says to the crew, "play peek-a-BOO with the baby and take him up to the Boo Box!" lol isn't it funny how the whole thing plays on the baby theme?

[@GrnArrow092]

I liked this movie when I first saw it more than 30 years ago when I was 12 years old. It stuck with me through my teenage years and through my adult years. It remains one of my favorite movies of all time.

[@carminecdinoproductions]

Hopefully, we’ll get a better extended version of Hook that’ll be a critical and box office success for its 30th anniversary in 2021!

[@jameswalker4489]

hopefully not..

[@campkira]

feeling like they want to keeping it for used it in other moive... that why... and it got too old and forgot...

[@dancledan]

They could always reboot it with Will Smith as Peter.

[@hellsingmongrel]

Gonna agree with everyone in the comments: This was one of my favorite movies as a kid, and I still love it to this day! The critics were full of shit, it was and still is a great movie!