Hook (1991)
Impressions based on the trailer
Mayhem, bloodshed, ancient evil and child endangerment
Comments after seeing the film.
Jack: Usually here at Don’t Trust the Trailer, we look at the trailers of recent films in the hopes of recommending poorly-advertised diamonds in the rough. This week, however, we decided to look at the trailer for a much-maligned older film that is very near and dear to our hearts: Steven Spielberg’s Hook. Its unique mix of English pantomime theater, Disneyland opulence and a stark, uncompromising central theme of lost innocence makes it one of Spielberg’s most emotionally naked films. But you wouldn’t know it from this complete head-scratcher of a trailer, which makes the film look like a horror movie with fantasy elements. Hook’s hook literally rips through scene transitions like the werewolf claws in The Howling trailer, and one has to wonder if this film’s less-than-stellar critical reputation was a result of its being advertised as more Poltergeist than J.M. Barrie
Anne: What the heck was that?! This is a masterpiece of miscommunication! No wonder this film was so poorly received! You wouldn’t want to take your little kids to see this; it looks underpants-soilingly terrifying! By the same token, if you came in hopes of seeing a horror movie with Hook wreaking havoc, resulting in corpses with glistening entrails, you will be sorely disappointed. What a complete mistake! How could they not show Neverland? How could you show Robin Williams and not include a moment of humor and levity? How could you, advertising team – how could you?!
Final Grade for Film: A
I disagree!! I LOVE this trailer! I think it is enticing. It asks the audience the question but DOES NOT ANSWER IT! That is what the movie is for. I think not having humor in it was their way of trying to tell the audience that even though Robin Williams is in it, that doesn't mean it's a wild comedic romp. You have to admit that this film is emotional and heart-wrenching. I cry every time I watch it.
ReplyDeleteI think they were smart in that they didn't try to sell it on the comedy star factor, a la the stupid Kung Fu Panda (aka JACK BLACK STARS IN THIS MOVIE!!!) marketing campaign. Instead they tried to sell it on the high concept, which totally would have sold me on it.