Common Sense Media Review
Clumsy mishmash of a comedy has violence, profanity.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
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Hook
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 25 parent reviews
Parents say that while this film offers a whimsical retelling of the Peter Pan story, it contains several elements that may not be suitable for younger audiences, such as violence, suggestive behavior, and dark themes like suicide. Many reviews note its valuable messages about family and cherishing childhood, alongside caution for parents regarding its mixed appropriateness for children.
- family themes
- caution advised
- mixed appropriateness
- whimsical retelling
- dark themes
Summarized with AI
Based on 33 kid reviews
Kids say the movie is a nostalgic, imaginative adventure that resonates with both young and older audiences, featuring strong performances by Robin Williams and Dustin Hoffman, though it contains some mature themes. While some viewers find it intense and a bit slow, many appreciate its heartfelt messages about family and growing up, making it a fun watch despite occasional swearing and violent scenes.
- nostalgic adventure
- strong performances
- heartfelt messages
- intense themes
- fun for families
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In HOOK, Peter Pan (Robin Williams) is a workaholic lawyer in a troubled marriage, with no memory of his magical roots. He heads to London with his wife and two kids to visit Granny Wendy (Maggie Smith) and is thrown back to his past when his archnemesis, Captain Hook (Dustin Hoffman), kidnaps his children. With help from Tinkerbell (Julia Roberts), middle-aged Peter regains his memory of who he really is (and how to fly) and sets off to Neverland to rescue his kids and do battle with Hook.
Is It Any Good?
This is a comedy that's not only spare on laughs but also drenched in Hollywood cheese. Hook explores the question, "What if Peter Pan had to grow up?" For those familiar with J.M. Barrie's 1911 tale, it's an intriguing question and a great movie premise. Unfortunately, the movie falls flat with its crude humor and over-the-top violence. While the score by John Williams is impressive, Neverland fails to look like anything more than what it is: an expensive studio set.
Kids may enjoy the mischievous Lost Boys who rally against the pirates; teens and adults are more likely to find their antics insufferable. Hoffman makes a good Hook but is given woefully little to do other than snarl and rant. Overall, Spielberg's adaptation is an overlong hodgepodge with some sparkly magic for kids but too much in the way of cruelty and vulgar jokes to truly impress.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Hook's take on Peter Pan. How is this version of the story different from others you've seen? Do you like the live action, or do you prefer the animated original or other versions?
Lots of characters use violence in the movie. How does this impact the story? What's the effect of media violence on kids?
How do Peter, Tinkerbell, and the Lost Boys help one another to defeat Captain Hook? What are times in your life that you used teamwork to achieve a bigger goal?
Movie Details
- In theaters : December 11, 1991
- On DVD or streaming : September 9, 2003
- Cast : Bob Hoskins , Dustin Hoffman , Robin Williams
- Director : Steven Spielberg
- Studio : Sony Pictures
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Adventures , Book Characters , Fantasy ( Magic ) , Pirates
- Run time : 144 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : thematic intensity and mild violence
- Awards : Academy Award - Other Category Nominee , Golden Globe - Golden Globe Award Nominee
- Last updated : October 15, 2026
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