Hook1991

52/100 This movie would've been a "so-bad-it's-good" movie if it was actually good instead of just being mediocre and a retread of the tropes found in so many 90s movies, feeling like a sequel to a nonexistent Peter Pan remake. The plot here can be found in a dozen similar movies: a disgruntled dad who's more businessman than father has to go to some magical world with his kids getting involved somehow. Over there, he re-learns joy, whimsy, teamwork and whatever other Aesops the film wants to unsubtly shove down our throats. In addition, one of these plot points are done in a clever way, bogged down by clunky writing along with occasional attempts at comedy that have aged very poorly. However, the movie is not totally lost mainly due to two elements, one of which is Spielberg's direction. His childlike whimsy works well for this more childlike film, especially in the context of regaining your childlike wonder. This is helped along by the second element: the world itself. Neverland here is filled with whimsy and fun, and some super creative setpieces. There's mermaids, tons of good scenes with the Lost Boys and some really fun scenes. To the movie's credit, I never think it's boring for a long stretch of time throughout, though it does suffer from a spot of poor pacing in the middle. Overall, I wanted to like this movie, and I do like it in concept, but it's far too bland in execution. However, it's fun enough that it can't be considered a total loss, instead sliding into mediocrity. Somewhat of a good time, but not nearly enough to be a good movie.