Hook – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Hook

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie1991

72%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Spielberg's bloated but heartfelt 'what if Peter Pan became a corporate lawyer?' adventure—Robin Williams vs. Dustin Hoffman in tights.

37%

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Hook

movie

PG, 1991

72%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Spielberg's bloated but heartfelt 'what if Peter Pan became a corporate lawyer?' adventure—Robin Williams vs. Dustin Hoffman in tights.

37%

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Screenwise Verdict

Hook is a fascinating mess—Spielberg swinging for the fences with a big-budget, big-heart reimagining of Peter Pan, anchored by Robin Williams' earnest performance and Dustin Hoffman's gloriously over-the-top villainy. The message is genuinely moving: don't let work steal your soul, don't forget how to play, show up for your kids.

But let's be real: this thing is 144 minutes of uneven pacing, overstuffed sets, and tonal whiplash. Critics savaged it in 1991 (37% on Rotten Tomatoes), and while audiences were kinder (76%), modern kids raised on Marvel's breakneck editing will struggle. The sword fights are fine, the language is mild, and the family themes are solid, but you'll need to prep younger viewers for the darker pirate stuff and be ready to pause for snack breaks.

It's a decent family movie night pick if you're nostalgic or want to discuss work-life balance with your 10-year-old, but it's not the timeless classic it wants to be. More 'interesting artifact' than 'must-watch.'

Age Fit

Best for ages 9-12 who can handle fantasy sword fights and a slower pace. Younger kids may find Hook scary and the runtime exhausting; teens and adults will appreciate the nostalgia and deeper themes about balancing adulthood with joy.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Strong pro-family message about work-life balance and rediscovering joy, with Robin Williams delivering warmth. The film models reconciliation and prioritizing relationships over career. Some mild profanity and a tipsy Peter scene keep it from being squeaky-clean, but the emotional core is healthy and age-appropriate for the 9+ crowd.

Imaginative

Spielberg's Neverland is visually rich with elaborate sets, costumes, and the central premise—what if Peter Pan grew up and forgot?—is genuinely creative. The Lost Boys' food fight with imaginary food is a memorable celebration of imagination. However, the execution can feel overstuffed and the pacing drags, which dulls some of the wonder.

Safe

PG-rated with moderate sword-fighting violence (no gore), some sexual innuendo, mild profanity, and a brief alcohol reference. Common Sense Media flags these but nothing is graphic or traumatizing. The darker pirate aesthetics and Hook's villainy may be intense for under-8s, but it's standard adventure fare for 9+. No surprise content that would blindside families.

Enriching

The film wrestles with meaningful themes: the tension between adult responsibilities and childlike wonder, the cost of workaholism on family bonds, and the importance of being present. It's more emotionally ambitious than most kids' adventure films. That said, the 144-minute runtime and uneven pacing make it feel like homework at times, which limits its impact.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Robin Williams brings genuine warmth to a grown-up Peter rediscovering his inner child
Dustin Hoffman's campy, scenery-chewing Captain Hook is delightfully theatrical
The core message—choose family over work, imagination over drudgery—lands with real emotional weight
Elaborate Neverland sets and costumes create a visually rich fantasy world
The imaginary food fight scene is a memorable celebration of creativity

⚠

What to Watch For

Moderate sword-fighting violence (no blood, but intense for under-8s)
Mild profanity and some sexual innuendo scattered throughout
A scene where Peter is tipsy, plus some darker pirate-themed visuals
At 144 minutes, it's a stamina test—younger kids will fidget, and even older ones may find the pacing sluggish by today's standards

Conversation Starters

"If you could fly to Neverland, what would you want to do there first?"
"Do you think grown-ups forget how to have fun? Why does that happen?"
"Peter had to choose between his job and his kids—what would you do if you were him?"
"What do you think it means to 'think happy thoughts'? What makes you happiest?"

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