Hook (1991) User Reviews

Criminally underrated

[ercfunk-445-950046 · 8/10 · 19 October 2022]

I really can't understand why this movie has gotten so much hate throughout the years. I remember it as a hit. When it came out, all my cousins of around my age loved it, my friends loved it, I didn't know any kid that didn't at least like it. As for adults, isn't it a fun concept to see what it would be like if Peter Pan grew up? Who else could play a grown Pan than Robin Williams? Julia Roberts was perfect for Tinker Bell. Though I have heard she was a nightmare to deal with behind the scenes. The lost boys were excellent, a good balance of fun and humor, along with some serious parts in there too. Dustin Hoffman as captain Hook? I don't know if he won any awards, but that man should have. Probably his best performance.

This movie is a classic. F&@# the naysayers.

Why is this a bad movie? Why is this even a mediocre movie?

[ikrani · 8/10 · 30 July 2014]

I'm not one of the people fortunate enough to catch this in the theaters. I am, however, one of the people who loudly objects to the negative critical response to this film.

Peter Pan growing up is a wonderfully refreshing concept and saying "it adds nothing to the Peter Pan mythos" confuses me to no end. The beautiful practical sets would never have come to pass in an age where Spielberg and Lucas have gone crazy with the CGI and accusing them of being cartoony is rather superfluous seeing as Peter Pan's not exactly known for its realism. The actors all turn in decent performances, the best being Robin William's uptight Peter Banning and childlike Peter Pan, Dustin Hoffman's deliciously evil Captain Hook, and Bob Hoskins. Nothing to say about Bob Hoskins; if he's on screen, he's giving it his all.

I deduct points from the film do to the third act with the war, not because the Lost Boys use incredibly implausible weapons to fight the pirates but because Peter stops being savvy about Hook, there's a rather unnecessary dark moment during an otherwise cartoony climax, and about a half dozen inconsistencies appear in the span of five minutes. But, other than that, Hook is a brilliant film and its "Rotten" rating on Rotten Tomatoes is simply a travesty, for not only is it a heartfelt Spielberg experience, but when the movie wants to be funny, it's REALLY funny. Listen not to the critics unless they are Jim Sterling or Doug Walker, because this film is one of the best.

Peter Pan grew up.

[OllieSuave-007 · 7/10 · 4 April 2014]

This movie is a continuation of the classic tale of the boy who wouldn't grow up, Peter Pan. Here, the infamous Captain Hook (Dustin Hoffman) kidnaps the children of Peter Banning (Robin Williams) and takes them to Neverland. Banning must regain his youthful spirit as Peter Pan and return to Neverland to reunite with his old gang, including Tinker Bell (Julia Roberts), and rescue his children.

It's a pretty good story filled with unending adventures and spectacular sceneries of the magical Neverland what is filled with colorful characters, played by a group of fun-loving, bratty but loyal boys. Hoffman played Hook brilliantly, perfect for the part, as did Bob Hoskins in his Mr. Smee role. Comedic and quirky Williams was a good choice to play the grown-up Peter Pan; it was fun seeing his character looking bizarre and confused in Neverland, forgetting his roots and adventures with the Lost Boys in the magical place. And, Julia Roberts played a good Tinkerbell and she had some touching chemistry with Williams' character.

Although it's not Disney, this movie does capture the magic and essence of the original animated classic Peter Pan from Disney. There are plenty of action and adventure to enjoy, but with some filler scenes that dragged the movie somewhat towards the middle. It's a nice one for the entire family, but I think it's better fit for the younger ones due to its juvenile and whimsical nature.

Grade B-

Dustin Hoffman can easily can get you hooked

[Smells_Like_Cheese · 6/10 · 27 January 2004]

Hook is a spin off of the classic tale of Peter Pan, you ever wonder what life would have been like for Peter Pan if he had grown up? If he had kids, a wife, and a career as a lawyer? Not very much, but it happens here in Spielberg's tale of the boy who never wanted to grow up. Hook is a pretty good film, it was definitely very imaginative and creative story wise. The sets and actors were absolutely perfect for this film; did you know that Michael Jackson originally wanted to play the role of Peter? Pretty creepy, huh? But Robin Williams and Dustin Hoffman were so great together, I really enjoyed their performances. But the only actress I questioned was Julia Roberts as Tink, I'm not so sure if she was the best choice for the role. But that's just me, while the story seemed to drag on a bit, it was actually pretty good.

Peter is a bit of a grown up who just can't seem to have fun in life, he misses his son's baseball games, doesn't spend much time with the family, and is always focused on work. But when he and his wife visit England with their kids to see Wendy, the lady who raised Peter when he was an orphan, his kids are kidnapped by Captain James Hook who wants to challenge Peter, but when Tink takes Peter back to Neverland, he needs major convincing that he is Peter Pan and is given three days to do so to get back his children. The Lost Boys try their best to make Peter bang-or-aign once again with them and that he'll get his kids back while learning the importance of youth.

Hook is over all a good film that I would recommend to people. It's not at all a bad film, it has good drama in it along with great comedy. Most people love the dinner scene between Peter and Rufio, mine is Captain Hook explaining to Peter's kids why parents don't love children. Dustin's delivery of "I want to potty, I want a cookie" was just so perfect and funny. This is a good family film that I think you'll like, it's just an honest film with a fun story.

6/10

Overlong but hugely enjoyable fantasy adventure.

[TheLittleSongbird · 7/10 · 19 March 2009]

I was actually worried when I saw the casting for Hook, but I watched it anyway. It is enjoyable, but I've seen better. Robin Williams is very likable and surprisingly good, but I personally wouldn't have picked him for Peter. Kevin Kline would have been a better choice. Julia Roberts is okay as Tinkerbell, but she has been better. Stealing the show, in a wonderfully pantomime performance as Captain Hook, is an unrecognisable Dustin Hoffmann, believe it or not. His performance was that good, that I was appalled that it wasn't nominated. He's not the first actor to be seriously robbed of an award.Morgan Freeman in Shawshank Redemption? Tim Curry in Legend and It? John Hurt in The Elephant Man? Bob Hoskins was amiable, and the music by John Williams was very good, but not his best score. The plot is simple but well-told, if marred by overlong and unnecessary sequences with the Lost Boys that were sadly poorly handled. The film's main merit, aside from Hoffmann's performance is the art direction, beautiful sets and lovely costumes, particularly the brief underwater scene with the mermaids. The part with Maggie singing on the boat deck was heart-rending, and the scene where Peter suddenly remembers everything was touching. Above all, every scene with Hook and Smee was extremely entertaining. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed it very much, but the film lacked magic. All in all, a slightly disappointing but fun and under-appreciated film, that is a 7/10 from me. Bethany Cox

Watching it as an adult has given me a whole new perspective

[cricketbat · 10/10 · 10 July 2018]

Hook is another childhood favorite that still holds up well today. It runs a little long and there are some missteps (e.g. Julia Roberts as Tinkerbell), but it really does appeal to the child in me. And watching it as an adult has given me a whole new perspective on Peter Banning - including his shortcomings, fears and joys as a father. Plus, who doesn't love the imaginary banquet scene? This is a fun movie.

7/10 -- VERY ENJOYABLE, EVEN FOR ADULTS!

[Analog_Devotee · 7/10 · 28 April 2021]

Wish I'd seen this as a kid! Stellar performances across the board and some great set designs.

Pan Is Back

[bkoganbing · 9/10 · 17 April 2009]

Purportedly Steven Spielberg is not happy with the end product of Hook. I'm at a loss to know why because I think it's an absolutely charming fantasy, using his own peculiar take on the Peter Pan story and extending it.

Robin Williams as Peter Banning is a hard driving lawyer with a wife and two children Caroline Goodall, Charlie Korsmo and Amber Scott respectively. He was an orphan kid who married the granddaughter of Wendy Darling who was Sir James M. Barrie's inspiration for the Peter Pan tale.

But it's all real, Robin Williams doesn't know he's Peter Pan who left Never Never Land for reasons you'll discover in the film. But he left one nasty enemy there in Captain Hook and Hook captures his children to lure him back to Never Never Land where Hook can take vengeance upon him.

Spielberg got some great performances out of his cast which also includes Julia Roberts as the elfin Tinkerbell and Maggie Smith as the aged Wendy. But stealing the film completely in one bravura performance is Dustin Hoffman.

Captain Hook is one of those fabulous roles where the actor can just feast on the scenery and can just go to town with it. It's a role that it is impossible to overact in. I doubt if Dustin Hoffman ever enjoyed himself more in making a film.

Hook got five Oscar nominations in the technical categories, but sad to say did not win anything in 1991. I'm surprised that one of Arnold Schwarzenegger's Terminator films beat Hook out for Best Visual Effects, this one is clearly superior in that department if anything.

Robin Williams has his innings as well, trying to remember his past as Peter Pan and get back into Pan like behavior to defeat Captain Hook. As to why he left Never Never Land in the first place. Let's just say he took one too many trips outside his domain and something happened to him that happens to all young men at some point.

Hook is a great piece of family entertainment from Steven Spielberg and Dustin Hoffman's fans will really enjoy it.

Major Misfire

[dbborroughs · 3/10 · 20 July 2004]

This return to Neverland was suppose to be a small scale film that writer Nick Castle was going to direct himself. Spielberg came across the script and then proceeded to toss huge sums of money to get the right to direct it, and then to make one of the most wrong-headed films ever made.

The plot concerns a grown-up Peter Pan who has forgotten Neverland. Hook seeking to get a revenge on his enemy kidnaps his kids and forces Peter to try to remember who he was.

This is proof that with out real vision all of the money in the world won't help you. It also proves that Spielberg's is a limited director. I could rip this film to shreds but will restrain myself by only sighting one or two major mistakes. First are the lost boys, who are skateboarding punk kids from the early 1990's. This should be a timeless tale and Spielberg in order to go for the kid audience instantly dates the film. Spielberg is a pop culture junkie and all of his films are riffs on other films. That can only take you so far with out dating your films and here his need to be now badly wounds the film. Julia Roberts, while nice in theory, is completely wrong as Tinker Bell. Even with movie magic she just looks wrong as Peter's oldest friend. Worse the role as written isn't as feisty as she was in the original novel.

The best thing in the film, and probably the one thing they got right, was Dustin Hoffman as Hook. He chews the scenery and then some and should probably won the Oscar for his role.

Given the choice I would never watch this film again which left me crying in my seat as I became more and more heart broken with each missed chance to make a classic (or even a decent film.)

3 out of 10

See PJ Hogan's Peter Pan instead, thats a classic, this isn't.

Brings Back Childhood Memories!

[georgie-bradley · 9/10 · 20 March 2009]

Right, I can understand that Spielberg's previous achievements had set the bar really high, but by no means does this make 'Hook' a flop. The story is what is so appealing to a young audience and a mature audience for that matter. The sensitive undertones of such a celebrated story spark much joy and heartfelt moments. The 'what if' factor of the whole story is really adventurous, and the fact that this story stems from the original is brilliant. Its a story of love,family and identity. All three elements resonate with a lot of audiences. From a visual standpoint Spielberg triumphs again! And i don't understand why people beg to differ! For the purpose of entertaining young audiences, it fulfills the intention and more. I must say however, the film owes 50% of its credit to John Williams. His absolutely stunning score supports the story's tenderness. The flying sequence is so thrilling that it literally makes me get up and want to levitate!

The performances are equally stunning and convincing, Robin Williams encompasses both his comedic and dramatic skills towards a full blooded performance. Dustin Hoffman and Bob Hoskins are superb....really really astonishing.

This film has to be one of Spielberg's most overlooked and underrated films of all time. It holds so much promise and warmth that every time I sit back and soak up the high-flying adventure it sends shivers down my spine. I recently watched it after so many years of it lost in my memory that I felt like I had visited a historical landmark..its placed within a treasured set of memories on my part.

I cant express how moving this film is, its just enthralling in every sense of the word..the construction of the story is very clever and realistic - from a child's point of view.

Really guys hold the cynicism and unlock you imaginations and appreciate this work of cinematic art.

Good Set Design, But Very Superficial

[gavin6942 · 6/10 · 12 August 2014]

When Captain Hook (Dustin Hoffman) kidnaps his children, an adult Peter Pan (Robin Williams) must return to Neverland and reclaim his youthful spirit in order to challenge his old enemy.

This film is a bit divisive, with some loving it and others not being very impressed. Indeed, the makeup, costumes and set design are top-notch. Some of the dialogue is pretty funny, particularly when Pan and Rufio get into a match of insults. And Dustin Hoffman really becomes Hook (Bob Hoskins is even more attached to Smee.) The overall story, although clever, tends to fall flat at times, with an overly predictable arc with more than just a dollop of sentimentality. Maybe one should not be too hard on the picture, but...

"Peter Pan" meets a McDonald's commercial...

[moonspinner55 · 3/10 · 26 September 2007]

Steven Spielberg's distinctly nonmagical rendering of J.M. Barrie's tale of "Peter Pan", the flying, fun-loving boy who battled pirates and never grew up, casts Robin Williams as a crotchety adult who discovers his true origin as Pan. He returns to his island home and eventually takes on old nemesis Captain Hook (Dustin Hoffman) after his own children are kidnapped. Strained family 'product', with Williams in the unenviable position of playing Peter Pan like an amnesiac. Never Never Land, with its multi-racial Lost Boys, looks rather shoddy, as do the pirates (including Glenn Close, obviously in drag). The cast may have had a ball making this, yet the picture is an expensive lark, a personal extravagance--and everyone here is just playing dress-up. Julia Roberts is single-handedly misused as fairy-sprite Tinkerbell, though Bob Hoskins is well-cast (if too heavily bearded) as Hook's assistant Smee. All that's missing are plugs for Big Macs and Quarter Pounders and this would be the perfect example of a feature-length TV advertisement. *1/2 from ****

9/10 for Dustin Hoffman's performance alone.

[JimmyCinephile · 15 March 2013]

This is a fantastic classic movie of a classic fairy tale.

The sets are amazing (none of this green screen crap!)

The acting is fantastic. Dustin Hoffman, Maggie Smith, Robin Williams, and Charlie Korsmo do an especially good job.

The adaptation is written very well. Instead of the boy who can't grow up, it's the man who's forgotten how to have fun, and be in the moment, like a child.

The IMDb rating is way off. How the hell does Pitch Perfect, and rubbish like that do better? How? Because either this site is full of morons with no taste, or the world is, or more likely both...

All negativeness aside, this is a great movie, if you haven't scene it, you're missing out.

Spielberg did again!!

[elo-equipamentos · 6/10 · 8 November 2017]

When l saw this movie in 1994 l've found it confuse and silly, after DVD advent l decided to re-watch hopeful to see something more which l probable missing in the past, but unfortunately l lost my valuable hours in this foolish movie, the big sets are fake, statics and awful, the whole idea to make this at sound stage struck the picture, Captain's Hook's ship never could be static, all the kids were used in wrong way, too corny sentimentalism spoils the story, who needs a father to see the games anyway, in my childhood l used to play football with my friends only, no father or mother nearby to give so endless lectures all the time, anyway so boring movie and too long, Hoffman as Hook deserves keep apart this mess!!

Resume:

First watch: 1994 / How many: 2 / Source: TV-DVD / Rating: 6

Why does everyone hate this film?

[potter_luvver · 10/10 · 27 March 2005]

I, personally, cannot understand why so many people have left negative comments about this film. When it was released, many of us were young children and we all enjoyed it, but now that we are older, too many people are pointing out the bad jokes and mistakes and clichés that they have found. The point is, this is a children's film, and we didn't see those mistakes when we were children because it's designed that way. Even so, people fail to see deeper into certain aspects of the film. Peter Pan was meant to be 'the boy who never grew up', so to have a tale of his adult life and to show how he forgot Neverland is a special and unique take on the story, one that won't be forgotten.

There have also been many complaints about the scene where Tink becomes human-size and expresses some kind of love for Peter. Although she is not a human per se, she can have human feelings, so why would she not love him? As the original story tells, she is often jealous of other womens' affections towards him, and this film just extrapolates on that theme a little.

There have been comments about the 'father-who-is-so-busy-and-can't-go-to-the-game' cliché. Well, here's news for you. It's cliché because it happens all the time, and it's a truth! Some parents are just too busy to care. Lastly, too many people are moaning that Hook was too comical to be the bad guy. Well, this is a kids film and if he wasn't a little bit cheery-in-a-maniac sort of way, you'd have parents complaining that their kids were scared.

The main thing about this film is that it is really good, but it IS designed for children, and adults who go back and watch it years later, then suddenly spot loads of mistakes are just ruining it for themselves and others.

I love this movie.

[JoejoeSalamone · 10/10 · 23 March 2010]

I try to make it a point to watch this movie at least once a year, or when I feel myself getting too cynical. This is because if you are looking for fun movie that really does pull at the kid inside you, then this is definitely it.

Robin Williams is just the right kind of goofy for my tastes, and makes an excellent Pan. Captain Hook was perfectly fit by Dustin Hoffman. I could have done without Julia Roberts as Tink. Actually, I can do without Julia Roberts all together. But Bob Hoskins made a great Smee. (I like to watch this and Who Framed Roger Rabbit, back-to-back) Anyways, I watch this movie once a year because the message of the movie, and the reason people watch it, warrants that. A movie where the message is to never lose sight of your inner child. Imagination. Belief in magical creatures. Sword fighting with pirates. All of these things that I'm sure you did as a child, as I did.

As far as I'm concerned, all of the people who have written bad reviews for this movie, saying things like "The characters weren't believable", and "Spielberg tried to answer a question that didn't need an answer" have lost sight of the kid in themselves, have become pirates, and should have their hands fed to crocodiles. It's a movie. A family movie. One that needs to appeal to both children and adults, which is a difficult task, to be successful. And I believe that this movie succeeds at that very well.

As someone who doesn't have nostalgic feelings for this movie, I think it's okay

[Jeremy_Urquhart · 6/10 · 10 May 2023]

Look, I'd probably have liked Hook a lot more if I'd seen it as a kid. It feels mostly aimed at kids, which is a tiny bit disappointing, seeing as Spielberg's E. T. was a good movie when I saw it as a kid, and then it became a great movie when I watched it as an adult. I don't think the same can be said about Hook, even though it feels like there are things in this movie that feel like they should appeal to older viewers (Peter Pan is an adult here, after all... that's sort of the whole premise of the movie).

I think Robin Williams was alright? Far from one of his best performances though - maybe he was a little miscast, because he sort of plays the straight man role, and most people around him are a little sillier. I buy him in comedies and dramas, but fantasy/adventure movies? It didn't work quite as well.

Poor Maggie Smith. She's been playing super old ladies for decades now, I guess? Dustin Hoffman and Bob Hoskins were both great though, and disappeared into their roles a surprising amount. Julia Roberts felt like another weird casting choice (the scene where she and Peter kiss is weird).

I feel like being a little forgiving towards this movie. There's a lot wrong with it, but I feel like it would've been great if I was watching it 20 years younger than I am now, so for being a kid's movie, I want to hazard a guess and say it's a good one that I'm sure many people have fond memories of watching when they were younger.

Even worse than you might think

[Spleen · 4/10 · 16 July 1999]

I have the doubtful distinction of having seen "Hook" three times. For the life of me I can't say how this happened. Still, it's something to brag about in later years; for I very much doubt that even the misguided people who saw it a second time managed to see it a third time.

What made me do it, you ask? Well, it's like many fatalistic human impulses. I continued to watch out of disbelief: for it seemed that something which was never very good managed to disintegrate more rapidly the more I stared at it. Since I expect that no-one else in the world has seen it three times, I feel especially qualified to say what's wrong with it.

Everything. It's ugly. The Lost Boys are loathsome (and so very 1980s). Julia Roberts is a ridiculous tinkerbell. A hessian sack would have made a more flattering costume. It's never clear to what extent magic is involved in the plot - whether, for instance, Peter's son forgets his father due to enchantment or for emotional reasons. (It makes a HUGE difference to the story.) The plot is lame and contrived. The messages inherent in "Close Encounters", "Jurassic Park", "E.T." and "Empire of the Sun" - that only the especially depraved and wicked dislike children, that even the most appalling children are God's own angels - are rammed down the throat with excessive force here.

But worst of all is the bitsiness. I didn't have my stopwatch out (on any of the three occasions), but I think that "Hook" has the shortest romantic interlude of any film ever made. It's between Peter Pan and Tinkerbell ... "Tinkerbell - you're big!" "Yes, and I've always loved you." "Oh - then I suppose I should kiss you." "No - you should really rescue your children." "Okay." -It whips by! And it's a scene that has no reason to exist; and, like every other scene, no relation to the scenes around it. The entire film is like Spielberg's conception of Neverland: snow here, desert a metre away, sex just two paces to the left, childhood innocence two paces to the right ... all self-contained units, all tossed into the bowl hap-hazardly in the belief that a salad with every ingredient will taste better than a salad with just three or four.

Anyone for a strawberry shortcake, gherkin and watercress salad?

Never forget your inner child

[bignastybastard · 10/10 · 5 July 2013]

Back in 1994 when I was 10 this was a favourite of mine, I even had all the action figures. As I got older I never really thought much of it until the other day when I decided to watch it just for the hell of it. Now as an older person with more understanding all I can say is that this is one of the most amazing films ever. There were points in the film where I even started weeping and getting emotional.

Hook tells a great story about A grumpy lawyer named Peter Banning who takes life too serious who has forgotten about his childhood as Peter Pan. Captain Hook kidnaps his children and takes them to Neverland to lure him in for one last battle, the only chance he has of saving them is to remember his forgotten past as Peter Pan and do battle with Captain Hook. The film is a huge reminder that I should always keep in touch with my inner child and never let go.

Acting wise Robin Williams brings his A game as does Dustin Hoffman, Bob Hoskins and the rest, Julia Roberts is in it too but she's nothing to write home about.

If you've never seen it then you should watch it, whether your a child or adult it doesn't matter, the film is one of the best adventure tales ever. If you've not seen it for a long time then re-watch it because like me it is a great reminder of how I was back when I was 10 and even helped me find my less cynical side.

10/10

Spielberg missed this one.

[Peach-2 · 7/10 · 20 December 1998]

Hook is one of Steven Spielberg's near misses. At least it shows that he is a normal director sometimes. I mean he cranks out great film after great film, so he was due for a weaker film. This one is overlong and very pretentious. Don't get me wrong this film isn't bad, it's just not as good as it could have been. A lot of great talent in this film. Dustin Hoffman's turn as Captin Hook is inspired, but Robin Wiliams portrayal of Peter Pan is very goofy. I will say that the film's score is awesome. Kids will probably dig it, but most adults won't care. I think making adults care is the whole point of this film.

Grow up Peter

[studioAT · 3/10 · 14 February 2015]

When you look at the cast and director involved in Hook you would think it will be an amazing family film inspired by J.M Barrie's classic book. Sadly while the idea of a grown up Peter Pan is a good one the film ends up being overly long, dull and oddly for Spielburg, lacking in charm.

Robin Williams and Dustin Hoffman are good in their roles and drag the quality of the film up a notch purely because they seem to be having such a good time making it. Robin Williams as Peter Pan - that's perfect casting.

However the film spends too long setting up its concept and is full of overly long and dull scenes. The 1990's style lost boys are annoying and dated and the less said about Julia Roberts as Tinkerbell the better.

Hook is a nice idea, it's just not fully realised in practice.

A bit underrated

[shfqshhri · 22 November 2021]

This was a gooood film and Spielberg was a genius. I don't understand why a lot of people hated it. It dealt with the loss of childhood innocence and the dread of adulthood by embodying these themes in the character of an adult Peter Pan.

Typical Spielberg Fare

[ccthemovieman-1 · 7/10 · 17 February 2008]

This is such a typical Steven Spielberg kids' film, which means some good and some bad, but always an entertaining movie.

The film is beautifully photographed, another Spielberg trait. It also has some innovative special-effects. The sets are magnificent. Robin Williams and Julia Roberts play likable roles, the latter playing "Tinker Bell." Spielberg also has the kids outsmarting the adults, or even outfighting them as in this film (gimme a break); some sexual innuendos that are not needed in this story; too much noise and activity for half the movie.

At 140 minutes, it's a long movie, but the kids shouldn't mind while adults might get a little tired of it after awhile. All in all, it was okay but I didn't care for it as much as most people.

Pretty Good But Dragged In Middle

[pkryder-1 · 7/10 · 29 March 2010]

I enjoyed "Hook" a lot; Dustin Hoffman and Julia Roberts really stood out in this film.

My only complaint is that there was too much silly playing between the lost boys and Peter in the middle of the film, and I feel that this became rather monotonous. I would have liked to see more interaction between Peter Pan and Captain Hook, and also more screen time for the Captain Hook character generally.

Also, Neverland is supposed to have pirates and Indians in it, and there WERE a LOT of pirates. But I never once saw an Indian.

Maggie Smith was a fine actress and it is always great to see her on screen.

I thought that the end of the film, with the old man flying out of the house, was kind of nutty and really unnecessary, a la the all-too literal ending of "Cocoon", in which the senior citizens are shown flying away in an alien spaceship.

My problems with this movie, though, are minor, and I generally consider this a very good fantasy film for kids and adults--at least those of us who never quite grew up--alike.