A film celebrated by a generation as a cinematic treasure has made a triumphant landing on a major streaming platform. Hook, the 1991 fantasy adventure directed by Steven Spielberg, is now available to watch at no extra cost for subscribers of Amazon Prime Video in the United Kingdom.
A Star-Studded Return to Neverland
This imaginative re-telling of J.M. Barrie's Peter Pan features an ensemble cast that reads like a who's who of Hollywood royalty. The late, great Robin Williams leads as Peter Banning, a grown-up lawyer who has forgotten his past as the eternal youth, Peter Pan. He is forced to return to Neverland when his old nemesis, the villainous Captain Hook, played with delicious menace by Dustin Hoffman, kidnaps his children.
The supporting cast is equally impressive. Julia Roberts embodies a sassy Tinker Bell, while Bob Hoskins provides loyal comic relief as Hook's first mate, Smee. In a poignant performance, Dame Maggie Smith plays an elderly Wendy Darling, with a young Gwyneth Paltrow appearing as her childhood self. The film also boasts memorable turns from Phil Collins and Dante Basco as Rufio, the charismatic leader of the Lost Boys who became an icon for 90s kids.
A Divisive Legacy: Critics vs Fans
Despite its enduring popularity, Hook's initial reception was surprisingly mixed. Upon its release, adult critics were harsh, awarding the film a notoriously low 29% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Reviews at the time criticised its uneven tone and what some called weak child performances.
However, the audience score tells a completely different story. Fans have rated it a robust 76% and continue to defend it passionately online. On Rotten Tomatoes, user Ciara B shared, "This is truly one of the greatest childhood movies... I even cried a few times with pure happiness for the memories it brought back." Another fan, Michael R, simply called it a "masterpiece of film."
Actor Will Poulter also counts himself among the film's admirers, including it in his personal list of the five greatest kids' films. He praised Williams' "enigmatic" performance and hailed it as "the best recreation of Peter Pan."
Stream the Magic Now
For those seeking a dose of 90s nostalgia, a swashbuckling adventure, and a little of that signature Spielberg wonder, Hook is now just a click away. Its arrival on Amazon Prime Video offers a new generation the chance to discover its charm and allows longtime fans to relive the magic that defined their childhoods. The journey back to Neverland begins now.
