Movie #272 - Hook

Hook
1991 - Rated PG - 2 hr 24 min
Director: Steven Spielberg
Starring: Robin Williams, Dustin Hoffman, Julia Roberts, Bob Hoskins, Maggie Smith, Caroline Goodall, Phil Collins, Dante Basco

Quite possibly the best thing about this movie is Dustin Hoffman as Captain Hook. I like the reboot concept: Peter Pan leaves Neverland and grows up, only to forget who he once was.  When Hook kidnaps his kid, Peter has to go back, remember how to fly, and save his kids.  Aside from Robin Williams being explained away as distincty NOT having a British accent (he was adopted by Americans), the disturbing plotline of him marrying Wendy's granddaughter, and a whiney son, the movie's pretty good.  This was definitely a childhood favorite that's still good but not as great as I remember.

Again, Dustin Hoffman is amazing. And Ruffio and the Lost Boys are fun to watch. I could skip Julia Roberts's Tinkerbell, but she doesn't ruin the movie.  Overall, a fun family movie that's still enjoyable after all these years.

Movie #270 - Hollywoodland

Hollywoodland
2006 - Rated R - 2 hr 6 min
Director: Allen Coulter
Starring: Adrien Brody, Ben Affleck, Diane Lane, Bob Hoskins, Robin Tunney

I love a good murder mystery, espeically one like this.  A mysterious suicide doesn't look right to one investigator, and it's not just any suicide either.  It's Superman's (or the actor that played him, anyway) and there are lots of reasons for him to kill himself but even more for others to do the job instead.  So is it suicide?

The resulting flashbacks aim to tell the story while Adrien Brody tries to get to the bottom of the story.  Ben Affleck embodies the legendary George Reeves well, donning the famous red and blue suit like a champ.  I'm not sure how much of the movie is truth or theory, but they unfold this mystery with just the right amount of suspense and intrigue.

After I finished the movie, I wanted to learn more.  If you're curious, there's a whole article on TruTV.com that will fill in the blanks for you.

Movie #184 - Enemy at the Gates

Enemy at the Gates
2001 - Rated R - 2 hr 11 min
Director: Jean-Jacques Annaud
Starring: Jude Law, Ed Harris, Joseph Fiennes, Rachel Weisz, Bob Hoskins, Ron Perlman

Here's a twisted transition for you.... Enchanted to Enemy at the Gates. But here we are.  World War II. Snipers. Russian war camp.  Yippee!

Once I wrapped my brain around this non-musical, non-animated, non-happy-whatsoever movie, I remembered how much I enjoy it.  Joseph Fiennes has redeemed himself since Elizabeth (for me, anyway) with his character here, who really means well but gets a little too jealous for his own good.  In the end, he's a true friend though and makes the ultimate sacrifice.

This is one of my favorite roles for Jude Law as well, who doesn't get to be pretty in this movie and is not surrounded by flocks of women.  He really gets to act.  And watching his various stand-offs with one Ed Harris (scary, Nazi mo-fo in this, btw) is just delightful, in a very morbid way.  Thrilling? Compelling? We'll go with compelling.

Then there's poor Rachel Weisz, who just wants to help. Then just wants to love Jude Law like any other girl, okay? Leading us to the most awkward love scene in cinematic history. I'm serious. Most. Awkward. Scene. Ever.  But definitely well done.

And that's that. This movie makes me sad, but it's so powerful to watch.  I love it.