First star to the right & Egg on yo' face

...And straight on 'till morning! That's the magic of Neverland!

In 1991 the magic of Neverland was introduced in full force at least for me, my favourite movie of all time was released; "Hook".

Hook is my favourite movie for a number of reasons some of which include the fact that this is the only movie that I've ever seen that can inspire an overwhelming and overbearing positivity in me and make me so happy inside that I'm literally driven towards tears, it resonates deeply with me to my very core on an almost spiritual level, and it's simply a bad ass movie if you ask me. Sadly many seemed to disagree, Hook didn't receive that many great reviews for some reason.. But I think the critics were totally wrong on this one..

The movie begins on the introduction of stiff business man Peter Banning whose life is consumed by his drive to succeed in business to the point that he regularly neglects his family and specifically his children.. Peter Banning is not a happy man and it's sad and tragic because his life is a result of his own creation, refusal, and inability to see how he's destroying himself and bringing unhappiness down upon himself and those around him.

This unhappy monotony begins to change however when Peter and his family travel to England to visit their Grandmother, Wendy; THE Wendy.

Yes she is the same original Wendy that first visited Neverland with Peter, the young girl who befriended him had grown old; quite old.. It's actually very well explained in the movie why Peter is an adult and why Wendy is so far older than he in spite of being technically younger. I will state this actress who looks the same today as she did in this movie is amazing, she really nailed this roll. I mean right perfect.

At Granny Wendy's several things are revealed and hinted at.. Eventually we come almost full-circle and it's realized that surprise surprise, Peter Banning is Peter Pan and has forgotten his past; his children have been targeted by James T. Hook and kidnapped to Neverland - The following quote from the movie quite fits what Peter must now do; "Have to fly, have to fight, have to crow, have to save Maggie, have to save Jack.. Hook is back!"

And this is where we're introduced to the amazing Dustin Hoffman who portrays Captain James T. Hook - Another amazing job in acting, Hoffman absolutely dominates this role and his acting is superb. He also completely looks the part.

That's just insane - Hook has never looked more.. Hook..

Now I'm not going to ruin the rest of the movie but the costumes and ambiance of the film is excellently done, the music is amazing and features one bit of music in particular that never fails to inspire absolute optimism in me;

Something about this music is magical to me and screams of adventure and goodness.

Not to mention this movie again had amazing costumes and props

And who in their right mind wouldn't have wanted Pans sword?!

This movie also has a slew of impressive and future talent including one Dante Basco who played the infamous Rufio and later would voice act such roles as Prince Zuko of Avatar and Jake Long of American Dragon.

I can quote this movie from start to finish by heart, that's how many times I've seen it. Hook is amazing, Hook is magical, and Hook will probably always be my absolute favourite movie of all times.

Hook provided me with my current day view on death and mortality;

Captain Hook: Prepare to die Peter.

Peter Pan: To die will be a great adventure.

Captain Hook: Death is the only adventure you have left.

To die would be a great adventure, that's what this movie is about.. The magical, the unknown, and the unseen; adventure. Hook is a great movie that everyone should see at least once and give it fair chance. You won't regret it.

Ain't no game, James!

                                                 

 Dinner:

This beauty of a dish is Fisshingu no tamago (Fishing Eggs) named thus because of the fried egg which sits atop a nice vegetable and fish stir-fry - Also I'd like to point out, UNBROKEN YOLK! WOOHOO!

The main half of this dish consists of fish, carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, seaweed, mushrooms, and a special sweetened Japanese tartar all topped by a beautiful and perfect fried egg. Look at that thing sitting there all beautiful and wonderful.

The sides were a Peanut Butter satsumaimomasshu (Sweet Potato Mash) and a Fruity/Marshmallow Anpan (Sweet Roll) - James seemed to pretty much totally enjoy this dish and I'm very happy with it if you can't tell UNBROKEN YOLK!!!! So... Yeah..

Awesome.