Three years ago, the 24 days leading up to Christmas, Strangers and Aliens presented 24 Christmas movies that aren’t Christmas movies, but really kind of are, for various reasons. And now, we’re doing it again! Here’s 24 more Christmas movies that are set around Christmas or use Christmas to set tone or set up a theme . . . but weren’t made to be Christmas movies…

#43 — Hook

What it’s supposed to be: Stephen Spielberg’s sequel to Peter Pan, in which Peter is all grown up, doesn’t remember his adventures in Neverland, and finds his children kidnapped by Captain Hook, who DOES remember it all.

Why it’s a Christmas movie: Peter (Robin Williams) and his family are in London for a Christmas vacation. Of course, it’s not much of a vacation for the workaholic former leader of the Lost Boys, which can only lead to one thing in a Hollywood movie. His children are going to be taken. And they are. At Christmas time. Returning to London at the end, Peter gives his family a great gift: he throws his cell phone into the snow outside.

Thoughts: I have problems with this movie. Primarily with the themes, but also with the relationships that women have with peter. But I still enjoy it. It’s escapism, for sure, and the final battle involves Ewok Endor battle levels of suspicion of disbelief . . . but we’re watching a movie about people who fly via use of pixie dust, right? Overall, it’s a solid film in Spielberg’s 90s catalogue.

Is It Naughty or Nice? This one I wavered on. I’m pretty ambivalent about Hook. I won’t choose to watch it on my own, but if a friend invited me over to watch it I wouldn’t turn them down. Ultimately, though, I have to go with…

Santa Ben’s Verdict:

Naughty

Your verdict? Let me know below in the comments!

Next: Babe

Previous: King Kong (2005)

You can follow this series of posts by clicking here: Strange Christmas Movies

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