023 Hook (1991)

“LOOKY LOOKY, I GOT HOOKY!“ On this week’s episode we talk about 1991’s Hook, directed by Steven Spielberg. We revisit the same year Terminator 2: Judgement Day was released, and we go back to another Steven Spielberg film that isn’t Jurassic Park. Austin walks us back to his childhood, reminiscing about when he would rewatch the VHS tape of Hook and cheering “RUFIO, RUFIO, RUFI…O!” when Dante Basco would make his entrance into the film. But does the film hold up? We talk about the inclusion of Rufio in the film and what it meant to Asian Americans who were underrepresented in the film world. We delve into the writing, specifically how we felt about Captain Hook, the female characters, and about the message and theme of the film. But for the wildest segment, our special guest this week educates Jorge and Austin in the making of the film. Like how Frank Castle, the original actor for Michael Myers from Halloween was supposed to direct the film, and how at one point a major popstar was set to play the role of Peter Pan, ultimately losing the role to Robin Williams. To find out who that popstar was, and what Austin and Jorge think of the film, tune in for this week’s episode of Retro Grade Podcast! Also, we have merch! Check out our Instagram @retrograde_pod and check out our link in the bio, or just click HERE. Music is from Triune Digital and audio clips pulled from movies we will be reviewing in other episodes. Artwork by @jannelle_o