Wednesday, April 30, 2014

Bob Hoskins 1942-2014

I had planned to write about more bad gaming habits today but when I turned on my computer I read that Bob Hoskins had passed away.

Bob Hoskins was that actor that was recognizable to everyone because he played so many diverse characters is many different genres of film.
In honor of this great versatile actor here is a list of my favorite Bob Hoskins films.

  1. Super Mario Bros.: When it comes to this movie people either love it or hated it with a passion. Even the main actors, Hoskins and John Leguizamo, have mentioned how they regretted this film. So why is it my number one? Its the strangest combination of sci-fi, video game tie in, adventure and comedy. I played the original Mario game and I watched the Mario Bros tv show as a child and loved them. This film was the campy, beautiful massive version of what I loved. And to be honest Hoskins was exactly how I pictured Mario to be in real life. Leguizamo not so much. And where was Princess Peach? This film wasn't a masterpiece, a lot things went weird, but it was fun. Sometimes fun is all you need. 
  2. Mrs. Henderson Presents: Judi Dench and Bob Hoskins...Yes Please. This comedy was based on the true story of the Windmill Theatre during WWII. What makes this film so funny and compelling is the banter between Dench and Hoskins' characters. Perfect casting. 
  3. Hook: Okay, I love this movie. I watch it every time it is on TV. Robin Williams as Peter Pan. That's all I need. While I could go on for awhile about this film, I'm sticking to Hoskins today. Hoskins played Smee. Another great casting choice. The nicer pirate and the voice of reason to Hook. The Smee moment that stands out most for me is technically not a Smee moment, its Hopkins as the sweeper at the end. I have always believed that they are the same person, Smee is the sweeper. I think that moment in the movie is saying that everything that happened before was real and not Peter Pan's imagination. Neverland is real.
  4. Mermaids: This is an odd movie. Just the cast list alone is odd. Cher, Hoskins, Winona Ryder and Christina Ricci. Its been a few years since I've seen this movie but the Shoop Shoop song pops into my head right away. Why do I remember  it enough to put it on my list. I think it is the odd but affecting feel it has. 
  5. And last, but definitely not least, Who Framed Roger Rabbit: When you think of Bob Hoskins this is the movie that pops into most people's head.  The image of Hoskins as the 1940's detective Eddie Valiant is the most recognized character he played. And with good cause. He is really the only main human character, playing opposite cartoons. And yet it seemed so natural. This will probably be the movie he will be remembered for, despite his long and varied career. That is not necessarily a bad thing. Although I was traumatized by "the Dip" scene, that poor shoe. Curse you Judge Doom.
These are just a few of the movies Bob Hoskins acted in. I didn't even delve into television or stage credits.
A great actor.

~Eris
 

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