The Super Network

I’m going to be blunt.  This year has been absolutely shitty when it comes to the amount of beloved celebrities that have passed away.  Unfortunately, today we have lost another one.  It’s with a heavy heart that I’m writing about the death of Bob Hoskins.  I’ve been a fan of his since my childhood, so this tribute is hard to write.

Whether you are a movie buff or a casual movie fan, odds are you have watched one of his movies at some point in time in your life.  Hoskins has been over a hundred movies, running the gamut of genres.  He’s been gangsters, detectives, a pirate and even Super Mario himself.  Not too shabby for a Cockney kid with little education if you ask me.

Who Framed Roger Rabbit

The role of Eddie Valiant is how I will always remember Bob Hoskins.  I was fortunate enough to see this movie as a kid in the theater with my dad and to this day I enjoy it just as much, if not more so, as I did upon my first viewing.  In a movie that Hoskins could have been considered an afterthought, he instead brought a lot of gravitas to the role.   Honestly, I consider this movie to truly show his range as an actor.  You can’t help but feel for the man in his darkest moments in the film.  At the same time, he will make you laugh your ass off when he proves he can get just as silly as the best cartoon character.  His song and dance number is one of the greatest scenes ever put to film.  Try watching it and not laughing.  I dare you.

Hook

In 1991, Steven Spielberg released his take on the Peter Pan mythos with the incredible movie Hook.  Robin Williams and Dustin Hoffman both had a commanding presence as the two leads.  One character that always stood out to me was Hook’s right hand man, Schmee.  Hoskins stole many scenes throughout the movie as Schmee and that says a lot since most of his scenes are with the legendary Dustin Hoffman.  Despite technically being a villain, I can’t help but love the character.  If anyone else had played him, I honestly don’t believe it would have the same impact.

Super Mario Brothers

Look, I’m not going to try to sell anyone on this movie.  The movie is pure garbage.  Hoskins, however, is the best thing about it.  Honestly, I think he was the only one actually trying to give a performance in this movie.  Oh, and his words about working on this movie are the sole reason I’m including it here.  His raw honesty is refreshing

The worst thing I ever did? Super Mario Brothers.   It was a f**kin’ nightmare. The whole experience was a nightmare. It had a husband-and-wife team directing, whose arrogance had been mistaken for talent. After so many weeks, their own agent told them to get off the set! F**kin’ nightmare. F**kin’ idiots.

Respect.

Snow White and the Huntsman

While I’m not a fan of this movie, it was his final film so it deserves acknowledgement.  After filming this movie, he announced his retirement from acting.  This was due to his doctor’s diagnosis that he had Parkinson’s Disease.  Such a shame, because no matter his age the man always brought it.  Even if the movie was complete crap(see above) or under-appreciated(Doomsday.  He was amazing as always in it).

One role he never got to play, but I wish he had, was the role of Oswald Cobblepot.  How great could he have been if Christopher Nolan had decided one of his Batman movies needed The Penguin in it?!?!  Need proof?

Told you so

I’m going to close this tribute to the great man with a wish for his family.  I know this is the hardest of times, but if there is any solace to be had, know that Mr. Bob Hoskins brought fond memories to millions of fans across the world.  His legacy will forever live on through his family, his films and us, his fans.

Rest in Peace Eddie.  I hope you find your smile in the great Toon Town in the sky.