MOVIE REVIEW
Mr. Crocket
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Genre: Horror
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 28m
Director(s): Brandon Espy
Writer(s): Brandon Espy, Carl Reid
Cast: Jerrika Hinton, Elvis Nolasco, Ayden Gavin, Kristolyn Lloyd, Alex Akpobome
Where To Watch: coming to Hulu on October 11, 2024

RAVING REVIEW: A quaint Pennsylvania town becomes the eerie backdrop for MR. CROCKET is a film that cleverly twists the traditional children's television host into a harbinger of horror (let’s be honest, most of them weren’t far from it.) This 1993-set movie, directed by Brandon Espy and produced by Hulu Originals and WorthenBrooks, melds camp, fantasy, and terror into a narrative that, while occasionally all over the place with its tone, pushes the envelope of conventional genre boundaries with its audacious storytelling and innovative use of practical effects.

Summer, played by Jerrika Hinton, is a mother on a mission to rescue her son, Major (Ayden Gavin,) from the clutches of the malevolent Mr. Crocket, a sinister figure brought to life with a definite chill by Elvis Nolasco. MR. CROCKET distinguishes itself in the horror landscape by crafting a villain who merges genuine terror with the over-the-top antics of camp horror and just a pinch of FIVE NIGHTS AT FREDDY’S, trapping the audience with his deceptive charm.

Mr. Crocket, in his almost comically accurate attire, entices children into his twisted world, promising them safety from the evil grown-ups only to plunge them into a nightmare. The film's visual homage to classic horror is particularly evident from the gorgeous set design to the consistent but not overwhelming use of TV static and a lived-in world.

The film’s exploration into Mr. Crocket's origins sometimes saps the momentum, clouding the dread with overly expository backstories that lessen the enigmatic allure of its antagonist. Sometimes, not knowing the backstory makes horror icons even scarier. Espy’s directorial style is evident in the pulse-pounding sequences of terror, juxtaposed with slower, dialogue-heavy scenes that can feel cumbersome.

Despite this minor narrative stumble and an occasional overreliance on 1990s nostalgia that can feel more like a narrative prop than an integrated element, MR. CROCKET unashamedly celebrates its genre roots. I would love to see more of this world with less exposition. Nolasco's portrayal of Mr. Crocket anchors the film, delivering a performance that flawlessly oscillates between frightful and charismatic, ensuring it resonates with fans of innovative horror mash-ups.

While the film develops its central antagonist, other character arcs receive a different depth of narrative development, leaving some emotional investments on the table. Though visually compelling, the film's climax rushes towards a resolution that lacks the gradual tension buildup necessary to satisfy fully, culminating in a showdown that, while intended to be climactic, feels somewhat anticlimactic.

MR. CROCKET revels in its cinematic contradictions, blending practical horror elements with the shortcomings of its ambition. It features standout performances and creative, practical effects but is periodically hindered by its uneven pacing and dependency on nostalgic elements. While it might not revolutionize the horror genre, it provides enough originality and engaging flair to offer a unique viewing experience for those seeking a blend of old-school homage and contemporary camp. Long story short, something here needs to be explored more! I don’t know what the future will hold, but I hope this isn’t the last we’ve seen of Mr. Crocket!

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[photo courtesy of HULU, WORTHENBROOKS]

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