'Mr. Crocket' review: Don’t be this guy’s neighbor
Courtesy of Hulu
"Mr. Crocket" is a horror film that blends the innocence of Mister Rogers with the sinister undertones of Freddy Krueger, introducing a terrifying new figure to the canon of serial killers and psychos. The film puts a horrifying spin on public access television shows aimed at children, set in the early '90s and echoing the visual language of "I Saw the TV Glow." It follows the chilling story of the titular Mr. Crocket, a new boogeyman.
Crocket's mode of attack is simple yet disturbing: he preys on neglected children whose parents are abusive, indifferent, or simply absent. He emerges from the TV to kidnap children, first torturing and mutilating their parents with practical, gory effects that co-writer and director Brandon Espy amplifies at all the right moments.
One parent who manages to escape is Summer (Jerrika Hinton), whose child has been abducted by Mr. Crocket. She embarks on a wild and bizarre journey that hints at Crocket’s origins, even as he evades discovery. This engaging tale revolves around a mother’s desperate quest to save her son. While "Mr. Crocket" does delve into numerous expositional asides, it never feels boring.
The film’s demonic "Pee Wee’s Playhouse" vibe, combined with a sensational performance from Elvis Nolasco as the diabolical Mr. Crocket, makes it a worthy Halloween streaming release.
At only 90 minutes, it maintains a steady pace, though it struggles to retain momentum after being adapted from a 20-minute short.
The real highlight is the inventive and inspired effects, including a standout use of a bubble gun that’s truly mind-blowing. Espy also employs various techniques to lay the groundwork for Mr. Crocket’s troubled past, including a clever 2D animation sequence.
However, the writing could have benefited from a few refinements, as it leans on clichéd tropes like the sad, single mother and the troubled man with a past. There's even a side character reminiscent of the Oracle in "The Matrix." It’s almost laughable how Espy and co-writer Carl Reid attempt to explain the narrative and the conception of the main character, but the film works best when it takes a step back and lets the story unfold with subtlety.
Perhaps this is why the original 20-minute short was so well received. Maybe it would have been better as an extended "Black Mirror" episode, but there's no denying that I had fun watching "Mr. Crocket." I think audiences seeking Friday night Halloween escapism will likely feel the same way—perhaps with a drink or two beforehand.
Grade: B-
MR.CROCKET streams on Hulu Friday, October 11th
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