Mr. Crocket

This film reminds me a lot the old school Nightmare on Elm. You have supernatural being (boogeyman, demon, whatever) who is after children. His reasoning is different from Freddy, but that basic premise remains. Horror elements are mixed with comedy to give it a campy feel, so don't expect some serious like the Exorcist. This is just some good old 1980's horror fun.

This is not going to blow anyone away, but it does carry some creepy 80's campy vibes and has a interesting lead performance. It understands and treats its supporting characters as extremely shallow and expendable so don't expect anything beyond the thinnest characters who are not long for the screen.

This Huluween original is a bit like "Nightmare on Elm Street" meets "Amanda the Adventurer". The idea of ​​a children's show as a haven for evil - of whatever kind - is something I've come across a lot in various media over the last few months."Mr. Crocket" also does a lot right: atmospheric images, a great villain, theme songs, practical effects, creative monsters and a handful of scary images (e.g. the fingers reaching out of the slot of the VHS recorder).Unfortunately, the film wastes a lot of potential: the film is too scary for small children, too boring for adults. The focus on the adults makes the middle part of the film a test of patience. The story and dialogue aren't all that great either. And to be honest, I've already forgotten most of it a few days after enjoying it.

Mr. Crocket is an interesting enough character but the movie drops to a snail's pace halfway through and never recovers. It just doesn't do enough to warrant being as long as it is. It's a shame because the potential was there.