Mr. Crocket 2024: The Revolution Begins

 

“Mr. Crocket,” streaming on HuraWatch TV, serves as a Halloween-themed entertainment piece that draws inspiration from the realm of children’s television of the 1980s and 1990s, aiming to evoke a unique form of eeriness suitable for the season. Co-writer and director Brandon Espy envisions a sinister twist on the nostalgic VHS content, transforming its innocence into something more malevolent, complete with a substantial backstory. The film features notable elements such as puppetry, animation, and gore, highlighted by a chilling performance from Elvis Nolasco in the titular role, which adds depth to the project. However, the remainder of the film suffers from pacing and narrative issues, causing it to lose momentum approximately halfway through. The narrative only truly engages the audience intermittently, resulting in a somewhat superficial exploration of VCR-inspired horror and commentary on contemporary parenting challenges.

The story follows Summer, who has recently lost her husband, Jerrel, and is now faced with the responsibility of raising their young son, Major, alone. The single mother grapples with the difficulties of managing work, household duties, and Major’s behavioral problems, as the child proves to be a handful for his already stressed parent. When a book-sharing box appears in their vicinity, Summer discovers “Mr. Crocket’s World,” a VHS tape that promises valuable life lessons and vibrant characters. Major is instantly captivated by the show, but a transformation occurs within him that Summer cannot comprehend. Unbeknownst to her, Mr. Crocket, the seemingly cheerful television host, is actually preying on troubled families, gathering children to populate his sinister realm. In her quest to find Mr. Crocket, Summer joins forces with Rhonda and Eddie, two other parents who have also lost children, as they delve deeper into his dark history and intentions regarding the children he ensnares.