‘Your kid’s best friend. Your worst nightmare.’
Mr. Crocket is a 2024 horror film about a mother trying to rescue her son from a demonic children’s show host who is kidnapping kids.
The movie was directed by Brandon Espy from a screenplay co-written with co-producer Carl Reid based on Espy’s 2022 ‘Bite Size Halloween’ short of the same name. It was produced by David Brooks, Jenna Cavelle, Josh Feldman, Jesse Ford, Sean King O’Grady and Arbi Pedrossian. Executive produced by Miles Alva.
The Hulu Originals-WorthenBrooks co-production stars Jerrika Hinton, Alex Akpobome, Elvis Nolasco, Lyla Randall, Akim Black, Kristolyn Lloyd, Jabari Striblin, Riley Vinson, Gina Jarrin, Ayden Gavin and Melanie Christine Leon-Soon.
Plot:
In 1993, a mysterious children’s show host, Mr. Crocket, magically emerges from television sets to kidnap young children, brutally slaying their parents in the process. After Mr. Crocket snatches her son, one determined mother embarks on a perilous quest to track down the demonic entertainer and rescue her boy…
Reviews:
“The feature has the potential to become something insane, and Nolasco’s performance is certainly attempting to reach heights of wickedness, but the whole thing deflates just when it should escalate. The picture leaves viewers wanting something crazier from this universe, but the writing struggles to provide it.” ★★½ Blu-ray.com
“From an acting perspective, Elvis Nolasco, as the villain of this entire endeavor, absolutely steals the show. He’s menacing and charming all at once. His absolutely disturbing smile would be endearing if not for the circumstances. Nolasco’s ability to shift Crocket’s expression on a dime while delivering absurd lines belongs to the greatest horror villains.” 7/10 But Why Tho?
“I will commend this movie for having gorgeous practical effects. That definitely did work exactly as intended. Unfortunately, you never get the time to care for the kids or most of the parents. This results in you, as the viewer, just going through the motions in a completely detached way.” ★★ Heaven of Horror
” …if you subscribe to Hulu, Mr. Crocket is worth checking out, as a memorable bogeyman character. If he catches on, a subsequent installment could conceivably expand and enrich the Crocket mythos. As it stands, the first film is just okay (but probably sufficient for low-expectation Halloween viewing)…” J.B. Spins
“The film’s puppetry and static world invoke a nightmarish nostalgia for old-school children’s shows. Eventually, a beautifully animated storybook delivers us a handy backstory for its central lead on a silver platter. This is maybe the weakest element of the script, as it serves to humanize Crocket himself slightly too much. The horror lies in the mystery of the unknown…” ★★★½ Josh at the Movies
“Mr. Crocket may have a great premise and plenty of admirable qualities to it, but the final product is a bit of a disappointment that not only wastes a great premise, but also a strong performance from Elvis Nolasco. While nothing offensive and does not wear out its welcome […] unless one is an avid horror fan who keeps up with all the latest horror releases, this is one that can safely be skipped without missing much.” Keith Loves Movies
“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…” ★★★½ Overly Honest Reviews
Trailer:
Release:
Mr. Crocket will have its world premiere at the 2024 Fantastic Fest who say it “struck the Fantastic Fest programming team for set pieces reminiscent of the Nightmare on Elm Street franchise and the tone of Tales from the Hood. Espy’s directorial debut is a fun nightmare slasher with a real emotional core. Elvis Nolasco’s performance as the titular villain, Mr. Crocket, alternates between charming host and sociopathic murderer. A terrifying mashup of Freddy Krueger and Mr. Rogers, he owns the frame whenever he is onscreen as a charismatic and demented personality that will enrapture you just as much as he does the children he kidnaps. So grab some popcorn and strap in for the world premiere of this kids’ TV show from hell, Mr. Crocket.”
The movie will be available on Hulu on October 11, 2024.
