Jonah Hex

The continuous trend of comic book films certainly hit a new low with “Jonah Hex.” An adaptation of the popular DC comics released series is a rumbled mess that in all sincerity could’ve been something fun and one of the more memorable comic book adaptations released in recent years. Instead of joyous comic adventure that is exciting and all around enjoyable is an inconsequentially muddled work that is poorly conceived and implemented. As previously suggested the film version of “Jonah Hex” could’ve been a lot of fun. Given the inimitable eccentricity of the comic character and that of the post-Civil War setting when the plot takes place “Jonah Hex” could be looked at as a great example of a film whose realization should’ve been left on its glossy illustrated pages.

In the film Academy Award nominee Josh Brolin stars as the series title character Jonah Hex, a Civil War hero turned bounty hunter who is recruited by the U.S. Government to hunt down the inhuman mercenary Quentin Turnbull (Josh Malkovich), who is also responsible for the murder of [Jonah] Hex’s late wife and son. Filled with the traditional comic book action sequences and visuals “Jonah Hex” falls into a category of those (more recent) poorly done comic book adaptations similar to the likes of “The Spirit” and “Iron Man 2.” Though I will admit “The Spirit” and “Iron Man 2” were not as bad as “Jonah Hex” they were not as good either.

Personally I believe it would have to be the films poor editing which contributed to “Jonah Hex” being so ridiculously bad. It had to have been clear to the filmmakers that the film was so inconsistent in terms of its progression. Major plot points and characters backgrounds are never explained only further confusing audiences. Furthermore, and most importantly, the character of Jonah Hex is in fact a comic character who embodies special powers, these literally are never explained and when they do its either very minimal and or explained in a fashion that has no merit.

Written for the screen by screen writing duo Mark Neveldine and Brian Taylor, whom I consider rather able, yet twisted filmmakers based on their previous efforts including the “Crank” series and the rarely seen “Pathology,” provided the film, from the looks of it, with a fine script. On the other hand and as previously referenced the major problem with “Jonah Hex” was the films editing which by and large ruined its comprehensiveness. “Jonah Hex” director Jimmy Hayward, really didn’t do that bad a job directing “Jonah Hex” seeing what obviously occurred in the course of post-production will likely attain the bulk of the films harsh criticism considering his involvement. With all this being said, audiences will wonder and ask, what made “Jonah Hex” all that bad?

Sure the film doesn’t have the best acting, though I thought Josh Brolin as the title character was pretty solid, a lot more, in my opinion, is expected from John Malkovich and Megan Fox. I did enjoy those minor and supporting roles from the likes of Jeffrey Dean Moran, Wes Bentley and Aidan Quinn as President Grant but in all seriousness they couldn’t have saved this movie by any means. The films great moments of nicely staged action sequences and art direction help keep “Jonah Hex” afloat in terms of endurableness but at its end, this is one comic adventure that is plain and simply comical.