Cast a Deadly Spell

"Don't do it...whatever you think it's gonna be, it'll end up something else." - Phil

release year: 1991
genre: fantasy/horror/drama
viewing setting: home DVD 2/25/26

synopsis: In 1948, everyone uses magic and monsters are commonplace...and a private eye is hired to recover an evil magic book.

impressions: This was a mix of two genres: film noir detective and the supernatural. The protagonist has plenty of snappy lines, and bad guys use magic to deal with victims. What Lovecraft doesn't know yet (but learns in the course of his adventures) is that the book everyone's after can be used to summon an evil god and turn the world into hell. This was pretty entertaining and had a variety of creatures...I spotted a gargoyle, a vampire, and a werewolf in addition to one big zombie that was around a lot. It's kind of a mystery, but with big consequences depending on the outcome.

acting: Fred Ward nails the tough, sassy detective role. Clancy Brown does a similarly good job but as a bad guy. Julianne Moore is a nightclub singer who's been involved with both of them. David Warner is the wealthy client who's not quite giving all the facts. Charles Hallahan is the head cop in town.

final word: Interesting and fun take on the H.P. Lovecraft mythos.

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