When anyone came in contact with him, there were only two words: Jonah Hex. And after a while, it got annoying. Likewise, so did the script. And the acting. Come to think of it, there were very few good moments in this film. Jonah Hex played out like a poorly rehearsed western, one that didn't come close to inciting the passions of the audience.
Having seen the trailer, you come to expect something different. What I thought would be a fresh take on a high noon story line, with mystery and intrigue, Jonah Hex had nothing of the kind. The plot skipped around so many times I ended up no longer trying to follow along, feeling as if it were a waste of time and energy.
I found myself letting out more than a few laughs when it obviously wasn't the time to be laughing, all the while I couldn't believe Josh Brolin would commit to a project such as this. Then again, having a mouth that can barely open doesn't give him the opportunity to deliver lines very well, though that is hardly an excuse for his mere involvement.
At the same time, Megan Fox wasn't given much of a character, and could only have been on screen for a total of 20 minutes. Cast as a prostitute, the film relied heavily on her sexual appeal, without allowing her much of a chance to act. Even when the camera was solely focused in on her face, the light seemed to soften in an attempt to portray her in the most flattering way. There were few scenes between she and Hex, and it wasn't clear if they ended up together or not.
The villain, played by John Malkovich, was less than threatening, and yet seemed to hold the destiny of the world in his hands. At the beginning, we were told that he had been killed in a fire, and yet he is alive and we never know why. And what is he so angry about? It is possibly mentioned once, but done so in a way that allows it to be forgotten rather quickly. He was just another character that we were supposed to accept could destroy the country in a moment's notice. I still don't feel the threat of his supposed potential.
Meant to be set in the time of President Grant, Jonah Hex didn't make much of an effort to set the scenery. There were lots of trees and dusty roads, but it still felt like we were in 2010. Also, the movie cut out much of the story by bypassing it in a comic-like style that felt lazy. It's odd they would take out any pieces considering the movie only lasted a total of 80 minutes, shorter than most children's films.
Jonah Hex could satisfy those who will watch any kind of western, no matter how corny. Still, with so little to offer, it's hard to recommend it to any one else.
