Jonah Hex

Based on a DC comic series, ‘Jonah Hex’ is a permanently disfigured cowboy, who has survived death after being saved by Crow Indians. Since his near death experience, Hex (Josh Brolin) is left with supernatural powers enabling him to speak with the dead. Directed by Jimmy Hayward (“Horton Hears a Who!”) this film is set in the Wild West and follows a bounty hunter whose horrifically scarred face and sarcastic personality hides his honourable nature.

Western Fans will probably appreciate this film more than Superhero fans. Set in the aftermath of the Civil War, Jonah Hex is a story of betrayal and redemption. His violent background is steeped in myth and legend. His only human connection is with prostitute, Leila (Megan Fox) in a New Orleans brothel. Though she is obviously devoted to him, as a love interest for Hex, this relationship just doesn’t work. From his point of view its simple, he pays her for sex. She might as well have been cut out of the movie altogether, not because of her bad acting but because there’s no reason for her character to be in the movie at all.


However Jonah’s past is about to catch up on him when the U.S military makes him an offer he can’t refuse. In exchange for his freedom Jonah must help them stop dangerous terrorist Quentin Turnbull (John Malkovich), a former Confederate Officer, who is ready to unleash hell on the US government. Turnbull is also Jonah’s oldest enemy and he is out for revenge since Turnbull killed his wife and child and left his face brutally scarred.    

This was never going to be one for the purists. Not a great script and some of the performances leave a lot to be desired but Brolin who is terrific in the lead brings a charm to Hex. At a mere 81minutes and given its 15A/15 certificate the best parts of this movie may have been left on the cutting room floor.