I saw this when it came out on cable tv and key scenes do stick in the memory (the gremlins, the ending) and yet it is virtually forgotten (like most HBO movies of the time).
The concept is very clever, a Roger Rabbit-inspired film noir universe involving the supernatural, Lovecraft is the perfect name for a private eye. We only get glimpses of that such as unicorns or vampire hookers. There could have been more background activity to sell this universe but I understand budget limits.
Fred Ward looks the role but his voice is often muted compared to the other cast members--it was distracting at times. Richard Boone did a tv noir film spoof in the 1970s--playing a burned out detective, but his voice was powerful by comparison.
Also, the weakness of the male lead (in actions) shows this film suffers from a state of political message insertion which now seems so obvious when you look back at older productions like this. His office neighbor helps him a little too much, even providing a lawyer as well as a magic bracelet which undermines the theme--a man who doesn't want or need magic. Well he needs a lot of diversity support.
Lovecraft spends much of the movie reacting to things and although he does initiate the turn of events which leads to the outcome of the story, it is so indirect and unintentional.
Compared to Sam Spade or Philip Marlowe or even Eddie Valiant, he's not doing anything important in the story which is a big strike against it in being memorable as something other than a clever gimmick and homage to horror films such as Night of the Demon and The Haunted Palace.
The concept is very clever, a Roger Rabbit-inspired film noir universe involving the supernatural, Lovecraft is the perfect name for a private eye. We only get glimpses of that such as unicorns or vampire hookers. There could have been more background activity to sell this universe but I understand budget limits.
Fred Ward looks the role but his voice is often muted compared to the other cast members--it was distracting at times. Richard Boone did a tv noir film spoof in the 1970s--playing a burned out detective, but his voice was powerful by comparison.
Also, the weakness of the male lead (in actions) shows this film suffers from a state of political message insertion which now seems so obvious when you look back at older productions like this. His office neighbor helps him a little too much, even providing a lawyer as well as a magic bracelet which undermines the theme--a man who doesn't want or need magic. Well he needs a lot of diversity support.
Lovecraft spends much of the movie reacting to things and although he does initiate the turn of events which leads to the outcome of the story, it is so indirect and unintentional.
Compared to Sam Spade or Philip Marlowe or even Eddie Valiant, he's not doing anything important in the story which is a big strike against it in being memorable as something other than a clever gimmick and homage to horror films such as Night of the Demon and The Haunted Palace.