Though it’s not an extensive genre, fiction that blends futuristic technology and westerns can be really entertaining. Borrowing elements of the old world and mixing them with technology of the new, much like steampunk, weird westerns certainly create an interesting “what if…” kind of world. It’s easy to find yourself wanting the nifty weapons and gadgets of this type of universe. Compared to other movies of the weird west genre Jonah Hex is quite a letdown as an individual piece and as a comic book adaptation.
Jonah Hex is reminiscent of 1999’s Wild Wild West, which frankly is a better blend of the sci-fi and western genres. While Wild Wild West incorporates more adventure style action and inventions, Jonah Hex lends more of its energy towards the gritty dress and grungy attitude. The costuming and tone however do not create a more entertaining movie, they just help establish the setting. Hex teases you with a couple of very cool futuristic guns, but it never really delivers the extensive action that a good genre bender should have.
It is based on the comic book series titled after its protagonist, although the core plot for Jonah Hex is a very simple revenge story. The Confederate army officer Jonah Hex betrays his comrades who perpetrated crimes against innocent people, and as a result his friend Jeb Turnbull is put to death by Union soldiers. Jeb’s father Quentin (John Malkovich) another Confederate officer, turns against Hex, destroying Hex’s home and family before permanently scarring the man with a brand on his face. Jonah dies from his injuries, though luckily for him the magic of Indian medicine men resurrects him from the afterlife. Hex’s brief time on the other side grants him powers to speak to the dead and allow him to survive extensive injuries.
Thus Jonah Hex roams the west as a bounty hunter, attempting to track down Turnbull so that he can kill the man. Jonah’s only attachment is Lilah (Megan Fox), a tough-as-nails hooker with a soft side for him. After Quentin Turnbull acquires a prototype weapon capable of massive destruction, President Ulysses Grant sends his army to find Jonah Hex. The President believes that if anyone has the hope of stopping Turnbull and saving the United States from certain disaster it’s Hex.
At 81 minutes, this film is incredibly tight, with almost no excess scenes. The attempt by writers Neveldine and Taylor to keep it simple is certainly respectable, because it does not waste the viewer’s time with frivolous content. Unfortunately though it does not allow the audience room to get to know or to sympathize with Jonah Hex or his lady friend Lilah.
Feeling unfulfilled by the depth, carries over into other aspects Jonah Hex is lacking. Josh Brolin is amusing as the cold-hearted gunslinger Jonah Hex and John Malkovich plays a dastardly villain, though the film as a whole leaves you wanting more action, cool weapons, and supernatural events. All of these things could be found in a more developed picture with additional running time. This adaptation seems like it was hastily assembled just to make money quick money off of comic book fans.