Into The Dark: Pooka! Review: Dr Jekyll And Mr Pooka

I'm finally getting around to watching "Into The Dark's" offering for December. The third installment of the Hulu/Blumhouse series centers around an actor who becomes the mascot for the most popular Christmas toy of the year. Wilson (Nyasha Hatendi) is a lonely guy. He just wants to find work and meet an equally nice girl and start a family. He eventually gets a gig as the only Pooka. He is going to make a lot of money but must sign a confidentially clause. Wilson takes the costume home. Pooka quickly develops a dark side. His tagline is "naughty or nice" after all. Or maybe Wilson is mentally ill. We're not sure which.

This duality of character is depicted in several ways-- flashing red and blue lights, Wilson losing time, and a Pooka with flaming eyes. Pooka trashes Wilson's apartment. He may or may not have killed his next door neighbor. He beats up Wilson. Pooka doesnt want Wilson to have a good life. He wants Wilson all to himself.

Soon the Pooka dolls begin malfunctioning and Wilson is out of a job. The owner takes the Pooka costume back which freaks out Wilson BIG TIME. He needs the costume in order to function. His mental issues soon become evident to new girlfriend Melanie. I wont give away the perplexing end. HINT: This movie is based on Dicken's "A Christmas Carol".

Grade: 3 1/2 Monsters (out of 5). The premise is interesting and the ending is definitely a shocker. Nyasha Hatendi is compelling to watch as Wilson. But the plot lags at times. it's 80 minutes that could have been easily shortened into an hour.