The setting: 1948. Magic is commonplace, considered a sign of advancement. Philip Lovecraft, a private investigator, takes on cases for hire, but his latest assignment—locating a missing book titled “The Necronomicon”—leads him into dangerous situations filled with dark magic and frightening creatures seeking to harm him. Tasked with protecting an innocent woman, recovering the magical text, and solving a murder mystery, Lovecraft must rely on his intelligence, strength, and a reliable pistol to survive. And in this world, the possibility of returning from the brink of death is very real… “Supernoirtural” seems like an ideal description for this film. *Cast a Deadly Spell* stands out as something special, a rare find and a genuinely entertaining experience. It was produced for HBO in 1991, directed by Martin Campbell (known for *GoldenEye*, *Casino Royale*, and *The Mask of Zorro*) and features Fred Ward as Lovecraft, Clancy Brown, David Warner, and Julianne Moore portraying Lovecraft’s former lover and current associate, Connie Stone. It's baffling that it hasn’t been released on DVD, denying it the audience it deserves. This is a flawless combination of film noir, dry humor, and Lovecraftian horror. The screenplay (written by Joseph Dougherty) is clever, humorous without being frivolous, and contains well-placed references to H.P. Lovecraft's work. Fred Ward delivers an excellent performance as the cynical and sharp-tongued detective, arguably one of the best modern portrayals of a noir private eye. He clearly enjoys delivering the over-the-top dialogue. For example: > Hackshaw: You don’t believe in magic? > Lovecraft: I believe it, just don’t use it. > Hackshaw: Why? > Lovecraft: Personal reasons. > Hackshaw: And they are? > Lovecraft: Personal. Or this exchange: > Olivia: That’s quite a tie. > Lovecraft: Oh, thanks. > Olivia: Did it put up much of a fight? > Lovecraft: No, I snuck up behind it. Clancy Brown is imposing as the criminal boss, Julianne Moore would be right at home alongside Barbara Stanwyck as a classic femme fatale, and David Warner is in top form. Director Campbell fully embraces the story’s pulpy nature and directs with considerable style; it's almost like he filmed it in the manner of Roger Corman’s low-budget films, using exaggerated shots and heightened colors. The acting elevates the film, and the direction gives it more sophistication than one might expect from a made-for-cable movie. It’s an impressive pairing. Considering the talent involved both on and off screen for this television production, it's hard to understand why it hasn’t been released on DVD. A poor quality VHS copy exists (and a somewhat rough but usable version can be downloaded online), but it’s time for HBO to release this hidden treasure on home video. Action-packed, intense, slightly campy (in the best way)…this is an exceptionally fun film that needs to be seen. I highly recommend it.

Source on TMDB