Review of Hellraiser (1987) by Whit W — 03 Aug 2012

"Hellraiser" is a dark, dark tale about opening a door to an alternate dimension with a puzzlebox and some sexual perversion. This movie was a bit unsettling when compared to the "Halloween", "Friday the 13th" and "Nightmare on Elm Street" sequels that dominated 1980's horror. "Hellraiser" is a pretty original idea and even more original in its execution. It's got a grainy look and a dirty, grimy feel. The characters are totally unlikeable except for daughter Kirsty, who is downright heroic battling evil Frank, manipulative Julia and oh yeah...hellish demons from another world.

I thought the puzzlebox device would have added a bit of suspense and dread as it served as the key to unleash the monsters. Instead, I found that I was frustrated trying to figure out how the damned thing twisted and turned the way it did. The centerpiece of the horror seemed to be the Pinhead character and his rotating meathook torture wheel. It was certainly a gory machine, but it didn't deliver real scares. I found the highlight to be an impressive effect featuring Frank's transformation from evil spirit to skinless skeleton.

I usually like movies that are a little darker, a little menacing. Unfortunately, "Hellraiser" offers such hopelessness and depravity that I found nothing in it to really recommend.