Review of Lifeforce (1985) by Alex R — 18 Jun 2013

Tobe Hooper has always pushed the envelope in terms of delivering effective horror to an audience. This is one of those horror films that takes a few viewings to really get into due to the fact that it's quite bizarre and eccentric.

The premise is quite interesting, but does leave something to be desired. The film boasts some impressive sequences of terror with great gore. Lifeforce is an interesting concept for a film that is based around space vampires, and with that being said, it is an idea that should have been great, but as it stands, only ends up being good.

I say that because the final act of the film leaves a lot to be desired and with we've seen in the impressive first hour and a half, the ending is a bit disappointing, and you can clearly see that the filmmakers were struggling with the ending.

Despite its ending, this is an accomplished horror film that relies on great effects and a well structured plot to terrify and immerse the viewer into the film. This may not be the best Tobe Hooper film, but it is quite overlooked.

I admit I really didn't enjoy this one upon a first viewing, but after watching the director's cut of the film, which is far superior, I really got into this one. The film is bizarre, but it tries to be different, and it works well enough to keep you on the edge of your seat.

The ending could have been reworked, but overall this is a good film that should be seen by Tobe Hooper fans. Lifeforce is not a great film, but it is a good horror yarn that tries to do something different in the medium, and it does it in a way to make you take notice and appreciate what the filmmakers have done here.

This is an overlooked picture that is far better the second time around, and ranks up there as among Hooper's most eccentric works.