Review of Pumpkinhead (1988) by Alec B — 26 Oct 2013
A great looking monster is the only thing great, or even good, about "Pumpkinhead". This is a movie written around an awesome looking beast that someone created in Stan Winston's effects shop. The monster is a very cool creation. It spends its time stalking some young adults who accidentally kill a little boy.
About the monster, it looks fantastic. The fangs, clawed hands and drooling mouth show amazing detail. There are times when closeups of its face make it hard to tell that it's not real. Unfortunately, that can't be said for almost anytime it moves, lifts or pulls something. During creature attacks, things are timed so that they happen off-screen or only a portion of the monster is seen when it has to do something, like say...walk.
Another problem is the claustrophobic feel this movie has. The characters are being chased by the creature but it's like they're running in place. The sound stage must have been the size of my living room.
Lance Henriksen is his usual glum self but those are the roles he plays well, so here's your paycheck, Lance. The rest of the actors and actresses are awful.
"Pumpkinhead" is about a demon who mercilessly kills people who don't deserve to die for what they've done. Most are innocent bystanders who aren't able to plead their case to the ruthless beast. You'd think that would set things up for a scary flick. You'd be wrong.
This review of Pumpkinhead (1988) was written by Alec B on 26 Oct 2013.
Pumpkinhead has generally received mixed reviews.
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