Review of Pumpkinhead (1988) by Blais E — 21 Feb 2011

The late, great Master-Monster-Maker Stan Winston's directorial debut, an excellently atmospheric horrorfilm with a superbly multi-dimensional performance, alternately sympathetic and menacing, by the always-great Lance Henriksen as an enraged farmer who resorts to very desperate measures to avenge the death of his only son.

A rare treat from the decade that mostly brought us reprehensible Slasher worm-fodder, such as the endless bile-stream of Jason, Michael, & Freddie sequels, & their assorted imitative ilk. The film is an old-fashioned tale of revenge & retribution, practically gore-free, with outstanding creature effects by Winston & his effects team, many of which have gone on to illustrious careers of their own.

Florence Shauffler is particularly memorable as ages-old Swamp-Witch Haggis, who is responsible for setting the very-tragic chain of events in motion. An outstanding effort, almost tailor-made for a Halloween night viewing! Please refrain from torturing yourself with any of the 3 putrid sequels!