So you like horror? Me too! And you love the film 'Hellraiser'? Oh, so we don't have all that much in common then. Bear with me, I have tried to like it, honestly I have, on many levels, but I just can't. It's rubbish. But saying 'it's rubbish' is not going to get me a good rating is it, so I guess I'd better explain myself.
For those of you who love this film and are big Barker fans, I am not going to change your minds. It would be like you telling me that 'Nightmare on Elm Street' is rubbish. I don't think that is, I am aware of its faults but it appeals to me, Hellraiser doesn't. First of all I would say the biggest problem is the acting. All the actors are wooden and 'Frank'? Well, have you seen Button Moon? No difference. There's supposed to be real sexual chemistry going on but, damn, I would prefer to sleep with Pinhead. All the reactions of the actors are almost Am-Dram. Large eyes and slight glances, big smiles and silly laughs. Not much dramam there then.
Secondly, the script is ridiculous. How come that husband has never been into the top room where Frank is regenerating? He's bought a new house and he doesn't go into that fabulous top room with the lovely window, rip of the stained cloth and put his desk up there? Barmy. I probably need to read the book to really understand it. But surely I shouldn't have to?
I don't deny that the film is beautifully gross and scary and I completely messed myself when that wormlike thing came rushing at the daughter in the hospital, but that is just not enough for me in a film. There has to be good acting and a certain amount of 'it could happen you know'.
To those of you who have seen it and love it, I'm sorry. Perhaps you could change my view if I understood it better. To those of you who haven't seen it, don't lose any sleep over that, but I suggest you do watch it just to have a good laugh at the acting. Oh yes, and don't eat before or whilst watching though, it really is very gross...
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Advantages: Good special effects, althought the film does not depend upon these. An excellent story with strong well defined charaters. Disadvantages: May not appeal to all viewers, touches on sado masochism. Can be quite gory in parts
markdobson 05.09.2001 ·
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful
Review of Hellraiser (DVD)
Advantages: originality to some extent , the way in which it creates such a morbid atmosphere - interesting and rememberable characters such as pinhead - not as shallow as many others of this ilk Disadvantages: a tad monotonous, plus the almost enigmatic characters can work for or against a film - oftens leaves you wanting more
blade4503 22.06.2001 ·
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful
Review of Hellraiser (DVD)
Advantages: Features Doug Bradley, some decent special effects, at least its short, Disadvantages: Widdles on the franchise, terribly directed, atrocious cast and acting, terrible plot, melodramati
Advantages: Better than the first 3 Disadvantages: Not enough of Pinhead
iateamonkey 27.10.2006 (27.10.2006)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: somewhat helpful
Review of Hellraiser - Inferno (DVD)
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![Hellraiser [DVD] [1987]](http://picnicb.ciao.com/uk/78514907.jpg "Hellraiser [DVD] [1987]")
Jul 27th, 2003
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