Plot: (from imdb.com) An unfaithful wife encounters the zombie of her dead lover, who's being chased by demons after he escaped from their sado-masochistic Hell.
Review:
When looking at all the big horror franchises, Hellraiser is often on the outside looking in. Most people recognize the character Pinhead but don't really know much about him or the film. The 1987 Clive Barker film is where it began. While many consider this a classic, I do not find myself in that company. While it does a decent job storywise, I have a hard time being pulled in. There is never much explanation on what is happening. What is the dimension that the box opens, is it hell? What is the deal with the Cenobites? I guess these questions are better left for future films but without a set of limits it becomes hard to invest oneself in what is happening. At its heart the story is about an unhappy wife looking for the excitement she had from an old lover and looking to get that back at any cost. The acting is hit and miss, some actors do a good job while others are pretty bad.
The area where there is absolutely no debate is in the special effects department. Everything here is top notch. The transformation scene early on in the movie from the blood to a partially formed person is spectacular. Practical effects at their best.
Overall I would have to say that the movie didn't work for me. It's supposed to be deeply disturbing but I often found myself thinking it just looks silly. A ripped off face should make me cringe but mostly I just found it funny.
Score: 6/10
