Very unique, with a truly different point of view and stance on how to tell a horror tale, Hellraiser ultimately falls short due to its often tedious nature, and lack of a significant point. The performances aren't anything special for the most part, although Clare Higgins does try her best. Oliver Smith could also be quite good from time to time, but his character can just seem like an annoyance after a while, after doing nothing but the same thing the whole time. I enjoyed Doug Bradley as Hellraiser, or Lead Cenobite as he is also referred to in this film, as well as the performances and looks of the other monstourly creatures throughout- but none of them earn their fair share of screen time, thus begging the question, what was the point? Besides its tedious nature, the film can also feel a bit dull and emotionless at times. Its special effects are cool for the time, and can be quite thrilling to watch, besides maybe the final few scenes of course, but that was mainly due to a lack of any budget left, which I have to give them credit for. Its central story can be interesting enough, but it isn't enough to carry the film along for its whole runtime, and I just wish we were able to delve deeper into the central themes that made this film so interesting- that being Frank and Julia's relationship, and of course, the puzzle box. In the end, Hellraiser isn't a horrible film, it certainly has its moments, but it could have been a lot more.
My Rating: 6.5/10
Review of Hellraiser
