Hellraiser - Demon to Some Angel to Others

A very intriguing story with a few weak points. Unlike most horror movies there are many layers it's not just man against monster or a guy with a butcher knife or machete chasing teenagers around. Although it was later to the plot is simple and easy-to-follow. In all actuality, the cenobites or Demons aren't really the villains in this movie, which I liked. you don't see that very often. There just a product of Pandora's box or the Lament Configuration puzzle box as the movie refers to it.

The atmosphere is very dark, cold and gothic with some definite underlining sadomasochistic tendencies and very creepy, in my opinion one of the top five creepiest atmospheres in a movie. Which leads to probably one of the best low-budget horror movies I have ever seen.

Doug Bradley, who plays the lead cenobite. later to be known as Pinhead did not have a huge part in the film. However, in my opinion, he stole the spotlight. To me his first onscreen introduction as Pinhead or the lead cenobite rates up their way the likes of Bela Lugosi as Dracula, and probably the most memorable introduction of a villain in 20 years. Other stars include Andrew Robinson who has done numerous movies and TV shows dealing with all genres at the time and he was probably the biggest named actor in the movie. The movie also starred Ashley Laurence in her debut film role.

The use of lights and shadows in this movie makes it a visually stunning masterpiece as well as it does terrifying. It was very visually stimulating and I would give Clive Barker two thumbs up for this one. Although I'm not sure If he deserves an award or a psych evaluation.

Besides the first special effects, where Frank is revived by his own brothers blood and the creature comes up through the floor, they were superb. If you have weak stomach you might be grossed out by some of the things you will see

A very enjoyable movie I've seen it several times and the worst thing I can say about it is it doesn't have enough of Pinhead in it. To me, his character was so visually stunning and fiendishly poetic. Not since Dante's Inferno has anyone captured the persona of what I think the Devil and Hell would really be like and that's why I believe Hellraiser deserves at least 4/5 stars.