Hellraiser is probably one of the lesser of the horror franchises from the 80s behind Halloween (yes, I know that came out in 1978), Friday the 13th and Nightmare on Elm Street. This is a movie I’ve seen a few times over the years and while it’s hardly a perfect horror film with a clunky set-up, it’s still a lot of fun as the make-up and effects work perhaps is a bit on the cheesy side yet kind of still holds up in a strange way.

The acting is nothing special, though I did like both Clare Higgins and Ashley Laurence, not to mention Doug Bradley in the role of “Lead Cenobite”, who would later be called Pinhead. Kind fascinating that character was accidentally propelled into being a horror icon as he was only a minor part of the film, though based on his design and overall look, not hard to see why he resonated with horror fans.

Hellraiser, written and directed by Clive Barker based on his novella, isn’t a favorite of mine, as mentioned I lean more toward the more reality based slasher (like Halloween and F13) than the supernatural variety, but still found this to be entertaining as a whole. **3.75/5**

"Hellraiser" is a dark dark tale about opening a door to an alternate dimension with a puzzlebox and some sexual perversion. This movie was a bit unsettling when compared to the "Halloween" "Friday the 13th" and "Nightmare on Elm Street" sequels that dominated 1980's horror. "Hellraiser" is a pretty original idea and even more original in its execution. It's got a grainy look and a dirty grimy feel. The characters are totally unlikeable except for daughter Kirsty who is downright heroic battling evil Frank manipulative Julia and oh yeah...hellish demons from another world.

I thought the puzzlebox device would have added a bit of suspense and dread as it served as the key to unleash the monsters. Instead I found that I was frustrated trying to figure out how the damned thing twisted and turned the way it did. The centerpiece of the horror seemed to be the Pinhead character and his rotating meathook torture wheel. It was certainly a gory machine but it didn't deliver real scares. I found the highlight to be an impressive effect featuring Frank's transformation from evil spirit to skinless skeleton.

I usually like movies that are a little darker a little menacing. Unfortunately "Hellraiser" offers such hopelessness and depravity that I found nothing in it to really recommend.