Hellraiser (1987)

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Hellraiser does a fantastic job of combining unique characters, incredible practical effects, and visceral imagery. The movie reaches an interesting level of disturbing that few other films can. Doug Bradley is the scene-stealer of the movie. Perhaps the most interesting thing about the character of Pinhead in this movie is, he isn’t the antagonist. He’s a strictly neutral force, and that makes him someone interesting enough to root for. Doug Bradley’s performance is the reason people really seem to remember Pinhead compared to the rest of the movie. The writing and directing is also noteworthy here, mostly because the movie was written and directed by horror legend Clive Barker, who wrote the short story the movie is based on. This is a fantastic horror film because it does what a great horror film should do. It sticks with you. I saw it once, a couple of years ago, and there is still plenty of it I remember. If there was anything I would have taken away from this movie, it’s this. If you come across a strange puzzle box from another country, don’t open it because you never know what you’re going to get. No, I am not kidding.

10 / 10