Movie Info:
Writers:Clive Barker
Director: Clive Barker
Cast: Andrew Robinson, Clare Higgins, Ashley Laurence, Sean Chapman, Oliver Smith, Robert Hines, Anthony Allen, Leon Davis, Michael Cassidy, Frank Baker, Kenneth Nelson, Gay Baynes
Rating: R
Studio: Anchor Bay Home Entertainment

Release Info:
Theatrical Release: September 18, 1987
DVD Release Date: April 21, 2009
Online Availability: Amazon for $14.99

I had never seen Hellraiser or any of its sequels prior to watching this film. I had heard of Pinhead and knew a little bit about who Pinhead was, but I didn’t really have any idea about what to expect when I was watching this film. I’m an old school horror buff. I grew up in the 80s when horror was in its prime. Hellraiser has become a cult classic and after finally watching it, I can see why.

The topic of pain as a way to find pleasure has always intrigued me. Add in the 80s style of filming horror, decent writing by British horror master, Clive Barker, and a bad ass bad guy (Pinhead is certainly one of a kind) and you have Hellraiser. I admit it. I’d heard good things about this movie, so I was excited to review it. It’s nice to know I wasn’t disappointed!

Fans of the series (which consists of 7 sequels) say this is the best in the series. There has been talk of a remake, but I am of the firm belief that 80s horror can never be replicated. Sure, the effects are substandard, but that’s a part of the 80s horror charm. Making the effects more realistic doesn’t change that fact that movies like Hellraiser are classic films because of what they had to offer to viewers both in the 80s and today. Hellraiser is a timeless classic for a reason.

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Written by Ashtyn - Visit Website
Ashtyn Evans is a writer, advocate, free thinker, and all around cynical person. Always quick to find the negative in anything pop culture, she loves being a part of that which she despises. Ashtyn and Dominick own numerous blogs together, as well as a full-time writing business. In her spare time she is a full-time college student studying History and Psychology. She plans to one day give up her freelance career and be a full-time blogger, novelist, and domestic goddess. She can be contacted for writing projects, fan mail, or just to say hi. She really is friendlier than we make her look.

Movie Info:
Writer: Victor Miller
Director: Sean S. Cunningham
Cast: Betsy Palmer, Adrienne King, Jeannine Taylor, Robbi Morgan, Kevin Bacon, Harry Crosby, Laurie Bartram, Mark Nelson, Peter Brouwer, Rex Everhart, Ronn Carroll, Ron Millkie, Walt Gorney
Rating: R
Studio: Paramount Home Video

Release Info:
Theatrical Release: May 9, 1980
DVD Release Date: February 3, 2009

As a kid growing up in the 80s who loved horror movies, this was one of the top of the bunch. I was only two years old when this came out, but I saw this and the subsequent sequels long before the decade ended. Friday the 13th was amazing when it came out because there wasn’t really that much like it. Probably the most notable of films that could offer a comparison would have been Halloween, another slasher-esque flick, by the amazing John Carpenter.

Of course, Halloween came out two years before Friday. In fact, the writer and director now admit that their prime motivation for making this film was to ride on the coattails of Halloween and it’s amazing success. At the time they made this low budget ($550,000) flick no one had any idea that it would lead to over a dozen sequels and make over $39 million.

There are so many reasons to love this movie despite the campy feel that comes with it today. Sure, by today’s standards this isn’t as scary and the kills aren’t as interesting. It’s the classic appeal of Jason that makes the movie great. Along with the appeal of Jason there are some great back stories that make the movie even more interesting. Adrienne King didn’t want to be in the movie because of the graphic nature of the film, for example. She later changed her mind, but when someone began stalking her as a result of the success of the film, she probably wished she hadn’t done it.

Similarly, Betsy Palmer, an actress not really known for roles like Jason’s Mommy took the role because she needed a new car, took the part and made such an impression that a famous critic posted her name and address in print, encouraging people to send her hate mail. Fortunately for Palmer, he posted the wrong address.

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If you like this post, then buy me a latte!

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Written by Ashtyn - Visit Website
Ashtyn Evans is a writer, advocate, free thinker, and all around cynical person. Always quick to find the negative in anything pop culture, she loves being a part of that which she despises. Ashtyn and Dominick own numerous blogs together, as well as a full-time writing business. In her spare time she is a full-time college student studying History and Psychology. She plans to one day give up her freelance career and be a full-time blogger, novelist, and domestic goddess. She can be contacted for writing projects, fan mail, or just to say hi. She really is friendlier than we make her look.