In chronicling slasher history, this film is better than FRIDAY THE 13TH, but doesn't come close to attaining the near perfection of the original HALLOWEEN. The film has an intriguing premise, but suffers from a major pacing problem.
Larry Cotton (Andrew Robinson, CHILD'S PLAY 3) and his second wife Julia (Clare Higgins, THE HOUSE OF MIRTH) move into his old family home. There seems to be tension between them and we discover that Julia has had an affair with Larry's brother Frank (Sean Chapman, GANGSTER NO. 1), who is the black sheep of the family. Making matters worse, Larry's daughter from his first marriage Kirsty (Ashley Laurence, HELLBOUND: HELLRAISER II) doesn't like Julia at all. I guess that's for good reason.
Frank early on receives a mysterious cube that transports him to the demonic Cenobites lair where they perform unthinkable sadomasochistic tortures on him. Then magically Frank begins to grow back after Larry's blood accidentally gets on Frank's heart, which lies under the floorboards of the house. Frank the Monster (Oliver Smith, THE FIRST GREAT TRAIN ROBBERY) enlists Julia to kill men so that he can bathe in their blood, which spurs more parts of his body to grow back. Frank and Julia are on a race against time before the Cenobites, led by Pinhead (Doug Bradley, NIGHTBREED), discover he has escaped them.
The idea of Frank growing back his body and forcing Julia to help is interesting, but the film is slow to get it over with, which ruins any real tension. Plus the Cenobites are too passive and never seem to be such a threat until Kirsty gets involved in the craziness. As well the focus on Julia and Frank undercuts our caring for Larry and Kirsty.
However, the production and character design are wonderful. The Cenobites look great and Frank the Monster is really creepy. In the end, the film should be checked out by horror fans only and others looking for more surefire thrills can find a lot better elsewhere.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
