User Reviews

Seen every movie in this franchise, my fun ended with the third part for obvious reasons. With every following sequal i had my hopes up, just to be dissapointed again and again.

When i saw this trailer my hope started to flicker again. The trailer was what i was hoping for. So i started watching this one while being curious and eager.

The bottomline is that this is not the entry we hope it is. But it isnt as bad as some of the entries either. Basiclly its those last 20 minutes you want and for that youll have to go through 60 minutes of scenes full with nonsense, boring set pieces and a lot of typing. If you find yourself at the end of that boring, long road youll get to experience just a little of the old vibe. And although not the strongest bits in the series, satisfying nonetheless.

The end creates chances for another weak entry or even a reboot. All in all i would hope they would for once invested a big budget in this franchise. All those little snacks here and there doesnt make for the meal we are so hungry for.

...originally based on works by Clive Barker, from Dimension Films and writer-director Gary J. Tunnicliffe. Cops Sean (Damon Carney) and David (Randy Wayne) search for a serial killer known as the Preceptor, but their investigation takes them to the very gates of Hell.

When it comes to these long-running horror franchises, the rights-holding studios have to make at least one new film every few years or risk losing the rights. This results in some truly awful films, cheaply made and rushed through production just to beat a deadline and meet a legal requirement. This is just such a movie, as have been the last several in this once-groundbreaking series. The first two films rank among the best horror films of all time, but starting with the third (when Dimension Films starting producing them) they've gotten progressively worse.

This newest film may be a tiny bit better than the atrocious previous entry (2011's Hellraiser: Revelations), but it's still terrible, with vague characterizations, bored performances, and a distinct cheapness to the production that undercuts some of the attempts at world-building. This story attempts to expand a bit on the bureaucracy of Hell as hinted at in the second film, namely with new character The Auditor, played by the director. He actually gets more screentime than series hallmark Pinhead, although he's not as impressive, and looks like the hell-cops from Highway to Hell (1991). In summary, all but the most die-hard fans should avoid this often dull and pretentious latest movie in the series.

Oh, My God! They just keep getting worse... and worse...

Can we please have a decent story writer and director give the fans a decent story, one that will do Barker's vision credit(?)

This story has so many flaws it verges on the ridiculous. Evidently, the humans have grown out of wooden puzzle boxes so the L'Merchant Configuration is no longer a viable gateway to hell. But as The Auditor (Tunnicliffe) says to Pinhead (Taylor), "At least, we still have the house..." Hey! Who would have thunk it(?) The Cenobites own property and real estate... No matter how preposterous that sounds it actually gets worse... How do they lure their intended victims through the door(?) They drop them a line via good ol' pen and paper. I wonder if it's the chatterer that runs down the stationers... I hear he loves to meet people and is a terrible gossip; gift of the gab he's got... Why, couldn't they think of a new and imaginative way to contact their victims? At the very least, Tunnicliffe (the writer) could have the message sent on a piece of human skin and tattooed in blood.

Then when the victim gets inside, the audience is treated to a bit of unnecessary vileness. After The Auditor takes down the quarry's life story, via a typewriter which uses the captives blood as print (finally a bit of imagination) we are introduced to The Assessor (Gulager). He eats the transcripts then regurgitates the remains down a tube, which sprays over three naked women, The Jury. This then leads to the subject being handed to The Surgeon, no matter what the verdict, who proceeds to do a hack and slash job. Then once again, the naked women get splattered... this time with blood. This gives a new perspective on hell's judging process; however there's no rhyme or reason to it, so it just feels like fill in. Even though it's quite nasty to view, it's also quite boring. Tunnicliffe (The Director) doesn't have the skill to create an atmosphere of horror or tension, which helps to make the scene even more tedious.

One decent thing about this film and story is the Thriller story woven throughout. Two detectives, literally brothers in arms, Sean (Carney) and David Carter (Wayne), along with Detective Christine Egerton (Harris), are chasing a gruesome serial killer terrorising the city. However, the inevitable twist is so obvious it weakens this "stronger" section of the film.

The best part of this whole mess is the acting. Even Tunnicliffe isn't too bad. I think it was a little too much to create a new Cenobite (loosely termed, as he's not really a Cenobite) who has more screen time than Pinhead himself and then give the part to yourself. As for Pinhead, Taylor still doesn't have the presence of Bradley, but he is much better than the last instalment. I will give this to Taylor though... he has sitting down-pat. That's right, we get to see Pinhead relaxing... twice... How Scary!

There's even an appearance by Heather Langenkamp as The Landlady. Though, if you blink you'll miss her for she's on screen for about the same amount of time it takes you to read this paragraph.

Do yourself a favour and miss this mess of a film. There are a lot better horror flicks out there... A Lot! If you need your Pinhead fix then, as usual, I recommend cracking open the original flicks.

I had all the hopes in the world that maybe they would finally return Hellraiser back to what it is, but this is just another movie that was probably a bad screenplay that they added Pinhead to and called it a Hellraiser movie. If you're a fan of the first two, or even 3 or maybe even 4, then you're not going to like this. The only thing I find interesting is that since the 3rd I've only seen each sequel once (because of how dissapointing they were) and each were when they were new and I can recall the 5th one okay, the 6th one a little less, the 7th even lesser and this movie? I saw it a week ago and all I can remember about it is thinking "What?! Hellraiser isn't Christain Hell!!!!!" If for some reason you entered the franchise late and never saw the first two, go and watch them to see how different and distant each sequel becomes after that. The second, although not written by Clive Barker, brings you deeper into the world of the Cenobytes and Pinhead comes off as much more complex than simply the devil like he seems to be in the sequels. It's been about 30 years since a good hellraiser movie came out and I don't know why I keep tormenting myself with thinknig a new one will be good. I had to watch this one in sections because of how... Unhellraiser it felt. And that was because I was in the mood for a hellraiser movie and ended up turning this one off to watch the second one again. I hadn't seen it since I was a kid and wanted to be sure I wasn't making up memories) I wasn't and this isn't hellraiser.

Please for the love of the fans, release the rights to a real writer, director and producers who loves the horror movies....this is just ridiculous....

Yeah... Having the house in this movie supposedly be the one that belonged to Larry Cotton means absolutely NOTHING. I am someone who actually ENJOYED Hellraiser: Revelations. It's a bad movie, too, don't get me wrong, but I like it.

This P.O.S? There are things I know a friend can't stand about this movie, and I'm indifferent to those particular moments. I am actually more grossed out and offended by this film because all they want to DO is gross you out and offend you. Royal success in that.

They tried to make Hellraiser a SAW film. That's all they tried to do. And, apparently, they think more that the cenobites are all about being completely grossed out ... and they also seem to think that Pinhead would just hand over the reigns... Even Clive Barker had him do something more interesting than that, and I did not like The Scarlet Chronicles, either!!!!

I'm sorry I am not being more creative with my crap-all-over-the-film review. I usually don't try to do that. But this movie is just SOOO *BAD*. And for the curious - like I started - who don't want the movie spoiled for them, I really can't go into detail without ranting for pages on end.

What this movie does is try to combine Hellraiser: Inferno - a sub-par sequel that didn't start out as a Hellraiser film at all and just had Pinheads' and the cenobites shoehorned into it - with the worst and most disgusting parts of the Saw franchise. Then they added a couple of bad references to the original film as if any one would GARA... We DON'T.

I'm ready for the full on remake that has way more blood than necessary. Because this movie fits the very description of indecent.

I watched this film in baited anticipation that this would get better. Unfortunately it didn't. I have very mixed emotions about this film - disappointment, apathy and indifference. This is a poor attempt at ripping off Se7en with a mix of Hostel and Saw. Throw in with some fleeting moments of cenobites in the mix (standing in the corner, hovering over a bed, and generally doing nothing) and apparently you've got a new Hellraiser film. Long gone are the days where new cenobites are created and I'm sure I'm not the only one who misses watching the evolution of a cenobite or 3 in these films. With only 25 minutes left of the movie, I was certain that the action would increase and we would get to see a glimpse of something great. Nope. Nothing except predicability and more disappointment. There was nothing "horror" about this film that I can even think worthy to remember. The acting wasn't bad - I'll give it that. But as a massive fan of Hellraiser, I just want to see something where interesting new creatures are brought to life in front of my eyes with a desire to unleash absolute hell.

What went wrong? Seriously, one of the most famous cult horror franchises of all time has died but nobody had the courtesy to tell it. Now year after year it's still here, it's lifeless corpse stinking out the joint.

Has there been a passable Hellraiser movie since Hellraiser: Bloodlines (1996)? I honestly don't think so.

They went from merciless memorable fascinating horror titles to failed attempts at psychological horror movies with plots that made less sense than Justin Biebers career success.

Now we don't even have the iconic Doug Bradley as Pinhead anymore, it truly is time to give this franchise the last rites and let it drift away into nothing but fond memories before it becomes the Witchcraft series.

The plot is yet again indescribable, the Hellraiser novelty is nothing but a memory and Pinhead is a shadow of his former self.

With a finale that teases another inevitable movie I'm saddened that it has come to this. Give Pinhead the peace he deserves.

The Good:

Dog scene was very inventive

The Bad:

No Doug Bradley

Plot goes off the rails, does a 360 spin then lands on 3 kids

Things I Learnt From This Movie:

When an actor becomes as iconic as the character he plays you simply can't recast

I am a HUGE fan of the Hellraiser mythos. The aesthetics, the lore, the characters. After watching the original as a teenager the lead character 'Pinhead' needled his way into my consciousness as the primary 'horror character' of my dreams/nightmares. He left such an impression that it wasn't long before i chased down his original appearance in Clive Barker's (master of the macabre) novella 'The Hellbound Heart' and became absolutely smitten for life.

Armed with such impressive enthusiasm i devoured every Hellraiser movie as soon as it became available. My infatuation notwithstanding i couldn't help but notice the gradual decline in quality as each subsequent effort was released. Apart from 'Hellraiser 4 - Bloodline' there was a clear degradation in the caliber of film being presented. It was getting beyond embarrassing.

Understandably my expectations for the 10th film were about as high as my expectations of answering the door to a scantily clad Drew Barrymore offering me a cigar made from rolled up $100 notes, as she ushered me onto her private jet for a life of pool-side tickle-fighting.

My impression from having JUST finished watching the movie is,... relief. The people who made this film DIDN'T just churn out the product and slap the 'Hellraiser' name on it like the last 5 movies. There was some actual THOUGHT put into the script and i was grateful to not be able to predict the plot at every turn.

This is in no way the BEST film in the world, or even the best film in the series, but easily in MY top 3 of the series. If you're in to Hellraiser like I am, then im sure you'll enjoy it. If you're NOT into Hellraiser,.. then i hereby forbid you to watch it. lol

Thanks to whoever made this movie, i really enjoyed the ending and i'd love it if you made more.

Even tho the budget is very low for this one you can see the director and crew made it with love as apposed to HELLRAISER REVELATIONS.Even tho Doug Bradley isn't playing PIN HEAD anymore the new actor is almost just as good com'on Doug is legendary but yes This movie gave me the original trilogy's vibes.Its not a great movie but its definitely in the top 5 HR movies .

I am a big fan, and this movie was the last shot. It killed the image of hellraiser forever.

WOW. I love how film makers think its okay to use a film title to hook horror lovers in, only to realise the film was a complete and utter waste of time.

FIRSTLY: can they please PLEASE stop trying to remake Hellraiser, no ONE can recreate the original pinhead, those films are a classic!.

SECONDLY: this film was weird and original i will give it that, how ever WTF, it wasn't even centred around pinhead, he was just in some scenes in a super weird way.,

It was just so so disappointing, they just need to stop. For the love of horror, just stop.

I mainly watched this movie because of Heather Langenkamp's involvement, and the fact she was credited at the beginning of the movie... I was waiting, waiting... waiting... and GONE. She was in it for 10 seconds. LOL.

It was a really bad movie. don't waste your time.

If you think showing several women's breasts, blood everywhere and gross vomit is enough of an excuse to make a horror movie? you're wrong the plot was predictable, not enough emphasis on the scariest thing..the Cenobites, and just simply stupid

dont waste your time

It's been almost thirty years since the brilliant Hellraiser movie by Master Clive Barker. We keep hoping that someone will make a new great Hellraiser film, but we are Always hugely disappointed !

In this miserable attempt they have all the right costumes, fine sets, some good ideas and plenty of Extremely good looking ladies. What they did not have was someone to bring it all together and create a good movie.

Poor direction and bad sound are the two key elements that ruined this movie. Too bad! Let's hope the next Hellraiser movie will be better ...

Oh, and mr. Paul Taylor is a good actor, but I do not feel he fit the role of Pinhead perfectly. Pinhead should look the way Bradley did in the early films.

This franchise continues it's decline, pinhead is barely in it

Ok. So I wasn't exoecting a great movie. This at least makes Revelations look like a really good movie. This makes no sense at all. Pinhead just watching while cenobites judge people in a gross manner made worse by awful.acting; terrible bad lighting and a bad script. I have defended all Hellraiser movies until now. My eyes and head hurt after watching this.

Hellraiser: Judgment saved the franchise, it establishes new character and expand the lore. The Auditor is very interesting and I found Gary Tunnicliffe interpretation sublime. The Hell world was always left behind since the second movie, but in this chapter we finally discover more about the mechanics of this dark world. We get to see more Pinhead and we learn to know him al little bit better. This chapter establishes good bases for possible sequels, creators should definitely follow this narrative path. I was very surprised to finally see a decent movie of the series. Unfortunately after Inferno, this saga suffered a lot.

Photography is good, I really appreciated the color grading that sets perfectly the tone of the plot, both special and practical effects are on point. There are a lot of graphic scenes, but I feel that first movies were more violent and gruesome. However there are some pretty amazing killings. The pace of the movie is perfect, but the plot is very predictable and you can clearly see that there are a lot of ideas recycled from Hellraiser: Inferno. Maybe next time try not to pick a detective as main character.

After Revelations, my expectations were really low. I am just happy that the director managed to create something good and that could have save the franchise from the retirement. I really hope that Dimension Films will take seriously in consideration to create an extended narrative universe. Please, make it happen.

As others have noted this is the 10th film of the Hellraisee series, and having seen none of the others I was curious as to what it was all about. I'm extremely sorry I made that choice.

For those like me, who are novices to the series I write beware of the intentional gruesomeness, which includes many stomach-turning scenes including the sadistic sewing of a live dog into the womb of the dog's owner, a murdered woman. I've never been a fan of intentional gross-outs in a movie and this one is filled with them, with the "plot" just going along for the ride, leading to the twists at the end.

All in all, I see there are devotees to the series and this is one where I can truly say to each their own, but for me it's a loud no thanks!!

It's extremely difficult to write a direct-to-video sequel for a horror franchise that most would agree has been in decline for over 20 years. And yet, writer/director Gary J. Tunnicliffe (who, coincidentally, also penned the lacklustre Hellraiser: Revelations) does just that. This film is fresh and entertaining, not taking from the Hellraiser lore that fans grew up loving (if anything, this film adds to it) or trying to take the film in a generic slasher direction. Everything the previous film did wrong this one does absolutely right. The inclusion of the auditor (played by the director) and other hellish characters was genius, successfully opening the door to some fresh new story elements that, if handled with care, could easily strengthen the Hellraiser series going forward (assuming Miramax decides to continue releasing sequels to maintain the rights). As of the time of this writing, Hellraiser: Revelation is the end of an epic, ten-film journey that, for better or worse, has its ups and downs. But with Hellraiser: Judgment, it ends on a major high note that is satisfactory, worthy of the franchise it's involved with, and contains enough of substance to leave the viewer wanting more. This is truly a job well done.

I didnt expect anything before seeing this. My faves are the second one and Inferno (the latter for the production quality & story). This one isnt actually bad - while there is no Doug Bradley - the story isnt tooooo bad, there is a pretty lame twist however leading up to that the acting & story are OK. The premise is that there is some kind of hellish bureaucracy sending sinners to a tormented hell and Pinhead appears to be a senior middle manager in that arrangement. there is a bit of gore, the actors at the start are new and quite exciting. There are some fairly gross bits that go beyond normal Hellraiser gore too. Not bad overall and this one has a better look and feel than its budget suggests.

Could only bear to sit through the first half an hour. Felt sick and very disturbed. I loved the Hellraisers... but this was just unnecessarily twisted and sick. Why would anyone make a film like this? I would avoid it like the plague