Movie Review - Hellraiser: Hellworld

Hellraiser:  Hellworld

2005

The Cast

So once again, we have a good premise for a story that isn't fully developed, which in turn weakens the film.  Hellworld is a computer RPG and puzzle game starring Pinhead and the Cenobites.  Years later, a party is being held for a select group of gamers.  To get an invite you just have to solve a puzzle.  A group of five friends solve their way into the party.  Once there, they meet the host, a mysterious man who has decked out the mansion with a whole host of gruesome oddities.  It's not long before the blood starts to spill...

It was a treat to see Lance Henriksen in a Hellraiser film... except that it's not a Hellraiser film.  Out of the new series, this is the furthest off the mark... however, it is more enjoyable than the rest.  Even though the twist in the tale spoils the film, in respect to it being a Hellraiser movie, it actually makes it a decent psychological thriller.  Not the best as it's all been seen before, but still very watchable.

The other point at odds is the acting.  This isn't as strong a cast the previous flicks only Henriksen and Bradley stand out.  The rest of the cast is quite average.  I'll also wager this film wasn't mentioned when Cavell went up for the Superman role,   But for once, the direction helps to keep the audience's attention.  Bota is quite good at creating a lively party atmosphere.  He even keeps the pace tripping along to the beat.  This is a great surprise as his previous takes on the Hellraiser mythos have been quite meandering, even verging on boring.

The major drawback to this film is the gaping holes in the story, which I cannot go into detail about because it would spoil the film for those of you thinking of watching.  There are way too many inconsistencies to be explained in the film and this damages the story and lessens the enjoyment.

What this film needed was a much better thought out story taking into account the Cenobites as main characters and not just add-ons.  It could be done and it wouldn't have taken too much to accomplish.

If you are thinking about watching the film then I would say to give it a go but remember it's not a real Hellraiser story... in fact, it's not actually a horror film.  If you like psychological thrillers, with a dark supernatural twist, then you should delight in this movie.

I give this a Psychological Fake Hellraiser Party of 5.25 out of 10.

The Trailer