When people think about 1980s horror movie icons first images that come to mind are those of Freddy Kruger, Jason Voorhes and Malcolm Myers - each representing his own series of films. This trio has managed to overshadow even the most unusual and unforgettable of all horror movie monsters in recent memories - Pinhead, chief villain of Hellraiser movies. Reason for that could in part be found in fact that Hellraiser, just like its sequels, had slightly too much gore to be appreciated by mainstream horror audience. The other reason could be found in fact that some of those sequels weren't particularly good. This is especially case with Hellraiser: Bloodline, fourth film in the series, made in 1996. The movie was so bad that its director Kevin Yagher had to use "Allan Smithee" pseudonym instead of his name.
The plot of the movie begins in 2127 AD when the group of space marines stop scientist Dr. Paul Merchant (played by Bruce Ramsay) in his attempt to destroy space station. Merchant tries to explain his motives by telling the story of his family and its connection with the Lament Configuration - puzzle box that brings demons of Hell on Earth. In 18th Century France toymaker Philip L'Merchant (played by Bruce Ramsay) has built the box for the evil magician Duc de L'Isle (played by Mickey Cottrell). That was the beginning of the curse of Merchant family whose members have spent centuries trying to destroy the Lamentation Box. But the forces of evil always battled Merchants and one of such instances was in New York 1996, when John Merchant (played by Bruce Ramsay) met evil demon Angelique (played by Valentina Vargas).
Director Yagher (best known as a make-up effects expert) and scriptwriter David Atkins could be commended for trying to revive the serial with somewhat innovative approach. The plot was divided into three segments, each covering different periods, and the background for the Box and Cenobites was explored. But the lack of budget, producers' desire to concentrate on "blood and guts" scenes and bad acting (except in the case of Doug Bradley, always reliable as Pinhead) destroyed opportunity for Hellraiser: Bloodline to become at least marginally interesting piece of horror film. Instead we got films with plot holes, lack of continuity and obvious signs of editor working overtime. Most of Hellraiser: Bloodline wouldn't make sense, except for those viewers who see scenes of gratuitous graphic carnage entertaining.
RATING: 2/10 (-)
(Note: The text in its original form was posted in Usenet newsgroup rec.arts.movies.reviews on April 2nd 2003)
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