I figured that I should start a thread for this movie here, as believe it or not tonight was the first time that I've seen any of the films in the series, let alone the original. I mean, of course I knew Pinhead and the cenobites and the Lament Configuration, but I had only seen some clips from the first film, which were of course some of the freakier scenes that could be shown on regular cable TV. After that disturbing footage, I thought, "Oh, I can wait to see all of this film." It wasn't until tonight that I bit the bullet and I realized that it wasn't all cenobites all the time and I was a fool for not seeing it much sooner.
Rather, it was a story about a guy (Frank) who was looking for more ways to derive pleasure and pain, and he certainly found it when given the Lament Configuration and was introduced to the cenobites. From there you saw Frank trying to become human again and his impact on his brother, his wife, and the very cute young daughter. But, I don't need to recap the plot as I'm sure all of you are more familiar with it than I was before tonight.
It was certainly a fucked-up movie with some unforgettable images but I managed to really enjoy it, despite how dated it was at times (oh, the special effects at the end; I know they were good considering the circumstances, but yikes. At least I really enjoyed the effects before that. They look great for the 80's and the budget. I'll never forget Frank reforming. Also, the big hair and some of the fashion got chuckles out of me).
It was certainly unique with how it was focused on sadomasochism and sex, pleasure and pain, with an unsatisfied woman doing all that in order to try and be satisfied. It also creeped me out from just about beginning to end. I liked how it wasn't all that graphic gore from beginning to end but instead it told a rather twisted yet fun story and it saved the effects for the right time. I also enjoyed how the unforgettable cenobites weren't seen that often and thus did not become overexposed. I have a feeling that the sequels DID show them too much and it's probably best if I didn't see most of them. I mean, seeing a giant blob creature wearing what looked like sunglasses... it's probably best if that creature isn't seen too often, so that you don't wonder why it's wearing what looks to be sunglasses, for example. Them not being the focus of the mayhem and rather them being the reason why a character wants to escape from them (and thus causes someone they know to cause mayhem)
So, I am very happy I finally saw this movie, which rates higher than most of the horror films of the 80's in terms of originality, creepiness, story, and characters going very far to try and fulfill their desires, no matter how twisted. If there's anyone who happens to be dumb like me and haven't watched this yet, you better get your ass in gear and check it out as soon as you can.
Rather, it was a story about a guy (Frank) who was looking for more ways to derive pleasure and pain, and he certainly found it when given the Lament Configuration and was introduced to the cenobites. From there you saw Frank trying to become human again and his impact on his brother, his wife, and the very cute young daughter. But, I don't need to recap the plot as I'm sure all of you are more familiar with it than I was before tonight.
It was certainly a fucked-up movie with some unforgettable images but I managed to really enjoy it, despite how dated it was at times (oh, the special effects at the end; I know they were good considering the circumstances, but yikes. At least I really enjoyed the effects before that. They look great for the 80's and the budget. I'll never forget Frank reforming. Also, the big hair and some of the fashion got chuckles out of me).
It was certainly unique with how it was focused on sadomasochism and sex, pleasure and pain, with an unsatisfied woman doing all that in order to try and be satisfied. It also creeped me out from just about beginning to end. I liked how it wasn't all that graphic gore from beginning to end but instead it told a rather twisted yet fun story and it saved the effects for the right time. I also enjoyed how the unforgettable cenobites weren't seen that often and thus did not become overexposed. I have a feeling that the sequels DID show them too much and it's probably best if I didn't see most of them. I mean, seeing a giant blob creature wearing what looked like sunglasses... it's probably best if that creature isn't seen too often, so that you don't wonder why it's wearing what looks to be sunglasses, for example. Them not being the focus of the mayhem and rather them being the reason why a character wants to escape from them (and thus causes someone they know to cause mayhem)
So, I am very happy I finally saw this movie, which rates higher than most of the horror films of the 80's in terms of originality, creepiness, story, and characters going very far to try and fulfill their desires, no matter how twisted. If there's anyone who happens to be dumb like me and haven't watched this yet, you better get your ass in gear and check it out as soon as you can.
