Charles W Jones

Don’t think for one second that you aren’t in danger. Winter LeMarchand and Pinhead Hellraiser: Deader (2005) has an uncanny resemblance to Candyman in the way it’s told, then it’s filled with hallucinations like the previous two and ruins it. The edginess is stronger in this one, and I noticed the musical score, unlike its direct to video predecessors. The fact that pieces of the previous films were integrated into this one does make it more appealing for me, too; Julia’s mattress was the easiest to see, but several other bits were cleverly inserted as well. At times, I wasn’t sure what was happening or why, and kept wondering if this was also a hell chamber experience. The resurrections left me questioning everything Hellraiser as did Winter LeMarchand’s involvement since his ancestors have been determined to destroy the box and its contents. Amy’s investigation of the apartment is probably the best part of the entire movie. I could almost smell what was attacking her nose. The visua...

I can smell the exquisite stench of what you really are. Pinhead Hellraiser: Bloodline (1996) is the origin story of the box a.k.a. LeMarchand’s Box a.k.a. Lament Configuration. This is also the final theatrical release in the Hellraiser franchise. It’s obvious to me that this film was made as an anthology, but unlike other anthology movies, there is a continuum that puts it together into a cohesive story. Dr. Paul Merchant tells the story of his ancestors and how the box became. The only part of the story that I question the most is how Jacques was alive in 1996. He has a vampire feel to him at this point, which I guess could be attributed to something with Angelique, but it’s never said. The other thing that is barely touched on is the erotic flavor. In this fourth installment, the special effects have greatly improved as do the Cenobites. I’ve always loved the twins and the way they are created with the exquisite machine that fuses them so they never have to be separated from the ot...

Come to daddy. Frank Hellraiser (1987) is the first adaptation of Clive Barker’s novella Hellbound Heart; he’s also responsible for the screenplay and direction of the film. The dark eroticism of this film and the original story is what draws me to this world. Once inside, the terror of what is happening kicks in, and I no longer want to be in the beautiful box. It’s too late, though, and I must accept my fate. (Gladly) Christopher Young holds as much responsibility for how this movie feels as Clive. Without the chilling soundtrack to go along with the visuals, the film wouldn’t be as riveting. Each element intermingles, making me feel something extraordinary that I don’t often feel from movies. The effects are exceptional, everything from the blood seeping into the wood floor to the detail of the Lead Cenobite’s make-up (hold on, I’ll talk about that in a second). Frank has this rough trade kind of sexual attraction to him while his brother Larry is opposite with his brutal blandness,...

If you didn’t know, I’ll tell  you now, sorry to those already know, I’m a huge Clive Barker fan. I haven’t read or seen a work of his that I haven’t enjoyed, and Book of Blood (2009) is a combination of two of his short stories, The Book of Blood (obviously) and On Jerusalem Street; both are from his anthology series,  Books of Blood. I like how they integrated these two stores to make one, almost creating a new story…almost. Simon is clairvoyant and draws Mary Florescu’s attention, who uses him to unlock the gateway between the plains, and she promises the souls that she will tell their stories with the world. Unfortunately, those stories are carved into Simon’s flesh. There’s even an appearance by Doug Bradley, just not as Pinhead. The entire movie is dark and twisty as one would expect. No matter how many times I see this movie or read the stories, I’m always pulled into the horrendous scenes, which is why I’m a Barker fan. This is a v...

The second Clive Barker story I read was Cabal (I still have the 1 st Edition Hardcover I bought when I was in college), and to my delight in 1990 Nightbreed was released on the big screen. It is the first movie that I’m conscious of seeing that was adapted from a book; with Hellraiser, I saw it before I read it. The creatures in Nightbreed are amazing in their own way, and they translated nicely from print to screen. The antagonist, while one would think are the creatures hiding in the catacombs below a cemetery, is unexpected to the characters but as a viewer/reader it isn’t as unexpected, which I don’t mind not having a big secret and I think that is why this was a such a popular book with many in the LGBT community at the time, and the fact that the author is gay probably contributed as well. Nightbreed hits the top 5 of my favorite Clive Barker stories (it’s #3, Weaveworld is #1), and I give this movie adaptation 4.5 out of 5 Stars.

Lord of Illusions (1995) is a strange one indeed. While it carries a few of the characters from Clive Barker’s short story The Last Illusion, that is it, but it doesn’t stop me for enjoying both equally. Besides, it’s not like Hellraiser is an exact translation of Hellbound Heart. The story follows Harry D’Amour’s investigation into the death of Philip Swann, thirteen years after he imprisoned the Puritan. Since I try to stay away from spoilers, even with older movies, that is all I’m going to say about the storyline. I find it interesting that the stuff pinned to the board in D’Amour’s office is linked to The Great and Secret Show, but nothing else is every mentioned, and we definitely didn’t get a movie for it or Everville. At the time of it’s release, I wasn’t sure about Scott Bakula being cast for D’Amour, because of his role in Quantum Leap. My mind quickly changed, the first time he appeared on the screen. The graphic effects in this movie are very cool and not overdone as many ...

“Welcome.” Mahogany The Midnight Meat Train (2008) is an adaptation of Clive Barker’s short story of the same name and translated wonderfully into film. For once I like the filter, it gives the scenes an eerie, smoky feel. The gore is amazing; I love every bit of it from the rivers of blood, to exploding eyeballs, and to trophies in jars. The tools Mahogany uses are cool, too, that giant meat tenderizer he uses to beat people over the head is awesome. Bradley Cooper portrays Leon decently; though I’m still surprised that he took the role. And I couldn’t have asked for a better Mahogany than Vinnie Jones. His brutal appearance and dead pan expressions give the extra chill needed in this film. My favorite scene is when Mahogany sees Leon watching him through the train doors; Mahogany’s smirk is priceless. Maya and Jurgis go to Mahogany’s apartment to retrieve Leon’s camera. The things that always make horror movies awesome are the dumb mistakes that characters make, and this one is out...