"Hell is only a word. The reality is much, much worse."

Rating: 3/10 (1 April 2020)

Developing a cult following for its terrific set design, gruesome sadomasochist iconography and otherworldly Lovecraftian themes, this $60 million cosmic horror shoots for the stars as 'The Shining in space', but slips into a worse dimension with a frustrating sci-fi spin on Clive Barker's Hellraiser. Plagued by many demons during a troubled production, such as its rushed editing schedule, unfinished CGI and poor sound mix, the film falls apart with gory sequences that feel torn to shreds and stitched back together, not too dissimilar from Sam Neill's hokey turn after a strong set-up in the first act. Aspects like the techno-gothic aesthetic and spooky atmosphere contribute to a sense of foreboding and dread, but sadly never pay off, thanks in no part to a mediocre Philip Eisner script and ill-advised studio meddling. Despite horrifying visuals and a host of game character actors, in particular the tonally jarring but hilarious Richard T. Jones, Paul W.S. Anderson misses the mark for a dull 96 minutes that doesn't point to a longer, better cut lost to time and space. Shame he passed on helming X-Men for this.
3/10 pens through folded paper.