Hellraiser: Deader (2005)

An investigative reporter is sent to Bucharest to investigate the source of a video tape. It depicts what appears to be a ritualistic killing. Slowly, she becomes drawn into the world of a cult with some tie to the infamous Lament Configuration. There has to come a point when someone says that enough is enough. When something becomes stale you'd think that would be the time to check out. Well, in Hollywood there are those always looking to make a profit and sequels are real lucrative.

Hellraiser: Bloodline was the last of the series to get a theatrical release. But like the Children of the Corn series, no way was Dimension letting it end there. With Clive Barker no longer involved, the studio had to find some fresh new talent to carry it on. A trend was started in which each new chapter was made from a previously un-related script. Inferno made enough money for there to be a sixth film, which then led to two shot back to back. Compared to I-IV, these straight to DVD sequels are a bit different, but that's not necessarily bad.

Rick Bota did all right for his feature debut with Hellseeker, but here he shines. He injects the film with a somber mood and some nice shots here and there. Each and everyone of his actors is also up to the task, especially heroine Kari Wuhrer. She starts out as a tough-as-nails type, but we get to see her afraid and fall apart, which she nails. The score is different from anything we've heard before in the series and is quite good. It adds to the feeling of doom that hangs over the film.

Like the last two films, there's an air of mystery with this one. The story is quite good and suspenseful, something you wouldn't expect from a part 7. There are also a few good twists and turns that should keep you on your toes. One thing the series is known for is graphic effects, which are very much present here. Series veteran Gary J. Tunnicliffe is responsible for some really impressive and messy goods. Though the Cenobites don't appear much, their make-up is still stellar.

The Hellraiser elements were weaved in quite well in the previous film's script. Unfortunately, the same I'm afraid can not be said for Deader. The scenes with Pinhead and his cronies feel forced when they should have fit snugly into the puzzle. Also, the other Cenobites are given almost nothing to do this time out. There are also some serious plot holes involving the cult. It's never made clear what their objective is or how they came together.

One really annoying flaw is that there are so many fake outs. There are scenes that build up, but instead of a pay off the main character wakes up somewhere else. And though it's kind of interesting to see into her past, the flashbacks are repetitive and feel more like padding. This is a far cry from the first two Hellraiser film for sure, but is hardly a failure. At least they tried something different instead of giving us the same old shit again. The talent in front of and behind the camera make it work well enough to be worth a watch.

6/10