Rating: 
Summary: Has 'Hellraiser' gone to Hell?
Review: I decided to watch this movie because I was so mad at Dimension Films for lying about "Bloodline" being the last Hellraiser. I did a huge article on it for the school paper and got many good comments. Anyhoo, I liked this film for its simplicity. Nothing that took 3 or so years to make. Something simple and likeable. Dispite the fact that Pinhead is only in it for 4 minutes is nothing to be ashamed of. It's still a good film. But, no offense to Clive Barker, but, I would much rather not see Hellraiser or Pinhead come back ever again, unless of course Barker decides to take it back to where it was the first 4 movies. Otherwise, you lost a fan. I'm out.
Rating: 
Summary: Redirecting Hell
Review: While the casual observer of this movie might be intrigued by its cop-versus-monster mystery plot, the typical Hellraiser fan might not be as easily entertained. The plot is somewhat thin, bordering on a "This-Is-Your-Life" plot mixed with the stereotype police mystery/suspense. The characters are difficult to identify with, and mostly predictable. The Cenobite involvement is minimal, hardly qualifying this as a true Hellraiser movie (not to mention the shameful neglect to involve Clive Barker in this piece). It does, though, have its endearing qualities, which will more pertain to the discriminating Hellraiser fan. The first is that Pinhead's character seems to return to its original standing as a demon just trying to do his job. His bad-guy image is left behind in #3-4. Also, he does offer a unique and intuitive view of Hell for the viewer to ponder, making a classic speech at the end. The second positive quality of this film is that the Cenobites (when featured) appear to be more traditional, as described in Barker's "Hellbound Heart", the novella that started it all. They are devoid of personality, bent on tantalizing the flesh in the most extreme manner possible (ie, the scene when the detective is "massaged" by the twins). And, as avid followers of the series will note, the Cenobites were hardly involved in the first film. This return to the traditional, and original, ideals of "Hellbound Heart" and "Hellraiser" make this film one of the most enjoyable in the series. Barker's lack of involvement is almost an oxymoron, since this film is the first sequel to reach the philosophical and metaphysical thoughts of the original. Wonderfully done.
Rating: 
Summary: Interesting and Different
Review: I can't say that this is one of my favorite Hellraisers, but I don't regret watching it. People's reactions to this generally depend on where they place Pinhead in the mythology. If you prefer the original conception of Hellraiser, where the Cenobites took a backseat to the more-horrifying actions of the ordinary humans, you'll probably like this, at least somewhat. If you prefer the "Pinhead as Freddy Kreuger" take of HRs 3 & 4, you won't. That's not to say it's all good. The acting is only adequate, and I'm uncomfortable with them turning it into a morality tale and making Pinhead a God-like judger of souls. On the other hand, this is more true to the original novella than some of the other movies. (or, perhaps "less inaccurate" would be a better term... They even bring back the concept of the Engineer, which was only in the book) It's a completely different take on the material, and I have to applaud them for NOT churning out another cheesy slasher-movie sequel. They appear to be honestly trying to take the series in a new and original direction. It also "suffers" from being fairly low-budget. I have that in quotes because, frankly, I liked their new cenobite designs, especially the two new cenobite women. They found a makeup design which is simpler and cheaper, but still is visually interesting and creepy. The biggest problem is the ending. It goes on for about two minutes too long, and beats itself to death, going right past a point that would have been a perfect ending. Still, it's worth seeing for Hellraiser fans, at least to form your own opinion of it.
Rating:
Summary: Phenomenal
Review: Obviously, this film has split viewers right down the middle. Some love it, some hate it. All I can say is that I found it to be both profound and disturbing, and easily the most thought provoking film of the Hellraiser series. It is very original(contrary to other reviewers who found it derivative), and considering the fact that it's the fifth film in an ever-worsening franchise, this bloody morality play is flat out phenomenal.
Rating: 
Summary: A Big Let-Down
Review: All right, I've read a bunch of reviews praising the people who made this movie as geniuses and stating that this movie will appeal to a more mature group of people. Certain critics note the lack of violence, nudity, gore, etc., as well as any real cohesive, linear storyline as a sign that Hellraiser has evolved into a higher art form. First of all, even if the movie was any good, with these characteristics there is no need for it to bear the name "Hellraiser" in the title since it is almost completely unrelated to any previous movies in the series, suggesting that this imprint was an attempt to have fans watch an otherwise inferior film. Secondly, the violence and murders that abounded in the previous movies are what gave them their greatness. This was not senseless, mindless gore- this was a interconnected series of intense, strong visual effects that were designed to stimulate the emotions of the viewer. Finally, as for the movie itself, it was disorganized, boring and unimaginative. If the movie was truly intended to be a detective movie, as alluded to by certain fans (and Mr. Barker himself), some clues should have been given to the viewer to solve the mystery as the lead character had to. Instead, we are pitched into a world where nothing makes sense, and nothing is even interesting enough to try and solve. When the character reaches his epiphany, we are too bored to care. The epiphany itself is a major let-down, and is way too drawn out, taking away any impact it might have. The realization that is reached is almost polemically opposed to anything remotely associated with the Hellraiser series, leaving the viewer utterly confused, irritated, and ultimately disgusted. AVOID AT ALL COSTS!
Rating:
Summary: snore-raiser
Review: i'm not against stylish, thought-provoking, gore-implied horror movies. this however, isn't one. it's a dull rehashing of ideas that were better executed by other directors in other films. while it could've been an interesting premise, this film is just dull. you don't really care about the characters (not to mention that craig sheeffer must've pissed off the director of photography as i couldn't imagine more unflattering shots) or what is happening to them. the film's approach seems to be driven more by budget constraints vs. intent. and worse, you can figure out what's going to happen fairly early on. you just don't care. my original interst in the hellraiser series has been the psycho-sexual undertones (and overtones) in it's approach to sex, evil, hell, etc. without any involvement from clive barker, this seems to be a 2nd rate effort from 2nd rate talent. rent it if you must. don't bother buying.
Rating:
Summary: Clive should be proud
Review: A lot of Hellraiser fans who are simply Pinhead-freaks may not like this movie, but what about Clive Barker fans? I believe this movie captured his dark, atmospheric feel that (usually) only he can create. The first two Hellraiser movies bleed Clive Barker throughout. The third is more 'Fright Night' entertainment than horror, but I still love it because I'm a fan of the director Anthony Hickox's style, like in the Waxwork movies. The fourth wasn't really scary but I liked the idea behind the old demon vs. new demon thing. Still, the third and fourth didn't have that Clive Barker feel. I feel this fifth movie did him a lot of justice. First of all, he's said himself that he never intended for Pinhead to get all the spotlight. The movies evolve around those who are unfortunate enough to open the box and how it affects those around them. So the fact that Pinhead's appearance in Inferno is brief shouldn't bother Clive's fans because, after all, he wasn't in the first two for very long either. This movie covers something none of the others bothered to dive into much: what does the box's victims REALLY go through. Sure, in the the second movie we see Frank's 'hell' of seeing all the beautiful women writhing around under the sheets but aren't really there. It's fitting for Frank but not near as terrifying as what our Nightbreed pal Craig Sheffer goes through in Inferno. Also, I remember in an interview about Lord of Illusions, Clive Barker had mentioned how he'd like to see more mystery and detective stories intertwined with horror. That was his given reason for doing Lord of Illusions. In that sense, Inferno does him a lot of justice. Here, we follow Sheffer's character through a mindboggling hunt for the 'Engineer' who is killing all the people close to him and leaving a child's finger as a calling card. He must find the 'Engineer' to both stop him and save the child who's fingers are being severed. The viewer doesn't know what's going on until the detective does, which leads to a totally surrealistic but thought-provoking ending. Beware, if you want a senseless slasher pic that's only fit to laugh at, you'll be disappointed. However, if you want a deep, horrifying look at one crooked victim's trip through Clive Barker's infamous puzzle box, this is a must, and don't worry, there's plenty of gore in here to keep the bloodlust at bay.
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful
Review: First let me say that I will spoil the movie for you. This would be the "unkindest cut of all" as it is worth owning this film. To give you a quick background on me, I like Hellraiser: Hellbound. Hellraiser 3 and Bloodlines play a sad second. This is especially true for Bloodlines which stood to present a side of the story I was dying to see. This film does a wonderful job of portraying Hell as a process. Each man creates his own private Hell. It is up to Pinhead to play director (and more). The first clue that this film would be different was the lack of a box-opening death scene. The gratuitous blood and gore is relegated to the imagination as this film take a mature hand as the main character attempts to understand the puzzle his life becomes when he solves the puzzle box. Pinhead is relegated to "Usual Suspects" Kaiser Sulzay (sp?) position as the man behind the scenes. Indeed he is the man who pulls the strings. Unlike Kaiser, he has a few more liberties in how he forms and expresses those strings. Including elements from Jacob's Ladder, the character catches ever greater glimpses of demons in his world. Like Jacob Singer, our character comes face to face with his child as he comes to fully understand and accept his fate. Unlike Jacob Singer, our character is not led ascending to Heaven by a warm hand. The real genius behind the film is that it does not end as expected, but as appreciated. The end provides a nice twist will not catch fans by surprise but will be appreciated by all. Kudos to the film for a great portrayel of one man's Hell.
Rating: 
Summary: Beware when a movie open with "Based On".....
Review: In the beggining of the movie, it states "Based On ...Clive Barker". This is the sure sign that a movie is so bad, that the originator does not want to be involved, case closed. All in all, it was a fair "3 Star" movie. However, billing this as "Hellraiser" is just plain wrong (and yes I am a fan of I & II) p----- me off and therefore the "2 Star" rating. It was an intelligent and creative concept, but it left me very dissapointed.
Rating:
Summary: This Was What Hellraiser Was Meant To Be!
Review: I would first like to address all those who don't consider this a Hellraiser movie. You are the ones that jumped on the Hellraiser bandwagon with Hell on Earth and Bloodline. Well since you people probabally never saw 1 + 2, the series was made to have Pinhead on screen for a short time. Thank God Dimension decided to go back to old school Hellraisin! This one sees Pinhead once again as the judge and jury of hell(as he should have been all along), as a corrupt cop is in his own living hell and doesn't know it. Pinhead is there to put him in his place. The only gripe I had with the film was that the original Hellraiser music was not there. The movie combines horror with crime drama. The movie is very gory and sometimes quite creepy. Having a good sound system should enhance the experience, especially with a Dolby 5.1 mix. Although features on the DVD are limited, they should be welcomed by Hellraiser fans. They include 4 short video clips that explain FAQ's about the Lament Configuration. There is also a 10-minute interview with Doug Bradley that is very informative. Some trailers also appear on the disc for Scream Boxed Set and Bloodline. If you don't want to wait for a price drop on the VHS, then get this DVD now. Perfect addition to the Hellraiser series.
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