Leofwine_draca I always get a kick out of watching HELLRAISER III: HELL ON EARTH, which remains an oddly enjoyable movie even though it isn't a patch on the first two in the series. Those were dark, gritty, and thoroughly terrifying horror films, whereas HELLRAISER III is a slick and superficial gore-fest typical of early 1990s Hollywood horror film-making. It's very similar in look and feel to WARLOCK: THE Armageddon and WAXWORK II: LOST IN TIME, other sequels that director Anthony Hickox made during the era. It's lost the disturbing independent vibe but replaced it with superficiality and style.The story this time around sees Pinhead trapped inside a weird statue which ends up being purchased by a sleazy womaniser who runs a nightclub. Before too long, the hellish demon is free to cause havoc once more, this time wandering Earth to claim more victims. The only person who can stop him is Terry Farrell's random protagonist, who just so happens to have possession of the powerful puzzle box.HELLRAISER III most noticeably features plenty of black humour which was missing in the gruelling first two films. My favourite part of the film is the way in which the human characters are turned into Cenobites, each with their own look and special power. The guy who shoots CDs is hilarious as is the cameraman with a literal camera in his head. There's plenty of sloppy gore on offer here and the special effects are pretty good, although Pinhead's "look" is a bit off and he lacks the menace he had in the first two movies. Doug Bradley just doesn't cut it as he did previously.The rest of the cast are little better, with Farrell out of her depth and the others giving occasionally laughable performances, although Paula Marshall is surprisingly effective in her smaller part. Kudos to the special effects team who create all manner of nasty mayhem involving hooks, chains, and other body-flaying scenes of carnage, with the nightclub massacre a particular highlight.

Chris Wells Doug Bradley is absolutely mesmerising in the role! He's sneering, charismatic, deceitful, manipulative yet playful with the character. The one thing he doesn't do is turn Pinhead into a parody like Freddy Krueger became in the later Elm Street movies. He expertly walks the line being a terrifying monster whilst delivering cutting one liners with confidence and not damaging the brand or heritage in the process.The movie finally releases Pinhead into our world which is a fascinating idea the embodiment of Hell being seen by the general population and not just someone who opens the lament configuration box.Hell on Earth (the series' first US production) would also mark the beginning of the Hellraiser's relationship with Dimension Films, as opposed to previous producers New World Pictures. Still a strong sequel both Hellraiser III: Hell on Earth (1992) & Bloodline (1996) 'are exceptional sequels to the first 2 classics.8/10 'We'll tear your soul apart!

tonyband Vilified by many as the beginning of the end as far as the Hellraiser series is concerned, Hellraiser III: Hell On Earth is anything but.This film is what Hellbound: Hellraiser II is to the original, a progression, a sense of a series in evolution. It continues what Hellbound began and doesn't hold back for one second. After Hellraiser we screamed for more Pinhead and his Cenobite army, and after Hellbound we again wanted more Pinhead and his return to the sequel; now Hell On Earth brings Pinhead back as well as increasing his much wanted screen time in a film which has more action than an Arnie/stallone movie! This is essentially what this movie boils down to, and why I like it so much, the action it has. From the increased chaos on the streets of New York to the complete carnage in a seedy Night Club, this installment has it. It has the quality that so many horror fans long for in their favourite horror movies, which most of the time they lack; action and a distinct amount of pace to go with it.Hellbound had its share of high-intensity scenes, however this film also has them and despite Hellbound and Hell On Earth not being a shade on "Hellraiser" in terms of imagery, visual impact, story and raw quality, Hell On Earth is a decent movie, which holds it's own as far as entertainment value is concerned. Like in its predecessor, Hell On Earth again takes Pinhead's character to new levels and we learn more still about what he is and who he used to be. Elliot Spencer, Pinhead's past self, actually comes into the story in a big way, giving us a most interesting film packed full of hair raising events and unusual but intriguing Cenobites to watch.Hell On Earth is not the movie many Hellraiser fans portray it to be. It is instead another positive accomplishment as far as a good sequel is concerned, so again I highly recommend.

John Ross think a Hellraiser movie should be about the Cenobites and that's what this movie does it finally releases Pinhead into our world which is a fascinating idea the embodiment of Hell being seen by the general population and not just someone who opens his forbidden box. If you haven't seen this movie yet you really should, this to me is a very competitive film as my favourite in the Hellraiser series.Hell on Earth is one of the most fun entries in the series. For fans who simply want to watch Pinhead and the Cenobites cause chaos on Earth, then director Anthony Hickox delivers on that front. Mythology is at the forefront here, An entertaining horror extravaganza.