Pumpkinhead (1988) Quick Review

Pumpkinhead (1988) Dir. by Stan Winston

A man conjures up a gigantic vengeance demon called Pumpkinhead to destroy the teenagers who accidentally killed his son.

Two Words- Stan Winston! He helped create legendary creatures such as Aliens, Predator, Terminator, Leviathan, and many, many more. I shed a tear the day he died, and this movie helps embody all that he was, and will always be- a legend, and a hero. He takes his turn directing this one, and puts himself fully behind his movie. This movie gets mixed reviews and I don't know why. While there were so many slasher horror films in the 80's with mediocre story lines, and half-ass acting, this movie brings a whole new kind of horror. It is a emotional drama first, and a strong horror second. They don't over-focus on Pumpkinhead and they let the story drive the movie. The man's frickin son dies! If anyone were to kill my son, I'd summon a demon too!



Lance Henriksen plays the part perfectly, and you feel for his character. You understand why he did what he did, and you get to watch him slowly regret his decisions, going all the way down to the solid dramatic finish. This movie is perfectly filmed, wonderfully acted, written with solidity, and glued together with heart. I recommend this as a must buy to everyone. Not so much the sequels, but this one is a must buy.

Entertainment Value: 9/10 Pumpkins in a patch
Cinematic Value: 9/10 Pumpkins in a patch