Hellmouth (2014) Reviews

• A must see

  maartendierckx2015-07-08

  A gripping, beautiful tale, full of dark humor and great performances. Watching it is like having a twisted dream. An inevitable cult favorite, it's difficult to understand why it has been overlooked so far. For one thing, the poster does not do it justice. The title of the movie is also perhaps a bit deceiving. This is not a B-horror movie at all: I almost skipped it because of that poster which screams hatchet killer. I wouldn't even call it a horror movie, though the thematics are most definitely not for younger viewers. Other than that I don't see anything wrong with this masterpiece. I'll spare you any more words: just watch it already.

• An excellent vehicle for Stephen McHattie

  filmeuro2019-02-19

  I knew within the first five minutes of watching this move that it was something really unique. Not really a horror movie, which the name and poster suggest. First of all there is Stephen McHattie, who is a seriously underrated actor. Second, the visuals and filming of the movie are really quite unique. It wanders a bit as the movie progresses, but is well wroth watching. Fantastic.

• Constantine meets Sin City

  tabuno2019-01-28

  This Constantine (2005) meets Sin City (2005) is a mostly black and white, graphic novel approach to hell. It's glaringly stark cinematography adapts well to the horror filled nightmares of children and the black despair and creepiness of hell. Strangely simplistic in its approach, the fifties element of the despondent detective in the form of a aging, dying, close to retirement grave-digger is caught up in a wrenched dilemma of perhaps having to continue dig his own grave on his terrible, nightmarish job until he dies (his dream of more sunny retirement Florida seemingly beyond his reach). This movie may have been much more effective had it been directed and scripted as an R-rated feature film so that its graphic profanity of a hellish nature and sexual emotional bonding could have enriched and enlivened the movie even more so. The somewhat soft ending can be taken either as a cop out or a refreshing little breath of mental sunshine, probably left up to the viewer. Nevertheless, this movie borders on the ranks of What Dreams May Come (1998) and to a lesser epic extent The Lord of the Rings (2001) in an epistemological (inner knowledge or truthful way).

• Marvel and join the ride...

  leon-smoothy2015-06-24

  This is a strange movie, a blend of several genres and could well have been directed by Guillermo del Toro or any of his likes. It holds you in a tight grip from the beginning when it is very influenced by 40-50's noir or horror movies, to develop into something else more grandeur about halfway in. It is not easily understood or clear what is real and what is dreaming, psychological terror or supernatural terror. But terrifying it is, and made with references to classical themes about death, madness and heroism found in the ancient tales. It is about the grave digger Charlie Baker and his contract to tend to a graveyard for 6 months, because his predecessor "has gone AWOL" as is described in the film, when it is actually supposed he is to retire. He is left with no option, sick, and with threat from his boss to loose all his life pension and few belongings, he is forced to take the deal. But on the way home/there, things become strange and obscure, and he finds himself in a world not like his usual one, forced to deal with different terrifying individuals and occurrences. Masterful effects, well crafted characters and good storytelling make this a movie well worth watching, especially if you are looking for something a bit out of the ordinary...

• 'Hellmouth': Enter. All exits are final.

  strogunn2015-03-22

  This is a visually striking Grimoire of historical evil- supremely well crafted. Visual references run the gamut from camp horror classics of the 50s & 60s to the eery twilight glow of El Greco's Renaissance paintings and back again to 40s film noir. If William Burroughs didn't deride organized religion so much I would say that this patron Saint of junkies was successfully summoned by Hellmouth's creators to cross Time and engage Dante in vigorous congress until a post-everything version of 'The Temptation of St. Anthony' was in the can. Stephen McHattie's performance is nuanced and dependably solid as ever. Supporting roles are expertly carved out by Murphy, Millen, Gibson, Richings et al.. See IT. Feel IT. Believe IT...If you dare! (As ever, 'IT' depends on what your definition of 'IS'IS')