Although it’s not without its weaknesses, this second sequel to Clive Barker’s original is an entertaining, gory little number. Doug Bradley, as Pinhead, is on screen more often than in the previous movies, which has the unfortunate result of diluting some of his menace, but luckily director Anthony Hickox has enough tricks up his sleeve to keep things moving along nicely. The special effects are solid here and there, but the real stars are the imaginative scare scenes and gore makeup: In particular, the last half hour explodes with violence and Hickox unleashes his arsenal with gusto and confidence. Among the fair cast, Paula Marshall manages to deliver an impressive performance and breaks through the tepid cliches of the screenplay, and it’s nice to see Ashley Laurence in a quick cameo as Kirsty.
Rating: ★★★ (out of 5)
