CLASSIC HORROR -- Rawhead Rex

Rawhead Rex, released in 1986, was directed by George Pavlou and written by Clive Barker. It begins with a bunch of farmers attempting to move some big stone carved in the shape of a pregnant woman. Somehow, during the moving process, the agitated stone resurrects a creature that is a cross between Shaq, a red-eyed vampire demon, and a wild bear. This awesome combination is known as "Rawhead Rex". Oh, and he has this awful horse mullet. I don't know why you need to know that...but you do! Anyway, when the demon Rawhead Rex popped up with horrible special effects like old school Power Ranger flurries, I knew I was in for something terrible.

With his massive claws and demonic powers, Rawhead Rex hypnotizes people into doing what he pleases. In the film, they say he has been on Earth before Christ. (SPOILER ALERT!!!!!!) Also, something I found interesting is that the creature never kills a single woman! He's literally a man-eater, afraid of women. (END SPOILER ALERT!!!!!!) 


The thing that really disturbs me is that the demon has NO purpose. He just goes around randomly killing people for no reason. Maybe I missed something but I did not see a point to the creature. Also, I found myself laughing at parts that I'm sure weren't supposed to be funny.

It was interesting that the film tried to encompass religions and superstitions, but it often falls into the ridiculous, over the top, monster movie cliches. The script is just ridiculous...and not in a good way, sorry Mr. Barker! You would think since it's taking place in Ireland that the cinematography would be magical but it wasn't. The soundtrack was forgettable as was the effects which were even worse. If you're a fan of Clive Barker, monsters fans, cheesy horror, horrible acting or ridiculously hideous creature costumes who run around wearing mullet horse hair then I say this IS for you! If you don't like any of that stuff maybe you should pass!



There's potential here but sadly didn't cut for me. Its filled with too many cheap, bloody thrills. I know there's been talk of a remake, I just wonder if it did happen, what can they improve?

1 out 5 queen skulls!