Pumpkinhead (1988)

June 21, 2018

Don't let the silly name fool you, this 1988 gem has some really great horror moments! Pumpkinhead is the revenge story of a father whose son is killed by a drunk hit-and-run motorcyclist and he seeks out an old lady in the swamp to summon the revenge demon Pumpkinhead to murder the hit-and-runner and his five friends.

There are a few aspects of this film that make it especially interesting. First, the practical effects of Pumpkinhead himself are incredibly well done for 1988... or for today even. Tom Woodruff, Jr. (It, Aliens, Death Becomes Her, Tremors) did an incredible job on the special effects and makeup of the Pumpkinhead creature. A less talented artist could've created something really goofy and ruined the film, but Woodruff's creature is terrifying looking.

Another aspect I enjoyed is the link the writer created between the creature sent for revenge and the person who has summoned it. The father begins to feel the deaths of the kids he has put a revenge hex on. Also, when the demon is hurt, the father feels pain and vice versa. It's a cool Harry Potter horcrux kind of plot element. Not only does this move the plot by causing the father to empathize with the killers of his son and attempt to save them, but it also makes a statement about the price of revenge.

Finally, there is an rural element to the film with a large family of "hill billies" and the old woman who lives in a swamp that is interesting. The hill billy family is the one who knows the tale of the demon and points the father into the direction of the old lady at the swamp. I like the idea that these marginalized and often ignored people are the ones that hold magical secrets that the outside world has forgotten.

Really enjoyable movie with great practical special effects!