The Wishmaster (1997)

June 24, 2018

Wishmaster retells the classic story of the genie in the lamp as an extremely violent horror film. The film includes a ton of horror stars: Robert England (Freddy Krueger), Angus Scrimm (the tall man from Phantasm), Reggie Bannister (Reggie from Phantasm), Ted Raimi (Army of Darkness, Xena Warrior Princess, Twin Peaks), Tony Todd (the Candy Man), and others. Also the film has some really great practical effects and some computer effects that definitely do not stand up to the test of time.

A djinn or genie is released from an amulet after being imprisoned for 800 years. He needs the person who released him to make three wishes and then he can begin conquering the world, or something. To be honest, I watched this really late at night after a few drinks and didn't pay much attention to the plot. What I did pay attention to was the brutal deaths that the djinn delivers. Taking words literally, the djinn finds ways to murder everyone in his path. It reminded me of an especially great episode of The Twilight Zone reboot from the 1990s with the monkey paw and the parents that inadvertently murder, resurrect, and murder their son.

The Wishmaster's makeup and costume are extremely well done and really helps to sell the film. The initial scene has a brutal scene with monsters popping out of stomachs to consume others and people being decapitated that sets the mood of the film. The Wishmaster can also become others by ripping their faces off and wearing them which is pretty awesome.

My only problem with the film is the computer effects (a person is turned into glass so the wishmaster can walk through him, etc) really look cheesy next to the incredible practical effects the use in the same scene. In the 90s it seemed everyone was excited to try out the new movie making technology when really they should stick with practical effects. Even today, practical effects almost always look better. Look at the Last Jedi, puppet Yoda was way better than CGI Yoda! Also, it's petty, but I call BS on the Wishmaster being able to ask people questions and then when they respond with the affirmative he considers that a wish. He should have to bait them into stating their wishes. Like I said, it's petty. Overall this was a great, great horror film! I am looking forward to the sequels!