Smoreni Zmaj
Clive Barker is one of my favorite authors and his probably most famous work are stories published in six Books of Blood. First three definitely belong in horror hall of fame. This is adaptation of second story from third book. To what extent is this adaptation faithful to original story I can not say with much certainty because I read Books of Blood last time 17 years ago, but this movie inspired me to read them again as soon as possible. Considering fact that Barker personally adapted story for screen I believe that faithfulness is not too questionable. Story is great and it will be obvious to everyone who ever read any Barker's work that he is behind this plot, even if they did not read this particular story. Acting, directing and effects are decent and atmosphere is right. But Rawhead himself is complete failure. Monster is so unconvincing that he nullifies all horror effects other elements of the movie achieved. They should have used good old tricks to avoid showing it directly. They could have show it in dark, just glimpse of it, or its shadow, or even shoot its scenes through its eyes. If my memory serves me right, in original story that's exactly the way it's done and story is written from monster's point of view. This way they would amplify horror and avoid spoiling everything with stupid and unconvincing monster mask. Overall, this is must watch for fans of Barker and 80's B production, but the rest of you should skip it.6/10
dannyreillyboy
This film is just classic. They tried so hard to make it 'professional' that it looks terrible. Its so obvious that this film was more about making the most of some sort of tax break or government incentive to lure Hollywood to Ireland (maybe I'm wrong) but this was never intended to be a masterpiece.Actors where terrible, scenes feel forced, film language is unnatural....storyline is all over the place BUT I loved it. Sit back and laugh at how poor this film is and I guarantee you will enjoy it. The scene where Rawhead Rex jumps out from behind the boxes and eats the farmer are hilarious but what follows is just brilliant. The monster breaks into the house and while the pregnant farmers wive is near paralysed by fear (or bad acting), Rawhead just spends the guts of 5 minutes in the kitchen wrecking and thrashing everything in sight (pointlessly).Perfect wind-down movie after a party or night out. A few of your mates and calm drunkenness highly recommended to get the best from this accidental piece of comedy!
lost-in-limbo
An Irish farmer ploughing his fields removes an ancient seal from it, to only release a demon and Howard Hallenbark an American historian on a working vacation in Ireland might be the only one who can put an end to its terrifying rage.An over-the-top and daft, but deliriously entertaining monster (ancient Irish demon) on the rampage low-budgeted opus. "Rawhead Rex" is an adaptation of Clive Baker's short story, who he also penned the film's screenplay. The ideas covered by Baker are unhinged and fascinating enough, but the tacky and sloppy execution of it is hard to take seriously and this especially goes for the monster creation. It's simply looks like a mutated head-banger crossed ape with its rippled muscles, long black hair and googly red eyes attached to a rubber mask. Oh it's a sight --- just wait for its spectacular entrance and you don't have to wait long either! While toweringly imposing in presence I didn't think it created much fear, but it sure was aggressive and destructive when in action/and gnawing upon its victims. Little bit of gruesome gore is chucked in and some bright optical FX work within its climax, but it remains pretty cornball. Where it scored high points for me was the choice of locations, rich rural Irish backdrops were atmospherically brought across and it was professionally photographed. Even the sound effects had certain eeriness and the music score, while overcooked was forebodingly judged. Something about its air had a dark mythical (its religious outlook) / fairytale (good vs. evil) edge, which only cemented how unusual it was and within it had that old-fashion tailoring of older monster features. Only if it didn't succumb to its pulpy silliness, but director George Pavlou (who also previously directed another Baker adaptation "Transmutations") presented some ghastly and humorous moments along with few stunning images. The performances are reasonable, as David Dukes is committed in the central role. Niall Toibin, Niall O'Brien and Ron Wilmont offer fine support. Could have been better, but still trashy fun.
microfame
Though not without faults, this movie has some damned effective moments. Particularly chilling was the scene of the family driving away from the Rawhead-plagued village, and them seeing "something" large in a field, through a break in the brush and stone walls. When they stop the van, and begin backing up to "check it out", it's a classic "Don't do it!" moment. Of course, it's a fake scare, but then something bad does come to pass...In this day of everything being put out on cheap DVD, it's frustrating that this movie is not in production. I'm sure there's money to be made on a DVD re-release. They put out the god-awful Alien 3000, which makes Rawhead look like Oscar material.....
AD
