Generally considered to be a minor classic in the tremendous 80's horror offer, "Pumpkinhead" mostly benefices from Lance Henriksen's strong lead performance, the solid direction job by Stan Winston and the compelling atmosphere that ideally balances between harrowing drama and exciting horror. It may take a little while before the story really swifts into action-gear, but at least the introduction of the characters and the build up towards why the titular demon gets summoned is well-crafted and involving. Widower Ed Harley lives with his young son and owns a grocery store in the rural outback. His peaceful life abruptly comes to an end when a bunch of city-teenagers accidentally run over his beloved son with their motorcycles. Overcome with grief and fury, Ed seeks contact with a local witch capable of resurrecting a powerful demon to extract blood-vengeance. The hideous demon with superhuman strength immediately goes after the teenagers and isolates the entire area with petrifying anguish. Ed soon regrets having unleashed this supernatural evil and teams up with the last remaining teenagers to destroy it. The titular demon's head isn't exactly shaped like a pumpkin, he merely owes his name to the fact his remainders were buried in a fields were pumpkins are cultivated. He's a tall, relentless and bloodthirsty creature that looks an awful lot like the extraterrestrial monsters in "Aliens". This shouldn't really come as a surprise, since the talented special effects team was responsible for both movies. Director Stan Winston is an effects artist as well, and thus he perfectly knows to depict the demon at its most menacing. And not only the creature's design is scary! The ominous forests, the superb lighting and the superstitious supportive characters all contribute to increase the tension-level as well. Lance Henriksen starred in numerous low-budget horror features that aren't worth bothering, but "Pumpkinhead" easily ranks among his best roles. His imposing charisma and cheekbones do most of the acting here, but Lance nevertheless remains a mighty fine action hero. There are sublime supportive roles for Florence Schauffler (as the uncanny witch) and George 'Buck' Flower as the wise elderly man.
Review of Pumpkinhead
