It's extremely difficult to write a direct-to-video sequel for a horror franchise that most would agree has been in decline for over 20 years. And yet, writer/director Gary J. Tunnicliffe (who, coincidentally, also penned the lacklustre Hellraiser: Revelations) does just that.
This film is fresh and entertaining, not taking from the Hellraiser lore that fans grew up loving (if anything, this film adds to it) or trying to take the film in a generic slasher direction. Everything the previous film did wrong this one does absolutely right.
The inclusion of the auditor (played by the director) and other hellish characters was genius, successfully opening the door to some fresh new story elements that, if handled with care, could easily strengthen the Hellraiser series going forward (assuming Miramax decides to continue releasing sequels to maintain the rights).
As of the time of this writing, Hellraiser: Revelation is the end of an epic, ten-film journey that, for better or worse, has its ups and downs. But with Hellraiser: Judgment, it ends on a major high note that is satisfactory, worthy of the franchise it's involved with, and contains enough of substance to leave the viewer wanting more. This is truly a job well done.
Review of Hellraiser: Judgment
