It took Jason Voorhees ten films and twenty-one years to go to space; Pinhead got there after only four films and nine years. That's pretty impressive, if you ask me. On the other hand, the record would be beaten by The Leprechaun in four films over only five years; moreover, the storytelling here is split to the point that we don't get as much of Pinhead In Space as one might hope. I think credited screenwriter Peter Atkins brought some terrific ideas into this fourth 'Hellraiser' film; then again, how much the finished product reflects Atkins' work, and how much it reflects apparent studio interference, is a fair question. And either way way I think it's safe to say that a chief issue facing this is the manner in which it's split. The origin of the puzzle box is a worthy notion to explore; following up on the ending of 'Hell on Earth' is a worthy notion to explore; the endeavor of a twenty-second century engineer trying to bring resolution to the whole sordid saga is a worthy notion to explore. To throw all these notions together in a single picture all but ensures that none will receive all due treatment that they could have had, for in the very least it would have required supreme intelligence and a delicate hand to allow the divided narrative to work as it is. True, there is also a shrewd through-line here in the effort of a bloodline (get it?) to close the same door that it inadvertently opened, but it's still hard to feel like the end result isn't in some measure distracted and unfocused.
One rather assumes diminishing returns of a long-running franchise, especially in horror. The first and second films are dark, gruesome, imaginative classics; the third film is mostly on par at its best, but struggles with definite flaws that place upper limits on its potential. If nothing else is true of this 1996 installment, it at least makes a better first impression than its immediate predecessor, for the dialogue that Peter Atkins put into this screenplay is better than in the last one (if still imperfect), and Kevin Yagher's direction is unquestionably stronger than Anthony Hickox's was. The plot at large may be more troubled in this instance, and the scene writing too, but at least nothing about this movie comes off as outright bad - and I say that even as some of the effects and violence are overly cartoonish. On the contrary, by and large the visuals here are outstanding and gnarly. The art direction is fabulously rich, and the practical effects, blood, gore, and violence are gruesome, not to mention the costume design, hair, and makeup. Post-production additions are more sparingly and tastefully employed here than in the previous title, and they distinctly look better. With more firm direction the acting inevitably comes off much better, and I appreciate the wholehearted earnestness that the cast brought to their performrances: Bruce Ramsay, Valentina Vargas, Kim Myers, Adam Scott, Christine Harnos, and more. In most regards this is admirably well done.
Though imperfect as it presents, I do also think the tale is compelling and satisfying, and eighty-five minutes fly past surprisingly quickly. There does come a point in the last act where the proceedings just feel indulgent, like a slightly more creative variation on a slasher's straightforward march of death, but overall 'Bloodline' is enjoyable. Here's one last qualifier, though: it just doesn't carry as much of a spark as its antecedents. Brutality for its own sake doesn't represent the vitality that is necessary for the horror fun to be particularly vibrant and engaging; the comedic ridiculousness of the first big effect sequence we see (to my pleasure, repeated later) doesn't represent the vitality that is necessary. I did have a good time watching, but it seems to some degree that even with the best efforts of all involved, they were less committed, and putting less of themselves and their heart into making this. That doesn't mean the feature altogether falls short, but even with fewer glaring faults than 'Hellraiser III,' it's less remarkable and doesn't stand as tall - still good, but the weakest of the series up to this point. Suffice to say that anyone who likes what these flicks has to offer will surely like this one, too, but unless you're a diehard fan of someone involved, this isn't anything one needs to prioritize as a viewing experience. Watch 'Bloodline' if you like, but don't go out of your way for it, and save it for a lazy day.
