Film: Hellraiser

Tonight, The Hideout: Horror Sci-Fi Club London were off to see Hellraiser (yes, the remastered original) at the Prince Charles, heading to Clubhouse 5 after. Which prompted me to check out the film list - but you know, I simply couldn't see anything more fun on it! And it was about time I saw this, even if I don't like the book. So I joined them. Film promised to be less scary than yesterday's..

Rain was promised - but obligingly held off until I was on the bus, when it started to lash! It had lightened off a bit by the time I had to change - and had stopped entirely when I got off, finally. I didn't really have time for a full meal - ran to Gregg's, got a pack of southern fried chicken goujons, and mooched around eating them and listening to the most incredible beatboxer. Whom I gave something, once I'd finished eating.. then made my way to the cinema bar, where the organiser had beaten me to it. As others arrived, the chat was good - we nearly forgot to go in for the film, in fact! I'll say this, the Sauvignon Blanc - which is good - is also the cheapest around..

Now, I'd never seen this before: but I was well familiar with the theme tune, from that excellent YouTube playlist of horror themes (this theme is #13). Which ended up being one of the highlights of the film for me. Having said that.. yes, the fashions date it a bit, but by and large it's a very good horror. The premise is excellent - a puzzle box that opens a portal to hell. Uncle Frank is the first to avail of it - to his regret; as the others discover what has happened, it's up to them to decide what to do..

We don't get much of a glimpse of the cenobites here - only brief snapshots, and the general message that you don't want to mess with them. Yes, the film is gory - but not nearly as much as it could be, pulling back from the most extreme cases. As ever, nice when a female saves the day.. Much less intense than the book, I found this watchable, whereas I couldn't take it in book form. As I always say, books are that much scarier. Whatever, it is an interesting tale, and recommended - but only for horror fans!

On to Clubhouse 5 afterwards - someone advised us to go upstairs, where we got a lovely big corner to ourselves. And which was even better when one of the group asked them to turn down the music a bit! Chat was excellent, as we swapped horror recommendations - and it was nice to see nobody rated tonight's film lower than 5! Always good to meet this group, and I look forward to the next time I can. 

Tomorrow, back at last with the London Classical Music and Theatre Group, for Mahler's Resurrection, at the Royal Festival Hall. My sometime companion from Up in the Cheap Seats wanted a suggestion for something for the afternoon, though - so now we're also off to an organ recital, at the same venue beforehand.

On Sunday, delighted to be with Buddies on a Budget in London - rarely do I get the chance - for the Pearly Kings & Queens Harvest Festival, at the Guildhall!

And on Monday, I'm with London Baroque Music Lovers for a chamber music concert at Wigmore Hall.

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