Rish Outfield's reviews
This was dark, twisted, sick, negative, and not a lot of fun. And that was its downfall, in my mind. It's great to see Jeffrey Combs and Barbara Crampton again, but this was just devoid of pleasure. Stuart Gordon films are always entertaining, with a heavy dose of humour, but this one wasn't. As much as I disliked Dolls, this has to be my least favourite of his films. The subject matter was so hideously dark, and there was a heavy sense of loss and pessimism throughout (I wonder if this was inspired by personal tragedy). The monster was very impressive, although this is one of those where the creature isn't shown for the first hour, but is featured on the video cover, ruining any surprise. It was a grotesque, misshapen monster with its genitals swinging around, that made my skin crawl. But were we supposed to feel sorry for the creature? I thought so. After all, it wasn't evil, it was mistreated and disfigured. In the end, the film was just way too flawed, and too dark, and not one I'd care to visit again.

The tyranist's thoughts
As much as I love Stuart Gordon, Jeffrey Combs, and Barbara Crampton and as much as I scream for joy when I see the Full Moon logo, this film is mediocre at best. The premise is very good, the acting is fine, the set is (as always) great, but the whole delivery just lacks the punch that this needed to be a good film. They went back to the same place that The Pit and the Pendulum was filmed for another story taking place in a castle. This time it is "haunted" by a freak, who does look pretty terrible by the way. Mostly what I don't get is how in an empty echoing castle they can't hear each other screaming. You'll probably at least minimally enjoy it if you just like horror movies, but I wouldn't recommend you bank on an cool moments in teh movie. Also, it should be noted (and you should be warned) that Barbara Crampton does not take her shirt off in this movie. I know that is why you rent movies with her in them, so I thought you should be warned.