Search - Wes Craven Presents Wishmaster on DVD

Gordon S. (Giraffic-Park) from CHARLOTTE, NC
Reviewed on 11/8/2024...

Pure B-horror cheese that never aspires to be anything beyond its basic premise. In terms of nuts-and-bolts slasher fodder, it's pretty enjoyable, thanks in large part to brilliant practical effects work and Andrew Divoff's terrifying performance. Cameos from a whole host of genre icons and an agreeably mean shot of dark humor sweeten the deal.

3 of 4 member(s) found this review helpful.

A Pleasant Surprise

www.TheHorrorMovieCritic.com | 07/07/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"If you ask me, the world needs more movies about Djinn (pronounced gin). These powerful genies are incredibly awesome yet they've never been given their due. Enter Wishmaster, a horror gem produced by Wes Craven.



Wishmaster is gushing with ingenuity. The Djinn (Alex Divoff) has to abide by a strict set of rules which make him a much more entertaining killer. He is completely powerless unless he can trick someone into making a wish. Once the wish is granted the Djinn is free to twist it anyway he sees fit and this leads to some truly inventive kills. Half the fun is seeing each seemingly innocent wish getting twisted into a moment of calamity and torment. My one major beef is that the film stooped to using "loud noise" scares that feel forced to make the audience jump. Note to directors...cut that crap out.



The movie is stuffed with imaginative kills that NEVER cut away from the gore. In fact the film usually goes the extra mile to show us every bloody detail. This is a gorehound's wet dream! There are occasional CG effects that are duds compared to the practical stuff but these are rare. Special effects guru, turned director, Robert Kurtzman, flexes his impressive talents as he puts on a clinic of practical effects with the help of his studio, K.N.B.



Divoff is marvelous as the diabolical Djinn. Watching his rise from an antediluvian tongued beggar to a regal, slang spitting deity is really enjoyable. Divoff makes the Djinn his own with a performance that easily goes toe to toe with the likes of Pinhead or Freddy. He's that good. You'll never forget that acerbic voice he uses and every second of screen-time is mesmerizing. On the other hand, Tammy Lauren's disheveled, crazy portrayal as the heroine, Alexandra Amberson, did wear on my patience. It's a shame they couldn't find an actress to match wits with Divoff.



Wishmaster is a movie by horror fanatics for horror fanatics. It wows us with its gore, excellent script, cameos from horror veterans, and mischievous villain. I found Wishmaster to be an enjoyable trip that quenches my thirst for something unique. The minute it ended I was wishing for more.



Final Grade: A-"