An Irish farmer ploughing his fields removes an ancient seal from it, to only release a demon and Howard Hallenbark an American historian on a working vacation in Ireland might be the only one who can put an end to its terrifying rage.
An over-the-top and daft, but deliriously entertaining monster (ancient Irish demon) on the rampage low-budgeted opus. "Rawhead Rex" is an adaptation of Clive Baker's short story, who he also penned the film's screenplay. The ideas covered by Baker are unhinged and fascinating enough, but the tacky and sloppy execution of it is hard to take seriously and this especially goes for the monster creation. It's simply looks like a mutated head-banger crossed ape with its rippled muscles, long black hair and googly red eyes attached to a rubber mask. Oh it's a sight --- just wait for its spectacular entrance and you don't have to wait long either! While toweringly imposing in presence I didn't think it created much fear, but it sure was aggressive and destructive when in action/and gnawing upon its victims. Little bit of gruesome gore is chucked in and some bright optical FX work within its climax, but it remains pretty cornball. Where it scored high points for me was the choice of locations, rich rural Irish backdrops were atmospherically brought across and it was professionally photographed. Even the sound effects had certain eeriness and the music score, while overcooked was forebodingly judged. Something about its air had a dark mythical (its religious outlook) / fairytale (good vs. evil) edge, which only cemented how unusual it was and within it had that old-fashion tailoring of older monster features. Only if it didn't succumb to its pulpy silliness, but director George Pavlou (who also previously directed another Baker adaptation "Transmutations") presented some ghastly and humorous moments along with few stunning images. The performances are reasonable, as David Dukes is committed in the central role. Niall Toibin, Niall O'Brien and Ron Wilmont offer fine support. Could have been better, but still trashy fun.
An over-the-top and daft, but deliriously entertaining monster (ancient Irish demon) on the rampage low-budgeted opus. "Rawhead Rex" is an adaptation of Clive Baker's short story, who he also penned the film's screenplay. The ideas covered by Baker are unhinged and fascinating enough, but the tacky and sloppy execution of it is hard to take seriously and this especially goes for the monster creation. It's simply looks like a mutated head-banger crossed ape with its rippled muscles, long black hair and googly red eyes attached to a rubber mask. Oh it's a sight --- just wait for its spectacular entrance and you don't have to wait long either! While toweringly imposing in presence I didn't think it created much fear, but it sure was aggressive and destructive when in action/and gnawing upon its victims. Little bit of gruesome gore is chucked in and some bright optical FX work within its climax, but it remains pretty cornball. Where it scored high points for me was the choice of locations, rich rural Irish backdrops were atmospherically brought across and it was professionally photographed. Even the sound effects had certain eeriness and the music score, while overcooked was forebodingly judged. Something about its air had a dark mythical (its religious outlook) / fairytale (good vs. evil) edge, which only cemented how unusual it was and within it had that old-fashion tailoring of older monster features. Only if it didn't succumb to its pulpy silliness, but director George Pavlou (who also previously directed another Baker adaptation "Transmutations") presented some ghastly and humorous moments along with few stunning images. The performances are reasonable, as David Dukes is committed in the central role. Niall Toibin, Niall O'Brien and Ron Wilmont offer fine support. Could have been better, but still trashy fun.