Hellraiser IV: Bloodline

Hellraiser IV: Bloodline is a horror movie from 1996 directed by Kevin Yagher. It is the fourth installment in the Hellraiser series and is set both in the past and in the present.

The story is about the Lament Configuration, a puzzle box that, when solved, opens a gateway to a world of demonic creatures known as Cenobites. The box was created by a French toymaker named Philippe L'Merchant (played by Bruce Ramsay), who was commissioned to create the device by a wealthy aristocrat named Duc de L'Isle (Mickey Cottrell). The Duke had become obsessed with the idea of opening the gateway to the Cenobite realm, and saw the puzzle box as a means to achieve his goal.

In the present day, a descendant of Philippe L'Merchant named John Merchant (also played by Bruce Ramsay) is living in the United States. John is a successful architect who is working on a high-rise building in New York City. He is also haunted by the legacy of his ancestor and the puzzle box, which he believes is a curse that has been passed down through his family. John becomes the target of the Cenobites, who are eager to get their hands on the Lament Configuration and use it to wreak havoc in the mortal world.

As the story unfolds, we see flashbacks to Philippe L'Merchant creating the puzzle box and learning about its dark powers. We also see him trying to escape the clutches of the Duke, who is determined to use the box to summon the Cenobites. Meanwhile, in the present day, John Merchant is aided by a woman named Angelique (Valentina Vargas), who claims to be a descendant of the Duke. Angelique has her own reasons for wanting to stop the Cenobites, and she and John work together to try to defeat them once and for all.

One of the highlights of the movie is the performance of Doug Bradley, who returns as the iconic character of Pinhead, leader of the Cenobites. Bradley's presence in the film gives it a sense of continuity with the previous Hellraiser movies, and he is as menacing and disturbing as ever.

Another strong aspect of Hellraiser IV: Bloodline is the production design. The film takes place in a variety of locations, from 18th century France to modern-day New York City, and each setting is given a distinct look and feel. The special effects are also impressive, particularly when it comes to the visual design of the Cenobites themselves.

Despite these strengths, Hellraiser IV: Bloodline is not without its flaws. The film takes some liberties with the continuity of the Hellraiser series, which may be off-putting to fans of the earlier movies. Additionally, the story can be confusing at times, especially for viewers who are not familiar with the mythology of the Lament Configuration and the Cenobites.

Overall, Hellraiser IV: Bloodline is a solid installment in the Hellraiser series. It offers an interesting backstory for the Lament Configuration and Philippe L'Merchant, and sets up a compelling conflict between the Cenobites and the Merchant family. While it may not be the best of the Hellraiser movies, it is certainly worth a watch for fans of horror and the series in general.