After a tragic accident, a man conjures up a towering, vengeful demon called Pumpkinhead to destroy a group of unsuspecting teenagers.After a tragic accident, a man conjures up a towering, vengeful demon called Pumpkinhead to destroy a group of unsuspecting teenagers.After a tragic accident, a man conjures up a towering, vengeful demon called Pumpkinhead to destroy a group of unsuspecting teenagers.
- Awards
- 3 nominations
John D'Aquino
- Joel
- (as John DiAquino)
George 'Buck' Flower
- Mr. Wallace
- (as Buck Flower)
Lee de Broux
- Tom Harley
- (as Lee DeBroux)
Peggy Walton-Walker
- Ellie Harley
- (as Peggy Walton Walker)
Chance Michael Corbitt
- Eddie Harley
- (as Chance Corbitt Jr.)
Dick Warlock
- Clayton Heller
- (as Richard Warlock)
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaLance Henriksen had a set of dentures made to give him a more rural look. He also gathered all of his own props and wardrobe, including a WWII pump-action shotgun, his cap worn throughout the film and the silver dollars which he gives to Haggis.
- GoofsIn the scene where Pumpkinhead is entering the burned out church, he takes several steps where you can clearly see that he's wearing Nike shoes. (FULLSCREEN ONLY).
- Crazy creditsInspired by a poem by Ed Justin
- ConnectionsEdited into Pumpkinhead: Ashes to Ashes (2006)
Featured review
Fun eighties horror
I will be the first person to stand up and admit that Pumpkinhead is, in some ways, as silly as it's name, but there's something there. It's just enough to elevate this above much of the other "Dead Teenager" dreck that was thrown at us in the glorious eighties.
First off, the monster is a doozy. Stan Winston was up to his usual standard of excelence and creativity, and he created a creature that, while not actually convincing, is alot scarier and easier to enjoy than most. Pumpkinhead is no Freddy or Michael Meyers, but he delivers.
Second of all, the plot is more intelligent than I have come to expect from slasher flicks. The "Kids" are more thought out than most disposable teens, and their motives are more understandable. They accidently take the life of a child, but most want to do the right thing and go to the authorities. Even the Jerk who doesn't is eventually persuaded. And Harley, the father who is the real hero AND villian of the film is much more human than his actions would suggest.
There is also a good twist at the end which I will not reveal here, only say that surprised me with it's subtlety, which is something you rarely see in a horror film that is more than 2/3 done.
Bottom line, I was pleasently surprised with Pumpkinhead. People who don't like horror films are unlikely to be impressed with it, except on a technical level because the effects and atmosphere are superb, but horror fans looking for a harmless new thrill may find it better than expected. It's smarter, wittier and deeper than the norm.
Pumpkinhead gets 6 out of 10 for technical expertise, great atmosphere and an above average story.
First off, the monster is a doozy. Stan Winston was up to his usual standard of excelence and creativity, and he created a creature that, while not actually convincing, is alot scarier and easier to enjoy than most. Pumpkinhead is no Freddy or Michael Meyers, but he delivers.
Second of all, the plot is more intelligent than I have come to expect from slasher flicks. The "Kids" are more thought out than most disposable teens, and their motives are more understandable. They accidently take the life of a child, but most want to do the right thing and go to the authorities. Even the Jerk who doesn't is eventually persuaded. And Harley, the father who is the real hero AND villian of the film is much more human than his actions would suggest.
There is also a good twist at the end which I will not reveal here, only say that surprised me with it's subtlety, which is something you rarely see in a horror film that is more than 2/3 done.
Bottom line, I was pleasently surprised with Pumpkinhead. People who don't like horror films are unlikely to be impressed with it, except on a technical level because the effects and atmosphere are superb, but horror fans looking for a harmless new thrill may find it better than expected. It's smarter, wittier and deeper than the norm.
Pumpkinhead gets 6 out of 10 for technical expertise, great atmosphere and an above average story.
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Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Language
- Also known as
- Vengeance: The Demon
- Filming locations
- Kelly Gulch - 1801 N. Topanga Canyon Boulevard, Topanga, California, USA(cabin in which the group holds up in while hiding out)
- Production companies
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
Box office
- Budget
- $3,500,000 (estimated)
- Gross US & Canada
- $4,385,516
- Opening weekend US & Canada
- $686,567
- Oct 16, 1988
- Gross worldwide
- $4,385,516
- Runtime1 hour 26 minutes
- Sound mix
- Aspect ratio
- 1.85 : 1
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