Hellbenders 3D (2012) (Blu-ray Review)
Directed By: J.T. Petty
Starring: Clifton Collins Jr., Clancy Brown, Andre Royo
Rated: R/Region A/1:77/1080p/Number of Discs 1
Available from Lions Gate
There are demons so terrible that no mortal man of God could successfully drive them back to Hell. The only option is for the exorci st himself to invite possession and then commit suicide, dragging along the demon to damnation – so the Augustine Interfaith Order of Hellbound Saints – or Hellbenders – was formed. A group of elite, highly-trained exorcists, they live in a constant state of debauchery so they will be ready to go to Hell at any moment. When an infernal Norse demon called Black Surtr escapes into New York City intent on cracking open the gates of Hell, the Hellbenders must use every ounce of their debauchery to battle the demon and save the planet from eternal damnation!
The movie here tries very hard to be cool, witty, different, and funny. That beig the case, I just don’t think it reaches the area it hoped to reach with the finished film we have delivered to us. The acting is good for what we get. They are playing very unlikable characters for the most part, but each actor makes the role their own and as a result you end up with a well-acted film, just not a very good one. I think it is just too cartoony at times and it also feels like they were trying too hard.
I won’t short chage the concept. The concept was good, but the follow through is where we have too many issues. I think the film is running on too much caffeine, so to speak. Had they just pulled things down a notch and be more level headed with the film I believe it would have been much more enjoyable. The transfer does look really good. I don’t think you can ask for anything more in that area, the rest is lacking.
– God’s Dirty Work: The Making of Hellbenders
– Audio Commetary
– Fly on the Wall – Behind the Scenes Footage
– Original “Exorcism” Short Films
– Trailer
