Warlock

An evil warlock (Julian Sands) travels from the 17th century to modern times, in search of the pages of the Grand Grimoire (the Devil's bible), which, when assembled together, will reveal God's true name and allow creation to be undone. Hot on his heels is a witch-hunter, Giles Redferne (Richard E. Grant), who enlists the help of Kassandra (Lori Singer), a pretty girl who has been cursed by the warlock (for every day that passes, she ages 20 years).

Written by David Twohy (Pitch Black) and directed by Steve Miner (Friday the 13th Part 2 and 3, House), Warlock is a fun, if unexceptional, slice of supernatural horror. Twohy has obviously done his homework and fills the script with interesting little snippets of witch lore: Redferne uses a witch compass to track his foe, uses salt as a weapon (witches hate the stuff) and creates a potion (from the boiled fat of a boy!) to enable him to fly. Miner's direction is similar in style to his earlier movie, House, with the emphasis on fun rather than fear. The film is workmanlike but not particularly memorable visually, and is unfortunately let down by some poor special effects.

Warlock is diverting enough entertainment while it lasts and worth checking out if you're a fan of all things 'witchy'. Just don't expect anything exceptional.

An interesting combination that is surprisingly entertaining.

The cinematography is good and the directing is excellent. The characters are interesting and the cast is very good.

A lot of effort has been put into the film, the director really made an effort to transfer this interesting story to the big screen. The film is entertaining and at times bizarre, but in a good way.

It possesses some strange charm despite its shortcomings which it compensates with entertaining characters and interesting plot. The concept is interesting and the director has achieved a good balance between horror and an entertaining film with a dose of subtle humor.

Julian Sands is interesting and sinister in the role of Warlock, and Richard E. Grant and Lori Singer are entertaining in the roles of Redferne and Cassandra.

A fun combination of several genres.

The base premise of the story is just so commonly found.But the final story development is quite nice for me. It stays true to the older myths and help shape the myths used in other newer movies with the similar themes.

In my opinion, the acting just a -so-so, even for the era the movie is released in. Also, the execution of the screenplay is quite littered with unnecessary goofs and illogical things concerning continuity.

But for an overall judgment, I think this movie is quite entertaining, worth a 6 out of 10 score. And I agree at some newer publications referring to this movie as a classic at the genre of occult horror.

A witch hunter (Richard. E. Grant) is chasing an evil warlock (Julian Sands) that got transported from the 17th century to 1980's Los Angeles. With help from a young woman (Lori Singer) who's received a hex from the warlock, they team up and rush against the clock to stop him from getting his hands on the pages of the Grand Grimoire (satanic bible) and in doing so he could undo all creation.

Director Steve Miner (Friday the 13th Part 2 & 3, House) achieves probably his best film in "Warlock". Some people might say his best is "Lake Placid", but I couldn't stand that annoying film myself. Anyhow, the fact is the plot of "Warlock" might be very formulaic and lack depth in the religious lingo, but he delivers a pleasurable supernatural chase thriller here. Involving some enterprising performances that go in hand-to-hand with the well-paced story, witty humour and energetic action scenes. All of these elements seem to gel perfectly for an incredibly fun ride that hardly has a dull moment to be had.

There are some nice effects are on show (warlock flying through the sky) and good makeup is provided. The violence is hardly graphic, but there's some mild graphic scenes and implied violence too. Miner adds in some nice added touches with extremely solid direction that keeps a solid pace and well-orchestrated camera-work that captures the rather exquisite scenery when the film takes a detour in the countryside. Not particularly suspenseful or uneasy viewing, but well organised action set pieces, some horrific sequences and humorous moments (ingenious ending) makes up for it. There are some well-organised scenes of excitement and thrills, especially the sequences involving a farmhouse and a terrific climax in the eerie graveyard. It's layered with a potent score by Jerry Goldsmith that builds on some rare tense scenes, but more on the rapid mood of the film.

What truly make the film standout are riveting performances even though they feel hammy. There is such an excellent blend of chemistry between the leads. With each of them throwing back and forth to each other smart and witty dialogue. Julian Sands central performance leaps out as a powerful warlock out to destroy mankind. He fit's the role perfectly with this deviously venomous presence about him. Richard. E. Grant is charming as the very determined warlock hunter Giles Redferne. When these two characters meet, the confrontations between them always spices up the film. Lori Singer is enjoyable as the unknowingly Kassandra who adds to the humour and zest of the film.

The film might be nothing out of the ordinary, but you can't deny the upbeat tempo of a thrilling adventure that leads you on a whirlwind trip from Los Angeles to Boston.

Julian Sands disappeared while hiking early this year. His body was found a few months later. In his memory, I decided to watch this horror flick in which he starred. Steve Miner's "Warlock" casts Sands as a malevolent sorcerer in colonial New England who jumps to 1980s LA in search of a book to undo creation.

The movie isn't particularly scary - kind of silly, in fact - but it's fun to see the awkwardness of the pursuing clergyman (Richard E. Grant) in the '80s as he considers almost everything witchcraft. Lori Singer plays the Angeleno gal who has to explain modernity to the clergyman.

Basically, the movie makes no pretense about what it is. Some of the CGI looks archaic by today's standards, but it remains a fun movie. Julian Sands's icy blond hair makes him look almost like a Bond villain. Watch for a brief appearance by Mary Woronov (of "Eating Raoul" fame) as a medium.

Steve Miner also directed "Friday the 13th Part 2", "Halloween H20" and "Lake Placid", while screenwriter David Twohy went on to direct the Riddick series.