Waxwork Review

MPAA Rating: R
Released: 1988

Waxwork was a quirky horror flick that arrived in the late 80's. It's one of those genre entries that isn't terribly tense or horrifying due in large part to some comedic elements and an overall ludicrously irreverent attitude, yet is still extremely satisfying for many horror fans due to its unique homage to House of Wax, its impressive casting and its shockingly graphic blood baths.

While heading to school one bright morning Sarah Brightman (Deborah Foreman) and her ditzy friend China Webster (Michelle Johnson) pass by a curious building situated in the midst of their upper class suburban neighborhood: a waxwork. As they take a moment to ponder its rather sudden appearance, the owner of the waxwork, David Lincoln (David Warner), introduces himself.

He explains to the girls that his waxwork is nearly ready for its grand opening and then extends a special invitation to the duo to attend a party later that evening with four of their friends. Lincoln emphasizes that there is room for six friends, and six friends only.

Sarah and China convince some of their fellow preppy friends to attend the private party, but unfortunately for them all they have no idea what awaits. David Lincoln has actually sold his soul to the devil, and in his bidding to spread evil upon the world he has created wax likenesses of memorable killers and horror creatures such as the Marquis de Sade, Dracula, the Wolf Man and many others. Each scene depicts one of these notorious figures having his way with a victim.

Here's the twist: each victim was once a real person. You see, if someone steps too close to an incomplete display then they are sucked into that world and mercilessly slaughtered by its star occupant. Once killed, the victim becomes a part of the display and the project is completed.

When every single display in the waxwork is completed, all the creatures and individuals represented by the wax figures will be summoned to this world as flesh and blood. Only six displays need be filled before a tremendous evil is visited upon the world, and the six invitees would fit the bill perfectly…

Surprisingly, there's actually quite a bit I left out of the plot summary above – Waxwork has a decent little story for a horror flick. The detailed storyline isn't the movie's only strength, for somehow quite a good selection of impressive stars decided to take part in this project. You'll see appearances by Zach Galligan, Deborah Foreman, Miles O'Keeffe, John Rhys-Davies, Patrick Macnee, David Warner and more. While there are some cringe-inducing performances by disposable actors, it's a bit surprising how many good actors lent their charisma and talents to a horror flick.

There are two versions of Waxwork: an R-rated version and an unrated version. Both have impressive gore effects, but the unrated version takes it up to the next level. If bloody deaths are up your alley, you definitely won't be disappointed here.

So what are the negatives? First, some (okay… most) of the attempts at comedy fall flat. It's not enough to ruin the film for me, but one does have to wonder how much more effective Waxwork could have been had it taken a serious approach.

My biggest criticism though comes from the conclusion of Waxwork. I won't spoil it here for those who haven't yet seen the film, but it gets so cheesy and ridiculous that it rockets right past campy and becomes flat out obnoxious. The eye-rolling affair left me with a bit of a bad taste in my mouth, but to be fair it was a fairly short segment in an overall entertaining film.

Waxwork has its flaws, but then most horror flicks do. I would recommend this film for anyone looking for a bloody and unique approach to the genre – just check your brain at the door first.

Movie rating: 7 stars

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DVD

Other Resources:

Waxwork IMDb Page

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