Pumpkinhead - The Cinema Snob

The Cinema Snob reviews Stan Winston's directorial debut Pumpkinhead, starring Lance Henriksen, John D'Aquino, and Jeff East.
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Writer/Creator: Brad Jones
Title Card: Shaun Millington
End Screen: Nick Michalak, www.ravensfilm.com
Music: Karl Casey at White Bat Audio
Devin LeTroy Powell, Rhymer-Man, check out the full song:
• Rhymer-Man - Snob Nigh...
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[@flamethrowerflufsalisbury]

Lance is awesome. My sons & I were at a horror convention & Lance's line was very long. We ended up getting out of it so my son could use the rest room. We saw Lance a few minutes later while we were relaxing & he came over, introduced himself & talked to us for a few mins. Very nice guy.

[@keiththorpe9571]

"I told the old hillbilly killing his son was an accident!" "...And?" "Aaaaand...I think...I think he took it pretty well...He was very understanding..."

[@deraykrause4517]

53 year old man here. Saw this flick the day it came out. Henriksen ruled. The scene with the kid in the closet scared the piss out of me. You make an old man happy.

[@BarryHart-xo1oy]

Actually,53 years old means you are middle aged.

[@deraykrause4517]

@@BarryHart-xo1oy Yeah, but due to my health issues, I'll probably be dead in ten years. Is it possible for me to enjoy the Snob without some youtube rando being all mean to me and shit?

[@gabedavis4458]

Lance Henriksen is low-key a terrifying dude...

[@KyleRichter34]

​@@BarryHart-xo1oy Considering the world life expectancy is 71, me being 35 is middle age.

[@forestcampbell8962]

Best wishes for you sir,from some random dude yet still i hope the best for you and all!

[@tibbs1179]

Yep, welcome to fatherhood, Brad. Scenes like that are going to hit a lot harder from now on. Some of them add to the story, but others I can't stomach anymore.

[@colinr0380]

But the baby in the blender before being batted out of a window scene in Peter Jackson's Brain Dead will never _not_ be funny!

[@benderbendingrodriguez420]

​@@colinr0380well that's just basic facts right there

[@theAngryscotman]

I know what you mean. I can barely get through the opening of Madagascar 2 these days without welling up. Why did they have to get a real toddler to voice that stupid Lion cub?

[@kenbonez]

I still have my Pumpkinhead vhs, too. I like the artwork so much that i kept it all these years.

[@Dr_1212]

😎👍

[@actioncross257]

I remember walking by that tape in the video store when I was a kid. It absolutely scared the hell out of me 😂

[@superstarthomas]

I do as well

[@TheFrugalVideoGamer]

Apparently Henriksen actually went out and bought quite a few of the items we see in Ed's cabin from thrift stores and pawn shops to help better-inform the character, and asked the make-up department to fit him with false teeth to make it look like he'd never gone to the dentist a day in his life - similar to how Ed, a backwoods man from Applachia, likely wouldn't have.

[@knightnday10]

Beautifully shot movie where, even in night/dark shots you can actually still see what is going on. Great effects and Lance is of course wonderful as well. Thanks for this classic Snob!

[@MadJens0]

Stan Winston - we miss you 😢

[@MisterBrimm]

Bought this on bluray recently, its cool to watch movies I loved as a kid on stadard def tvs and vhs again with hi def and popping colors. This movie has excellent lighting and shot composition on top of the creature effects.

[@julesrules7297]

The first time I saw this, I was on acid. It was like a music video with no music, and I kept commenting on how much lightning there was. Should probably watch it sober.

[@christophermerlot3366]

I was never on cids when I watched it but I did watch after smoking a shit ton of hash. That was also pretty fun.

[@KyleRobots]

Happy coincidence, it was recently Lance's birthday. Also, if they reboot it, they damn well better have him be the witch. He would be amazing in that role, and be enough of a wink to the previous series they could do their own thing.

[@Avenger85438]

Warlock.

[@KyleRobots]

@@Avenger85438 witch. Even the witch in Warlock said he was a witch

[@MaryBeth94]

​@KyleRobots do not base your knowledge of history on fictional Hollywood movies. That's how ignorant people are made. How about you try reading a book instead?

[@bensneb360]

Fun Fact: There a scene in a movie where Ed washes his sounds hands, which Lance Hendrickson suggested to do since his own grandmother used to do that with him when he was a kid, and he thought it would be a sweet scene between the father and son

[@StillTheVoid]

you mean his "son's" hand? You nearly broke my brain there. 😁

[@monstermaster42]

Thats actually super sweet to know, Lance Hendrickson seems like a really sweet and wholesome guy in person

[@summersammich1324]

How does this have the most likes on this entire video with sounds hands?

[@mattstyles2498]

What are sounds hands?

[@benderbendingrodriguez420]

"Those are some mighty sounds hands you got there boy, you a pianist?"

[@animetrashamvs]

A Pumpkinhead comic series by Dark Horse?! Oh I'm definitely getting that!

[@jamisonfrey3452]

The Dark Horse comic was a mini series titled Pumpkinhead: The Rites of Exorcism and was written by 'Gary Gerani' one of the writers of the first film. It was meant to be a 4 issue series however only two of the issues were finished and published by Dark Horse. The conclusion to the story was eventually printed within an instructional booklet which came with the winged Pumpkinhead model kit called 'Pumpkinhead:The Metamorphosis. The model, produced by 'GEOmetric Design' was released in 1994 and has since become a hard item to come by. A second comic series was published around 2018 by a company called 'Dynamite' and was written by 'Cullen Bunn' Hope this information is useful to you.

[@animetrashamvs]

@@jamisonfrey3452 wow! Thank you random Pumpkinhead lore master! Forreal this is much appreciated since the Dark Horse comics say out of 4 and you’re telling me there’s only two. So saves me time looking for them🤷🏾‍♂️ I’m very familiar with Dynamite comics thanks to my love of Red Sonja, so I’ll be looking for their version as well. Thanks again ✊🏾

[@jamisonfrey3452]

@@animetrashamvs No problem, friend. If there's one movie monster/series I know anything about, it's Pumpkinhead. Have a good one :)

[@bryanjacobsen5005]

Love Pumpkinhead! Lance Henriksen is always a treat. An underrated classic.

[@SpeedyEric1]

I first heard about Pumpkinhead back in 2009 when Spoony did a review of the video game based on the 2nd film. It wasn't until 2 years or so ago when I finally got to watch this film online.

[@SapphireDragonDX]

What I found really hilarious about that game is that the developer behind it (BAP Interactive) also developed the child-friendly Sonic's Schoolhouse. It even has a similar gameplay style and interface as Pumpkinhead's Revenge did. I think I still have the copy I got as a kid somewhere in my basement.

[@sydneyslaughter7163]

Same! I was at a second-hand store and saw it for sale and snatched it up. Best $5 I ever spent there!

[@gyromurphy]

Ive been waiting for a Snob Pumpkinhead review for almost a decade. By the first few videos I've seen of his, I knew this one would be in the roster. Better late than never!

[@DMaria216]

I’ve been waiting for this one for years! No one ever remembers this movie..like how it was on Sci-fi channel constantly.

[@benderbendingrodriguez420]

Pumpkinhead has it all. A solid cast, solid directing ecspecially for a first timer, a compelling story full of emotion & suprisingly deep themes, incredible special effects and best of all the film just *oozes* that October/fall atmosphere. Absolutely love getting lost in the coulours/fogged sets. RIP Stan Winston 🙏

[@DrErikNefarious]

Pumpkinhead has such a great creature design. It's like an off-brand Xenomorph, but its different enough to say it isn't a direct rip-off.

[@gyromurphy]

Reminds me of the Dark Ones from Metro 2033 and a Xenomorph

[@crimsondynamo615]

@@gyromurphythe way it walks and the way its legs look really makes me think of the dark ones

[@dreamlandnightmare]

Stan Winston was a master creature designer.

[@tremorsfan]

I do love how Pumpkinhead looks more and more like Lance Henriksen the more it kills.

[@jacobmatthewcrawford2120]

1:14 That classmate sounds badass! Also, what an amazing story of videotape and lunchroom nostalgia! I saw this movie when I was 14 or 15 on IFC around 1:00 am. Great experience!

[@gathenhielm9977]

I swear Brad told that story before in a midnight screenings video some 10 years ago.

[@jenniferb8097]

I was having a bad day. Then I got home and saw you made a new video, and my day immediately got better 😊

[@shlockofgod]

It was officially titled "Vengeance: The Demon" here in the UK. We're not that big on pumkins.

[@KingSidJames]

Pre net, because of the name change, it took me a long time to track the movie down on VHS. Vengeance the demon is a much better tittle.

[@niravdarmesh5278]

1:12 That is (literally) literally the coolest gift I've ever heard of! I mean, that should either be in the case, in the vcr, or in your casket/urn with you. Or, you could have it bronzed, THEN do one, many, or, all of those things that I said.

[@erinyokley]

I watched Pumpkinhead for the first time last month and absolutely loved it.

[@paganarh]

yeap, death of a child hits hundred times harder from the moment you become a parent. its like a switch.

[@darkestjuggalo420]

This was a great way to end my Monday I also have childhood nostalgia for Pumpkinhead.

[@UndeadEggmiester]

I'll always love this movie. It pretty much gave us Lance henriksen as a actor but a cool and unique movie monster. Eventually a franchise that wasn't to bad even the made for the tv sci-fi channel ones.. are passable fun

[@Jarod-vg9wq]

2:40 Cathy as heck love it great intro song for cinma snob!

[@uselesstechnology]

Bro you are one of best most consistent people on this website you have aged better than most every producer from your era keep rockin on Brad you’re awesome man thank you for all the hours of entertainment

[@Pseudowolf]

7:52 That image should be in the dictionary next to "If looks could kill"

[@Amenema]

I’ve listened to cinema snob for over a decade which is insane to think about, but I’m realizing now comparative to other movie reviewers, there’s an aspect of his knowledge where it sounds like he was practically there on set he’s so well informed, like I don’t even question it. Great research for these videos.

[@michaelaldridge9511]

I can tell this is a favorite. You brought in the whole intro. I love this damn movie too

[@DarthArachnious]

..... how have you never done Pumpkinhead!?

[@evandaymon8303]

Same here. I thought he did do one but i guess i am confusing a similar film he review as this one

[@DarthArachnious]

@@evandaymon8303 It's been like this all year. I was amazed he had never done Porky's before.

[@evandaymon8303]

@@DarthArachnious it is. I mean he did all other screwballs. Why not one that was very influential?

[@CimyrRazely]

I used to go to this after school program that was run by a church. I remember my parents got me the VHS for Nightmare Before Christmas and I brought it with me one day since we were told “Bring in a movie and we can decide on one to watch” They confiscated it and I never got it back. My parents were pissed.

[@codybishop7526]

It’s a good day when Papa Snob drops a present in your stocking

[@theatre721]

All these years and we finally get a Snob episode of Pumpkinhead

[@weybye91]

I always return to this movie every now and then

[@xeltanni8999]

My God, Cinema Snob. Almost 190k subscribers and still using the same recording equipment from 2012. I miss the chair. Keep up the great work you magnificent bastard.

[@mr.pavone9719]

I rented this over a weekend in '88 and loved it. Aside from all the praise you've rightfully heaped on it the thing that surprised me was how well paced the movie is. It clocks in at about 90 minutes IIRC and there's never a dull moment. There are a few pauses to let the audience catch their breath but it never drags or has you looking at your watch.

[@monstermaster42]

This is one of my most favorite movies, right up there with the Thing and Return of the living dead 🥰 one of the best parts i think is when they hop on the bike and try to start it then Pumkinhead appears holding the chain and laughs at them, its like oh no we are screwed 😂

[@blazr1976]

I was today years old when I realized Mayim Bialik played one of the dirt kids.

[@mattfleurant9295]

1:37 'We'd like to watch this with you, father.'

[@wilcee238]

One day I'd like The Snob to review another Lance Henriksen classic; "Hard Target". He was great in that movie, and the behind the scenes stories with him and Arnold Vosloo are hilarious.

Not to mention, most importantly, a Jean Claude Van Damme classic and a John Woo classic--it's his first Hollywood film.

[@swiftfoxmark2]

Pumpkinhead vs. Hellraiser: Pumpkinhead is summoned by the relative of a victim of Pinhead. Of course, he has to get the box first and carnage ensues from that. Then there is a massive fight in Hell between Pumpkinhead and Pinhead. Leviathan then transforms Pumpkinhead into a cenobite to keep him contained. But his vengeance is stronger and Cenobite Pumpkinhead and Pinhead have one final epic dual. There, I just outlined a story idea that is far better than anything Hollywood could come up with.

[@SapphireDragonDX]

Kinda reminds me of how Pinhead was initially gonna appear at the very end of Freddy vs. Jason as a way of teasing a future film with him alongside said Freddy and Jason. If memory serves correct, the filmmakers couldn't get permission to use the character for that movie, so the idea was scrapped.

[@AliceBowie]

Not bad, but considering they can't even have Spider-Man and Venom in the same movie, Hellraiser/Pumpkinhead probably wouldn't get made, except for a fan film. You should make it, or write a script and try to get people to make it.

[@ryandowney9383]

Pumpkinhead is an amazing movie! Not just for the effects, it has a great story and interesting memorable characters. It's surprising that it's Winston's first time directing.

[@okami6399]

I wonder if the dog jumpscare at 17:36 was a bit of an inside joke. It almost seems to me like people are getting ready to start a scene, getting camera’s in position and stuff, with the camera rolling and the actor sitting there quietly waiting for “action”. Then the dog, being a dog, jumps up to say “hi! Hi! I’m here! I love you!” And they decided to keep the shot in, adding a stinger.

[@dreamlandnightmare]

Viable theory.

[@DorenOfOz]

Super excited to see you finally got to this one! I remember picking this movie out from my video rental store, becoming hyperfixated on this and trying to open my friends eyes to the glorious pumpkin head, I was 9. I rented it so many times and one day it just... Was never returned by someone so I never saw it again. It's great to see it holds a lot of good memories or interest for other people (judging by the Patreon results there!) Anyway thank you for this one!!

[@katthefantastic]

The kids in this movie were literally my 2nd cousins. Growing up in the Ozarks, this movie hits home. Always one of my favorites!❤

[@IAmOfAll]

Thanks to this review, I watched this movie for the first time today. Not joking or exaggerating - a new top ten film for me! Somehow it both feels cheap and cozy, and brilliantly performed! Thank you for spotlighting this! I would never have checked it out otherwise.

[@BeyondTheGraveMedia]

Pumpkinhead finally the Snob justice. Its my first flick every October. Love it, Cheers!

[@RicksTake]

Fondly remember watching this on a Saturday afternoon as a kid!

[@fangthedergon1863]

Finally, I was wondering when you were gonna give this oldie goldie a look.

[@KareemHarper]

Came out when I was 10 & for years remained a sleepover then undergrad favorite. JFC that creature freaked me out.

[@Tom_TheDutchguy]

One of my favorite trivia's of Pumpkinhead involves the scene in which Hendriksen helps wash Matthew Hurley's hands. Hendriksen starts telling him how his grandmother used to help him wash his hands when he was the boy's age and how her hands were so soft. That line was improvised by Hendriksen and was actually something from his own life. Lance Hendriksen also remains the coolest celebrity I ever had the pleasure of meeting at a comic con.

[@HarperSanchez]

Watch it almost every Halloween. One of the first movies to truly scare me as a kid. Growing up around pine forests in the south makes this movie very effective for my kid self, and adult self.

[@DanielCrookeFilms]

Excellent review of a film I haven’t seen in years. Thanks Brad, definitely worth a re-watch now. 👍🏽

[@jeremysmetana8583]

I had that same VHS copy, and I also had an actual poster of the same painting from the cover of that, given to me by that friend who would go out and see basically every single horror movie with me. I don't know how many times I've actually seen this movie. I long ago lost count. It's a Halloween staple for me. A true gothic horror classic with a seriously great performance from Lance Henriksen. Odd you didn't mention Mayim Bialik amongst the teasing kids from the truck.

[@charlesplante]

Real talk, as an abused kid I always cheered for Pumpkin Head and felt like everyone it killed REALLY deserves it unlike the other movies that only killed cool people that had tons of sex and drugs. I know lots of people think it's not as good as the other classics but I think it deserves more love and respect than it gets.

[@alabamafreak]

If they ever make another Pumpkinhead movie, I think it'd be interesting if it were moreso portrayed as an antihero than just an antagonist.

[@Jarod-vg9wq]

Kid you ever get away form that abuse life?

[@Razgriz85]

I remember watching this on one of the movie channels as a kid, and even though it's campy as hell, I still enjoyed it. Can definitely see the Xenomorph influence on the monster, too.

[@Octopugilist]

Makes me think of Genestealers from 40k too

[@capam15]

Me and my work buddies talk about this series more than usual, we almost chipped in on a full sized stand up someone was selling on marketplace but the thing was half chewed on by a dog and they wanted 800 bucks

[@christophermerlot3366]

Thanks for covering one of the best horror movies of the era. It's in my top 5 of the decade.

[@jacobdrolet4262]

Amazing video of pumpkinhead,fantastic job cinemasnob.

[@saloz9483]

The creature itself and how it was presented left a mark on me for sure. This giant creepy ass looking monster with white eyes and every time it showed up the flicking lights and sound effects playing making one hell of an entrance and made it feel like a big threat. I remember feeling like the only person who knew about this movie growing up until I met someone who became a close friend.

[@BrendanJSmith]

Brad going to a religious school is one of the most wild revelations I've ever heard!

[@tenlosol]

No lie this is one of my favorite horror movies to watch and it feels like no one's ever heard of it.

[@red16wolf]

Damn i was so hoping for a Spoony cameo

[@charlottecorday8494]

Part 2 would be more appropriate

[@dash4800]

I remember staying at a friends house when i was like 10 or so and they had HBO and this was on at like 3am. I just remember the far away shots of the monster in the moonlight scaring the crap outnof me and i avoided watching it in full until recently. Kind of wish i had that experience younger but the effects were still fun and the monster design was amazing.

[@Jarod-vg9wq]

5:30 that’s why we love the man ❤ he got that natural down to earth charisma.

[@rickbrookes9491]

“What did you do daddy?” Gets me every single time! Chills!

[@crimsondragon1690]

Obviously, Lloyd Approved. Or was that one of the twins? Never seen them separately before.

[@evandaymon8303]

He unfortunately passed away not long ago. So that's just one of his new cats. His spirit lives with them now.

[@crimsondragon1690]

Oh, I didn't know. I'm so sorry.

[@evandaymon8303]

@@crimsondragon1690 dont be. You weren't alone. I thought it was weird he show off the twins in shining and never brought up Lloyd

[@evandaymon8303]

@@crimsondragon1690 well till end of the review but still he lives on as logo to brad and those twins

[@NickMichalak]

Bojan Bazelli also shot the stunning-looking Abel Ferrara Body Snatchers film and Gore Verbinski's The Ring. I haven't watched Pumpkinhead since the last day of the VHS rental market. I'm due for a re-watch.

[@PatrickMoore-yw6lu]

I wouldn't mind if the Snob tackle Killer Klowns from Outer Space, since it was done in 1988 and done by special effects wizards of the Chiodo Brothers. Also, with the video game coming out this Summer, it would be perfect to see an episode made.

[@tvbroken26]

"...because he's got a full day of writing Billy's obituary tomorrow for the Sunday Funnies." I literally spit my coffee out at my computer screen

[@Alexander_Stern1]

“I see what the demon sees. It’s my gift. It’s my curse.”

[@baileybrian9560]

i love this movie, one of my favorite creature designs

[@Jarod-vg9wq]

Holy Ghost it’s a early cinema snob Halloween treat 🎃 ❤

[@Jarod-vg9wq]

Brad your a dad now? Congratulations 🥳 you are also doomed to make dad jokes forever.

[@ryanjavierortega8513]

Great episode, Snob!

[@thespacebat]

I love the entire series of pumpkin head movies

[@danbauer3669]

The punkinhead prop is on the wall in Bret 'The Hitman' Hart's house wearing a Calgary Hitmen hockey jersey. True story. I don't know how they got the hockey jersey on the monster.

[@CarlKeeling1881]

I live close to the U of I and there was a store called Dallas and Company that's a couple blocks away from campus they had one of the original movie props of the full figure Pumpkinhead in the store. They also had a xenomorph and about ten other movie monster props in there. It was one of my favorite stores to stop in and look around just for that reason. They sold magic tricks and party supplies. The store is closed but their Google page and photos are still up I just checked 😆.

[@Hamartias_hound]

My friend got me a mini-magnet that looks exactly like the VHS. My favorite magnet hahaha

[@SuperJoesutton]

This was my first horror movie as a kid and I was not ready. I had nightmares for a week.

[@djmexicanodetx2195]

Great performance from Lance Henriksen!

[@wilcee238]

He never gives bad performances.

[@theasinclaire52]

@@wilcee238 I know, right? He always brings his A-Game, even to B movies. All the performances are pretty good but he stands out.

[@fingerknives4130]

This movie rules! Pumpkinhead is a classic movie monster. Lance Henriksen’s raging glare would stop a charging bear. I could watch this any day of the week and be happy.

[@locodro666]

I was born in 88 and must have watch this when i was like 5 way too young too be but hell i think i was worth it cause it made me want too watch more horror/scary movies even though they scared me lol

[@jonathanortega753]

Lance Hendrickson was really outstanding in pumkinhead but also he's really great in 1987 vampire western film Near Dark which is bi favorite western horror which stars most of James Cameron's cast in aliens which there's a movie theater that is in one scene as a wink of a camera and one of the best stellar performance by the great actor Bill Paxton (RIP) and is really entertaining and I still own the 2 disc edition from Anchor Bay dvd and still no news for a 4K remaster of Near Dark

[@rememberpickles]

Thanks Patreon! I'm too broke to join you at the moment but appreciate what you do. Can you all pick The Night God Screamed next?

[@sfighter0085]

I actually bought the DVD of this movie from my local "Winn-Dixie" a long time ago. I only watched it once, and honestly I thought it was pretty good. Its definitely has an interesting take on old school monster movies while still being modern. May need to re-watch it sometime. Only seen bits of the sequel, but never watched it entirely, nor the Made for TV sequels. 🎃

[@jackkain7141]

This so needs the sequels reviewed, too!

[@dreamlandnightmare]

So much better looking than any CGI. This is the only one worth covering. The sequels are totally forgettable.

[@habeashumor9814]

It's pronounced John Dee-akweeno, and my favorite role of his was Todd Gack on Seinfeld. Plus he was a series regular on Cory in the House playing the President of the United States. He teaches acting to kids and adults (including a lot of Disney child stars), and he's all around a really, really great guy.

[@Brejan]

I half expected another Spoony cameo. Then again, I guess it would fit even better in Pumpkinhead 2 review...

[@Emulous79]

3:22 "Come on, Sal! Tigers are playing. Too-nite. Never miss a game."

[@jeffreybarrow9788]

Your cats seem to love the tape.

[@dreamlandnightmare]

The cat is marking it with their sent. It's the cat's tape now.

[@Dredrick]

Wait, you're still doing this? Damn. Nice.

[@srtallio]

Just popped into my head...you ever thought about doing the Beatles "Yellow Submarine" flick? I always like hearing other opinions on it 😊

[@cataclysmblackarchives8813]

This and Wishmaster are some of my all time favorite horror movies.

[@robertalter3186]

The line "What'd you do, daddy?" is what made Lance Henriksen decide to take the role.