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Laramie Movie Scope:
Lord of Illusion

A sub-par gorefest from Clive Barker

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by Robert Roten, Film Critic
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August 28, 1995 -- ``Lord of Illusion'' is the latest horror movie to hit Laramie, but it is just more of the same gory stuff from writer-director Clive Barker.

Barker, who directed ``Hellraiser,'' ``Candyman'' and ``Sleepwalkers'' depends too much on gruesome special effects in place of a good, solid story, but if this movie makes money, we'll see more of the same.

The story has to do with the killing and burial of a nasty devil-worshiper called ``Nix,'' played by Daniel Von Bargen. Fade to black. We arrive about 13 years later to one low-budget private New York dick, Harry D'Amour, played by Scott Bakula of ``Quantum Leap'' and ``Necessary Roughness.''

Bakula takes an insurance fraud case in California that draws him into contact with the same cult that Nix led. He also stumbles into a related case involving a magician. Gallons of blood, pounds rotting flesh and a few mucous monsters grace the screen in this in this goofy gorefest.

Although the special effects are good, as Shaggy Bob would say on the Internet, it hits 90 on the vomit-meter. There is also some sexual content, hence the ``R'' rating.

So what's the point of this exercise? Cheap thrills? I'll have to admit, it is a little scary in some places. There are some interesting scenes involving magic, a subject I've always been drawn to. Bakula's performance is also a highlight. He rises above the material to bring some added depth to his role as a man torn between good and evil.

Kevin J. O'Connor, as magician Philip Swan, also is effective in the movie. My problem with the film is the high level of gore and some big plot holes, however, if you really liked Barker's movies ``Hellraiser'' and ``Nightbreed,'' you might just like this movie, despite its flaws.

For me, it was just too dark, depressing, incoherent and generally unpleasant to recommend. Of recent horror films, I thought ``Demon Knight'' and "In the Mouth of Madness" are the only ones I've seen that are above average. "Lord of Illusion" is below average. It rates a C-.

Click here for links to places to buy this movie in video and/or DVD format, the soundtrack, books, even used videos, games and lots of other stuff. I suggest you shop at least two of these places before buying anything. Prices seem to vary continuously. For more information on this film, click on this link to The Internet Movie Database. Type in the name of the movie in the search box and press enter. You will be able to find background information on the film, the actors, and links to much more information.

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Robert Roten can be reached via e-mail at my last name at lariat dot org. [Mailer button: image of letter and envelope]

(If you e-mail me with a question about this or any other movie or review, please mention the name of the movie you are asking the question about, otherwise I may have no way of knowing which film you are referring to)