From Beyond

Scientists create a resonator to stimulate the pineal gland (sixth sense), and open up a door to a parallel (and hostile) universe. Based on a story by H. P. Lovecraft.

I first saw this film a few years ago (maybe 2009) at a film festival in Chicago, but it apparently did not stick with me well. I neither wrote a review at the time (which is a rarity) nor did I remember much beyond the very skeleton of a plot when I revisited it again (2013). Perhaps because, sadly, it is not among the better films out there.

This is the sort of movie a horror fan wants to love: based on Lovecraft, directed by Stuart Gordon, starring Jeffrey Combs, Barbara Crampton and Ken Foree. Even the producers are noteworthy -- Brian Yuzna and the Band family when they were till in their prime. The opening credits are a veritable horror hall of fame. And seeing Combs interact with Foree is timeless fun and entertainment.

John Carl Buechler's effects need to be praised. They have been compared to Rob Bottin's "The Thing", which I think is fair. But Buechler often gets the short shrift, perhaps considered inferior to Bottin, Robert Hall, John Vulich, KNB and others... look at these effects and tell me he is not among the greatest effects artists out there. Ted Sorel, not typically associated with horror, did extremely well, too, and should be recognized -- horror fans can also check him out in "Basket Case 2".

But the film leaves something to be desired. While the concept of opening another dimension is very cool (and classic Lovecraft), and the focus on the pineal gland is a good way to address that (as one character remarks, the gland has been a metaphysical mystery at least since the days of Descartes), it seems like screenwriter Dennis Paoli did not adequately find the right way to adapt a seven-page story into an 85-minute film.

The film remains strong for the first half, but after that the audience (or at least me) grows weary, wondering how many times the group can return to the attic, or how many times a machine can be destroyed and still work. And then the story spirals off in a very strange direction, as if it suddenly picked up another script to get directions from. If this could have been condensed to 60 minutes, it probably would be a masterpiece, but instead it sort of lingers as Stuart Gordon's red-headed stepchild.

So, in short, die-hard horror fans are going to love (or at least enjoy) this film, seeing their favorite stars on screen (sort of a sequel to "Re-Animator" -- with three cast members, a director, producers, writers and even Miskatonic University returning). For the rest of the viewing public, this is not going to be a top pick...

A fantastic throwback sci fi horror movie!

From Beyond is a really well put together movie that literally has all the elements this genre of films should have.

The effects, particularly for the age, are fantastic, a little silly yes, but really well done, they have to put a smile on your face when you watch them.

All the cast throw themselves into the story, they know its silly but they are committed to putting on a believable show. You have to invest with them.

No member of the cast is wasted all providing moments to revel in.

Overall From Beyond was just a lot of fun to watch, its not scary unless your'e a little kid, but it is grat fun.

Check it out :)

Stuart Gordon's debut 'Re-Animator' is a horror classic, and 'From Beyond' is an attempt to get lightning to strike twice. Once again Gordon and producer/co-writer Brian Yuzna make a gory horror/black comedy loosely inspired by a H.P. Lovecraft story, and get cult hero Jeffrey Combs and scream queen Barbara Crampton to star. And you know what? It's actually as great in its own way as 'Re-Animator'. They really pulled it off! Combs isn't quite as outrageous this time round, but he's still excellent, and Crampton has a more important role, which includes her memorably dressing up in bondage gear. Another 'Re-Animator' actor Carolyn Purdy-Gordon also appears in the supporting cast, as does Ken Foree, one of the stars of Romero's zombie classic 'Dawn Of The Dead', and Ted Sorel plays Dr. Pretorious (a deliberate reference to 'Bride Of Frankenstein'), in a role one could almost imagine was written specifically for the late David Gale ('Re-Animator's Dr. Hill). The story is original and unpredictable, the humour dark and surprisingly subtle, and the special effects are excellent and very effective. For me this movie is extremely underrated and gets better with each subsequent viewing. If you enjoyed 'Re-Animator' you'll love 'From Beyond'. Gordon and Yuzna's subsequent careers, both separately and together, have been extremely uneven, but give credit where credit is due, this one's a winner! Highly recommended.

Wicked adaption of the H.P. Lovecraft story written and directed by horror master Stuart Gordon. The story is about experiments that cause people to be able to use their sixth sense. This however opens the door to another universe full of weird creatures and monsters and causes those who are part of the experiment to go mad. Terrific special effects, a fast pace and a nasty sense of humor make this a memorable outing. Good camp cast too.

Rated R; Nudity, Graphic Violence and Profanity.

Based on a Lovecraft story, this shows the danger of seeing and knowing too much. Campy horror director Stuart Gordon has Jeff Combs working on a machine (the Resonator !) that can help us to "see" other dimensions. When they turn on the machine, it brings monsters into this dimension. when the Doctor Pretorious is killed by his own experiment, Crawfod is locked up as a nut job. Barbara Crampton is Dr. McMichaels, trying to get to the bottom of his case. and of course Gordon puts his own wife Carolyn in here as another doctor. So they take Crawford back to the scene, and for some unknown reason, they think turning it back on is a good idea. Keep the kids away. Language, violence and nudity. S&M. a little something for everyone. and the weird thing is, they keep talking about the pineal gland, which really does control our sleep rhythms by controlling our melatonin level. and on some web pages, there are the discussions of flouride in our water supply. This "results" in the blocking of our ability to see the alternate planes. which is what this whole film is about! actually slightly based on "shakey science". who knew? it's all silly and campy and cheap and cheesy. but you'll have a fun time watching. not for the weak of heart.