Cast
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Angus Scrimm
as Narrator (voice)
Andrew Divoff
as The Djinn
Tammy Lauren
as Alexandra Amberson
Robert Englund
as Raymond Beaumont
Ari Barak
as Zoroaster
Jake McKinnon
as Skeleton Man
Greg Funk
as Snake Man
Richard Assad
as Persian King
Ted Raimi
as Ed Finney
Dan Hicks
as Customs Official
Joseph Pilato
as Mickey Torelli
Tom Kendall
as Etchison
John Byner
as Doug Clegg
Wendy Benson-Landes
as Shannon Amberson
Chris Lemmon
as Nick Merritt
Crew
Director
- Robert Kurtzman
Producer
- Pierre David
- Clark Peterson
- Noël A. Zanitsch
Reviews
Gimly
I haven't seen _Wishmaster_ since I was a kid, I always enjoyed it back then, so I was nervous showing it to some friends that wouldn't withstand the test of time. It totally did though. Sure _Wishmaster's_ pretty dumb and it can't keep its story straight, but those practical effects? Bellissimo.
_Final rating:★★★ - I liked it. Would personally recommend you give it a go._
Oct 27, 2017
Wuchak
_**This ain’t the Barbara Eden kind of genie**_
Through a priceless gemstone, a malevolent djinn (Andrew Divoff) is released in Los Angeles where he harasses people by answering their wishes. Tammy Lauren plays the protagonist, Wendy Benson-Landes her sister and Robert Englund a collector of idolatrous artifacts.
“Wishmaster” (1997) is inventive comic book horror with a thought-out script that features a villain/monster that is actually interesting for a change. The Djinn is superbly done and diabolically charismatic. Meanwhile Tammy Lauren is reminiscent of a younger Linda Hamilton. She’s likable and spirited, but doesn’t do much for me personally; and the role of Wendy Benson-Landes is too small to note. The flick isn’t helped by its gaudy low-rent vibe and bland cast, but it entertains well enough with amusingly horrific effects, fun cameos and a unique concept.
As of 2002 it birthed three sequels.
The film runs 1 hour, 30 minutes, and was shot in Los Angeles.
GRADE: B-
Sep 8, 2020
Thematic Analysis
This Horror/Fantasy film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Wishmaster presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Robert Kurtzman brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1997, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Wishmaster took approximately 31 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $5.0 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
- The final cut of the film runs for 90 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 134 minutes long.
- The film contains approximately 2094 individual shots.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The screenplay went through 6 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
Historical Context
- In 1997, when this film was released:
- Globalization was accelerating economic and cultural exchange.
- Digital technology was transforming the entertainment industry.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Wishmaster shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Aladdin, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Wishmaster offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like An American Werewolf in London and 28 Days Later explore similar territory, Wishmaster stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: September 19, 1997
- Runtime: 1h 30m
- Budget: $5,000,000
- Revenue: $15,738,769
Where to Watch
