Dark Forces 2004 Horror Movie Review

Known in the rest of the world as HARLEQUIN, this modern mystical “Svengali” story with a twist has never had a decent home video release. Shot in expressive widescreen Panavision it doesn’t translate well to indifferent pan & scan jobs, like the OOP VHS and U.K. cheapie DVD. Elite has issued a very nice looking 16X9 enhanced scope version with Director and Producer commentary, a nice and informative touch.


David Hemmings, a political hotshot, has a terminally ill son who seems to magically improve under the (seemingly) benign influence of a modern “court jester”, (Robert Powell) who appears at his son’s birthday party as a clown and ends up insinuating his way into a position of influence with his wife and child. If this sounds very Rasputin-like it is, but the story has a few surprises along the way.


If you’ve never seen this gem and like subtle and tense supernatural / suspense stories give it a try.