Most people aren’t familiar with this gem of the ‘80’s. H.P. Lovecraft readers will be familiar with the original From Beyond short story, which is all of 7 pages long. In fact, the events of the short story take place entirely before the opening credits roll, and the rest of the movie serves as a sequel of sorts. But most fans of horror will be familiar with Gordon’s prior release, the classic Re-Animator. If you enjoyed the campy, gory, shock-inducing style of Re-Animator, you’ll be more than pleased by this installment. Fan favorite Jeffery Combs also returns as an eccentric scientist with a phallus growing out of his head…no, I’m serious.

The rather unique story goes a little something like this: Crawford Tillingast (Combs) is the assistant to the sadistic Dr. Pretorious (Ted Sorel). The two of them develop a machine called the Resonator, which activates the otherwise dormant pineal gland in the brain, making it grow, and causing it to act as a third eye. The doctors are able to see in Ultraviolet, and can see strange creatures that exist all around us, normally invisible to the naked eye. Unfortunately, the creatures are given the ability to see humans by the Resonator as well, and one of the monsters devours Dr. Pretorious, absorbing his consciousness and his over-sexed, sadistic tendencies.

Following all that so far? Good, because it’s only then that the shit really hits the fan. Tillingast is joined by Dr. Katherine McMichaels (Barbara Crampton, also from Re-Animator) and Bubba, an amazing, half-naked cop/ pro-football player (portrayed by Ken Foree of Dawn of the Dead fame) who attempt to examine, and ultimately destroy the machine before the monster that has become Pretorious can use it to devour the minds of all man-kind. Of course, this is easier said than done, as their newly activated pineal glands cause the trio to crave sex, devour brains, and grow strange things from their foreheads.

This movie is, you’ll excuse the pun, from beyond awesome.

The plot has a lot to take in, but that’s just one of the movie’s strengths; it’s unique. We aren’t just treated to, once again, a crazed slasher or a family of cannibal red-necks. Instead we have a deep concept about the unseen world that is based on actual philosophical and (very, very loosely) medical concepts. The movie realizes it took many liberties with the powers of the pineal gland, and so keeps a healthy sense of humor about itself, but at the same time it tries to shock and scare its viewers, typically succeeding. If nothing else, From Beyond is ultimately entertaining. Not every effect shot works perfectly, but when they do they look fantastic…when they don’t, hell, they’re worth the laugh.

If you’re looking for something a little different, and a lot of cool, check out From Beyond. Its 22 years too long in coming. You haven’t seen anything till you’ve seen a woman’s brain get sucked out through her eye socket. As the man says, “Humans are such easy prey.”