Ex-soldier Frank Brayker is the guardian of an ancient key that can unlock tremendous evil; the sinister Collector is a demon who wants the key so he can initiate the apocalypse. On the run from wicked mercenaries for almost 90 years, Brayker finally stops in at a boarding house in New Mexico where — with the help of its residents — he plans to face off against the Collector and his band of ghouls, preventing them from ever seizing the key.
Acting
Billy Zane's Collector — unhinged, seductive, absolutely deranged villain gold.
Practical Effects
Gooey demon effects and exploding heads, all rubber and corn syrup.
Direction
Ernest Dickerson brings comic panel energy to every lurid frame.
Director
Ernest R. Dickerson
Billy Zane
The Collector
William Sadler
Frank Brayker
Jada Pinkett Smith
Jeryline
CCH Pounder
Irene
Brenda Bakke
Cordelia
Dick Miller
Uncle Willy
Thomas Haden Church
Roach
John Schuck
Sheriff Tupper
Gary Farmer
Deputy Bob Martel
Charles Fleischer
Wally Enfield
Tim DeZarn
Homer
Sherrie Rose
Wanda
John Kassir
Crypt Keeper (voice)
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Dickerson, Spike Lee's cinematographer, made his feature debut here — the saturated neon-noir look echoes his work on 'Do the Right Thing.'
The 'blood in the bottle' holy weapon concept was lifted from a rejected 'Tales from the Crypt' TV episode, then expanded for this theatrical bomb that became a cult VHS staple.
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