It is virtually impossible to review New World Pictures Hellraiser II without references to the near brilliant Hellraiser, effectively directed by the exceedingly talented Clive Barker.  Unfortunately, Hellbound is so ineptly made that it manages to instantly elevate the first film to a cult classic status.  It lacks everything that made Hellraiser so appealing.

Although Barker produced he didn't write or direct Hellbound, and the original cast reprise their roles, in nothing more than a feeble attempt by Hollywood to cash in on the popularity and notoriety of the first film.  It's chock full of the expected gore, but the lack of plot intensity merely make the elaborate special effects seem like a painful waste of time and money.  Hellbound lacks the intelligence, and rod-raising excitement of Hellraiser.  My advice: bypass this one, rent or buy the original.  Rumor has it, that the third installment in the series will be titled Hell On Earth. I think I've already seen it.