Shortz: Is Hulu Reviving The Mid Tier Blockbuster?

Of all the things I thought might happen in 2022, a streaming service becoming my new favorite movie producer was definitely not one of them.

Hulu is currently basking in the wonderfully successful one-two punch of 'Prey' and 'Hellraiser', revivals/continuations of beloved 80's properties that have seen rough times in the years since their original incarnations released. With mid-range budgets, tight storytelling with little/no bloat, and wonderful practical effects mixed in sparingly with CGI when necessary, Hulu seems to be on the verge of reviving something I thought we'd never see again: The mid-tier blockbuster.

Something we've scarcely seen since the early 2000's, the mid-tier blockbuster is what I call a movie with a modest budget and some fun ideas. Something that isn't all wrapped up in being "the next big thing". Think 'I-Robot', 'A Knight's Tale', 'The Mummy' or 'District 9'. It's a trend I've SORELY missed in the proceeding decade of superhero inundation, low-effort CGI extravaganzas, whatever the sweet hell Disney is doing to its animated classics, and failed franchise wannabes. Let's hope more companies follow suit.

I certainly won't complain about Hulu simply continuing to revive 80's horror properties that have been woefully mishandled in recent years. 'Prey' is easily the best Predator film since the original, and the same can be said about 'Hellraiser', depending on how you feel about 'Hellraiser 2' (I like it a lot). Maybe they can tackle the Nightmare on Elm Street franchise next, lord knows Freddy could use some love after what his films have been through.

Anyway, 'Hellraiser' was a chill 7.5/10 and if you're lookin for a disturbing, white knuckle horror romp for Halloween, I highly recommend it.