Wishmaster
Wishmaster Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: April 10, 2026
Movie Overview: Wishmaster
| Movie | Wishmaster |
| Release Year | 1997 |
| Director | Robert Kurtzman |
| Genre | Horror / Fantasy |
| Runtime | 90 minutes |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Wishmaster (1997) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 6.1/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Horror.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in Wishmaster are led by Angus Scrimm . The supporting cast, including Andrew Divoff and Tammy Lauren , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
While Wishmaster does not fully realize its potential, it still contains moments that may appeal to viewers who enjoy Horror films.
- Interesting concept or premise
- Some entertaining scenes
- Supporting cast delivers occasional highlights
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, Wishmaster has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.
- Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
- Some predictable plot developments
- May not appeal to audiences outside the Horror fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: Wishmaster
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1997, Wishmaster is a Horror, Fantasy film directed by Robert Kurtzman. The narrative crafts an atmosphere of dread and suspense, using psychological terror and visual scares. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Angus Scrimm.
Story Breakdown
The horror unfolds through carefully crafted atmosphere and escalating dread. The Djinn, having been released from his ancient prison, seeks to capture the soul of the woman who discovered him, thereby opening a portal and freeing his fellow Djinn to take over the earth. Director Robert Kurtzman uses both psychological terror and visceral scares, building tension through what's unseen as much as what's shown. The pacing allows for breathing room between scares, making each frightening moment more effective.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: An unsettling prologue sets the ominous tone, hinting at the terror to come while establishing the rules of this world.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. Angus Scrimm's arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The final act escalates the terror to its peak, forcing characters to confront the source of horror directly.
Ending Explained: Wishmaster
Wishmaster Ending Explained: Directed by Robert Kurtzman, Wishmaster wraps up the main storyline while leaving some interpretation to viewers. The ending highlights the core horror themes developed throughout the film.
The final moments emphasize tension and lingering uncertainty, particularly in scenes involving Angus Scrimm. The interpretation of the ending may vary among viewers.
Key Elements of the Ending
- Narrative Resolution: The story resolves its primary conflict while leaving room for interpretation.
- Character Development: Character motivations become clearer by the final scenes.
- Thematic Message: The ending reinforces the horror themes introduced earlier in the film.
The final moments of Wishmaster reflect the creative choices of the filmmakers and align with the tone of the narrative.
Who Should Watch Wishmaster?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Horror films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Angus Scrimm or the director
- Want a few scares and creepy atmosphere
Box Office Collection: Wishmaster
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $5.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $15.7M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Wishmaster Budget
The estimated production budget for Wishmaster is $5.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Top Cast: Wishmaster
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Where to Watch Wishmaster Online?
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Apple TV StoreGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeWishmaster Parents Guide & Age Rating
1997 AdvisoryWondering about Wishmaster age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Wishmaster is 90 minutes (1h 30m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.1/10, and global performance metrics, Wishmaster is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1997 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wishmaster worth watching?
Wishmaster is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Horror movies. It has a verified rating of 6.1/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Wishmaster parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Wishmaster identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Wishmaster?
The total duration of Wishmaster is 90 minutes, which is approximately 1h 30m long.
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How Wishmaster Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Wishmaster
I haven't seen _Wishmaster_ since I was a kid, I always enjoyed it back then, so I was nervous showing it to some friends that wouldn't withstand the test of time. It totally did though. Sure _Wishmaster's_ pretty dumb and it can't keep its story straight, but those practical effects? Bellissimo. _Final rating:★★★ - I liked it. Would personally recommend you give it a go._
_**This ain’t the Barbara Eden kind of genie**_ Through a priceless gemstone, a malevolent djinn (Andrew Divoff) is released in Los Angeles where he harasses people by answering their wishes. Tammy Lauren plays the protagonist, Wendy Benson-Landes her sister and Robert Englund a collector of idolatrous artifacts. “Wishmaster” (1997) is inventive comic book horror with a thought-out script that features a villain/monster that is actually interesting for a change. The Djinn is superbly done and diabolically charismatic. Meanwhile Tammy Lauren is reminiscent of a younger Linda Hamilton. She’s likable and spirited, but doesn’t do much for me personally; and the role of Wendy Benson-Landes is too small to note. The flick isn’t helped by its gaudy low-rent vibe and bland cast, but it entertains well enough with amusingly horrific effects, fun cameos and a unique concept. As of 2002 it birthed three sequels. The film runs 1 hour, 30 minutes, and was shot in Los Angeles. GRADE: B-
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
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