"Wishmaster": Still Holds Up (And Still Freaks Me Out!)

Okay, so I randomly revisited "Wishmaster" (1997) last night, and wow, it's even more delightfully twisted than I remembered. I know, I know, it's not high art, and the effects are definitely showing their age, but the premise is so bonkers and the Djinn is genuinely terrifying. Like, Andrew Divoff nailed that role. The scene where he's in the police station, granting wishes with such gruesome consequences? Still gives me chills. Especially that guy who wishes for money... ugh, don't want to spoil it, but it's pure body horror. What I find fascinating, from a cinematography perspective, is how the director (it's Robert Kurtzman, btw, just looked it up!) uses shadows and close-ups to build tension. The Djinn is often lurking in the background, partially obscured, which makes him feel even more omnipresent and menacing. And the gore is obviously over-the-top, but it's also kinda inventive? I appreciate the practical effects, even if they ARE a bit cheesy at times. It's so much better than bad CGI, imo. Alexandra's character (Tammy Lauren) is actually pretty resourceful too. She's not just some screaming damsel; she's actively trying to figure out how to stop the Djinn, using her knowledge of mythology. The ending is a bit rushed, maybe? But overall, I think "Wishmaster" is a solid horror flick with a unique villain and some genuinely disturbing imagery. Anyone else have thoughts on this one? Am I alone in thinking it's a secretly great 90s horror film? Or am I just having a nostalgic moment? Plus, that jewelry store scene toward the end.. the chaos and carnage! The wishes gone wrong... it's SO 90's and I kind of love it. Okay, rant over. Just had to get my "Wishmaster" thoughts out there. Maybe it's time for a sequel rewatch...? (Probably shouldn't... I heard they get progressively worse lol).