SYNOPSIS
A troubled child is gifted a hot-selling doll for his birthday. Unfortunately, this particular doll harbors the soul of a real bastard of a serial killer with unfinished business.
OPINION
As much as I like Child's Play, I wish it had kept its cards a little closer to its chest. Spending an hour wondering if this damaged kid is dressing up like his doll, and acting out in ways that kill people? That would have been incredible. Can you imagine if after that slow-burn, Chucky had suddenly turned to the camera and said a cuss? Instead, the movie makes it clear from its opening minutes that yes, there is a brutal, murderous criminal's soul trapped in this doll, and the kid is perfectly innocent. So I gotta give it credit for being a heck of a film in spite of that failing. It's gore-light and mayhem-heavy, and it's an absolute blast.
CAST + CREW
Director: Tom Holland (Fright Night, Thinner)
Cast: Catherine Hicks (Star Trek IV, The Razor's Edge)
Brad Dourif (Eyes of Laura Mars, The Exorcist III)
CONTENT (spoilered; highlight for warnings)
violence against women, misogyny, gaslighting (child)
CAREER STATS [on a scale from 1 (least) to 10 (most)]
FUN: 9
I mean it's the best killer doll movie I've ever seen.
SCARINESS: 7
Just claustrophobic and real enough to get you tensed.
INTENSITY: 5
The performances and direction are tight, but... it's a doll.
RECOMMENDABILITY: 9
An underrated classic, if you can handle Chucky's lip.
SEE ALSO:
Pin, Dolls (1987), Psycho, Bride of Chucky
