Child's Play

     The first horror movie character that I was ever terrified by was without a doubt Chucky from Child’s Play. My two older brothers decided it would be funny to prank me by using a Chucky doll to scare me and it worked better than they could have ever imagined. In fact, I could not sleep by myself for over a week. In the spirit of that, and in the spirit of Halloween season, I just had to review this film and see how well it holds up. The answer, it actually holds up pretty well. I would not claim that it is incredible, or even great, but it is overall good. Let us take a look, shall we?

            Right off the bat you know you are in for an interesting film because it shifts from a basic crime chase to a spell being chanted that results in a freaking thunderstorm that blows up a toy store. Honestly, that is a fitting opening considering this film teeters between good slasher and campy horror throughout the film. I would say that my favorite thing that this film does well is its pacing. It does enough to keep you engaged and wondering what will happen without ever fully committing to itself until the second half of the film, and by the time that happens you are pretty invested in how the film will conclude. Brad Dourif’s Chucky voice is iconic. I cannot imagine anyone else doing it quite like he did it. As far as child actors are concerned, Alex Vincent does a great job as the young Andy. He is not too over the top and builds the right amount of sympathy that you would want from a young protagonist. The performances are good for a horror film, which can sometimes be a huge misfire.

            One thing that I really want to mention because I feel it does not get enough credit is the puppeteer work. Brock Winkless does an amazing job handling Chucky’s movement and making him feel like a lifelike character rather than just an inanimate doll. CGI effects have mostly taken over today’s generation, but this film reminds you that practical effects still have their place in film. Now, do not get me wrong, the film can definitely get a bit campy. I honestly cannot get over the sound they play when Chucky runs. I tis too funny and makes him feel like he is not a threat. I feel like he is an easily beatable villain but everyone in the film is just so idiotic that nobody does the right thing. I suppose that is my biggest issue with this film is that I cannot suspend my disbelief and thus the film starts to borderline comedy towards the end.

            Regardless, the film certainly holds up well and is an obvious classic around Halloween time. With its fun premise and solid acting, it developed quite a cult following that spawned several sequels, a remake, and those damn dolls that still freak me out whenever I see them at stores. All things considered, if you somehow have never seen Child’s Play, I believe that it is a film that you can watch now and still have a good time with it. Official Rating: 3 Stars.

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