Child's Play
July 27th 2007 00:53
Director Tom Holland ended up with a runaway success, both critically and financially, when supernatural stalk’n’slash flick Child’s Play (1988) become a surprise hit. It went on to become a cult favourite amongst horror fans and, despite the inherent trashiness of numerous sequels; the original continues to demand respect.
Brad Dourif as Charles Lee Ray
Chris Sarandon as Norris
Chucky’s only escape would be to transfer into the first human he revealed his true identity to ... which places Andy in mortal danger. But first Andy must convince the adults that evil Chucky is real.
Chucky and Alex Vincent as Andy
Obviously any horror dealing with the supernatural and a children’s doll has to be taken with a grain of grinning salt, but Holland maintains a superb presence of palpable fear. There is nothing unsettling than a supposedly harmless smiling doll that comes alive with a foul mouth on a murderous rampage.
I'm your friend to the end!
I also noted that one of the puppeteers and head of doll construction was Howard Berger, who shortly later co-founded the massively successful KNB EFX Group with Greg Nicotero. The actual creation of the doll was by David Kirschner, while the design was by make-up veteran Kevin Yagher.
Performances are all fine, especially Brad Dourif’s voicing of Chucky, and little Alex Vincent as Andy. But what sticks in the mind long after the movie has finished are mostly Chucky’s moments, the camera lingering on his serene face with the giant eyes and mop of red hair. There is something truly creepy with that image.
Chucky chants a little mumbo jumbo
Child’s Play may have dated in some of its technical values - no doubt when they remake the movie most of Chucky’s more elaborate movements will be CGIed, but it is the puppeteering which actually gives Child’s Play its edge. The awkward movements, the stiffened expressions all add to Chucky’s overall evil demeanor.
If you’ve never seen Child’s Play, it’s well worth checking out, as it holds up remarkably well for the subversive silliness that it is, especially considering the movie is twenty years old.
Here’s the TV ad for the release of the movie on VHS:
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Comment by Damo
I do remember the controversy over the two children who stoned a kid to death. Citing that they had watched Childs Play 2 and another 100 other films before doing it. However Chucky got most of the blame, but seeing this promo I can't see why. It looks pretty much like a typical doll goes made and kills people flick.
Comment by Bryn
Horrorphile
Comment by KylieW
Celebrity Obsession
I've never seen any of the sequels, but really enjoyed Childs Play. It had genuinely funny moments but scared the bejesus out of me!!! I was pretty glad that I was too old for dolls when I saw it.....cos there's no way I would have been sharing my bedroom with any doll after watching the movie!
Comment by Nickoftime's Sanity Corner
I have this one in my horror film collection...and as silly as it seems to people, I still think this original flick is a tad spooky...
Great review!
Take care,
Nick
Comment by Bryn
Horrorphile
Chucky and that clown from Poltergeist. YIKES!!!
Nick,
totally with you there dude! Spooky is the operative word. Damn, I knew there was a word I wanted to use that was eluding me!
Comment by Terry
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Terry
Comment by Bryn
Horrorphile
i haven't seen it, so I can't comment.
Comment by Cibbuano
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Comment by Bryn
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