What scares people about an attacker that is the size of a
small child? Undoubtedly, I will never understand what it is. Child’s Play
came out in 1988 just a few weeks before I turned 7 and even then I didn’t find
the idea of a small foul mouthed doll scary in the slightest. After watching
the entire franchise in preparation for this episode I have to say…..
I still feel the same way.
The later films are what truly surprised me during the
preparation process. They were actually funny at times and I was a slightly taken
aback by that. I expected them to be fairly empty and uninspired but at times
they were actually amusing because they did not take themselves that seriously.
My complaint is with the cinematic execution of this iconic character.
I find the idea of a serial killer’s spirit transferring over to a host that is
an insanely popular child’s doll to be very intriguing. Tom Holland’s mind has
always been able to create fun horror that resembles campfire tales but
with an adult twist usually within. Child’s Play had all the potential,
if done right, to be a very scary or very funny film. If only the direction
would steer away from exploiting the doll and let suspense build, it could be
great. Instead of Chucky going on endless profane tirades and attacking with
vivid imagery, just have him run in the background. Instead of showing plastic
hands in a close up on a door knob, show him from down the hallway creeping
into a room. If only……
Unfortunately this was not the approach and for many, the
interest was lost pretty early into the second act of the first film and the
franchise forever. Speaking personally, if a more subtle approach were doctored
with this plot I would have been hooked from the get-go. I just cannot find
much humor, terror, or common interest in a doll that talks like a drunken angry
woman at the local bowling alley. For me to enjoy a horror movie about a doll I
need to use my imagination some with the film. When the writing/imagery are spelled
out for the dumbest of viewers it removes the possibility for many others to let the film get in their head.
Now, don’t assume that I am being too harsh for an 80’s
horror film. When I watch a tongue-in-cheek horror film I do not hold it to the
same standard set by Halloween. However, Tom Holland demonstrated that he could
tell a story with Psycho 2 or Fright Night. I just see Child’s Play as a film
that could’ve been much more with the production value it had and the talent
behind it. Instead a film was made (and a franchise) of low-brow humor, insipid
plots, with a whole lot of boredom in between.
This is one franchise I do not find much redemption in, no
matter how many times I watch it or how many ways I try to approach it. Some
movies we are just not meant to enjoy that much. I find nostalgia in the first
and very limited enjoyment from there on. If you love Chucky and all the films,
tell us why! I would love to hear a different angle from you on why you enjoy
them. Maybe you can change my mind!
Thanks for checking in. The social media interaction has
continued to be a treat and don’t forget to subscribe to us on iTunes! Until
Next time….
Beware of the moon,
The Professor
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