Child's Play (1988)

United States of America

Horror, Hollywood Movies, English Movies, Dual Audio

United Artists, David Kirschner Productions

Catherine Hicks, Chris Sarandon, Alex Vincent, Brad Dourif, Dinah Manoff, Tommy Swerdlow

Tom Holland

Tom Holland, Don Mancini, Don Mancini, John Lafia

Taglines: You'll wish it was only make-believe.

chicago, illinois, birthday, gun, voodoo, stalker, evil doll, murder, killer doll, serial killer, slasher, explosion, single mother, killer, doll, evil, killer toys, toy comes to life, possessed doll, supernatural power, mother and son, falling out window

An innocent-looking doll is inhabited by the soul of a serial killer who refuses to die.

Reviews:

Author: Geronimo1967
Young "Andy" (Alex Vincent) is obsessed with the "Good Guys" cartoons on the telly. Of course there is loads of accompanying merchandise, but his widowed mother "Karen" (Catherine Hicks) has to make ends meet so the newly released doll is just too expensive for the young lad's birthday. Luckily for her, her pal "Maggie" (Dinah Manoff) finds a street pedlar who has one for a mere $30 and so she takes it home to the delight of the youngster. Unbeknown to everyone though, this rather ugly looking lump of plastic has been possessed by the demonic soul of "Charles Lee Ray" - a pretty brutal strangler who ended up being blown to bits in an explosion at a toy shop whilst being pursued by detective "Norris" (Chris Sarandon). When an unfortunate accident befalls poor old "Maggie", the boy discovers the truth and tries to explain the malevolence of his new toy to the grown ups, but they are sceptical. Until, that is, the mum discovers that "Chucky" manages to function remarkably well - without his Duracells - and soon she and the police officer are on their own toy- hunt! Despite only being about a foot tall, this doll is remarkably effective with a knife as he seeks vengeance on all who have betrayed him, and to involve "Andy" in his plan to stop himself becoming mortal and vulnerable. It's quite entertaining this, but not in the least scary. I found the young Vincent really got on my nerves after a few scenes and the story really doesn't have much substance to it. The camerawork tries hard to introduce a sense of menace, but the late 1980s synthesised soundtrack put me constantly on the lookout for "Crockett" or "Tubbs". It is short and the action, once we get going, comes thick and fast - but I found this all rather comedic and the ending, frankly, rather daft. Still, I can't say I hated it. It is quite a fun watch.