Child's Play(1988) Film Review

Rated R For Horror Violence Including Terror And Disturbing Images, And For Language.

1hr 27min/87min.

3 uses of the F-word.

Child's Play has horror audiences really divided. Most people say that the film is innovative and is a truly scary film, while others say that the film is laughable for having a doll as a villain. For me, I think the film is truly scary and is an excellent horror film. Let me tell you a story. Like most children, I was absolutely terrified of Chucky, that red hair and menacing look just got to me. Well, one day, I decided that I was going to brave my fear and watch the trailers for the films, to see if I was afraid. Needless to say, it didn't work. Now I can't get enough of the guy, He's grown on me.

Andy(Alex Vincent) is a plucky little kid who is turning 6. All he wants for his birthday is a Good Guy Doll, but his mom Karen(Catherine Hicks) couldn't afford one. One night, she buys one of the dolls from a peddler in the alley behind her store. Litle does she know that the doll contains the soul of The Lakeshore Strangler(Brad Dourif) who was gunned down in a toy store by Det. Mike Norris(Chris Sarandon). Right before dying, he transfers his soul into a Good Guy doll using black magic. The doll winds up speaking without batteries and murders Andy's aunt and he tells his mom that Chucky did it. Soon Karen belives that Chucky is alive and plans on coming after her and Andy.

The acting is done quite well. Alex Vincent portrays a scared and innocent little boy very well. You belive that he is frightened of this horrible creature, planning on transfering his soul from the doll to the boy. Catherine Hicks does well as the concerned mother, who fears that her little boy might be going to a mental institution because of Chucky. Chris Sarandon does well as Detective Mike Norris, but there is one player who stands out from the rest. Brad Dourif made quite a big name for himself in the horror community. He plays The Lakeshore Strangler, and does the voice of Chucky. He makes you feel as if the doll has been possessed. He gives a gruff and gritty feel to the doll.

They were going to use a Chucky theme song but cut it out due to it not being scary enough, and after listening to it I can see why. Thats like putting Eye Of The Tiger in the middle of Saving Private Ryan. The song is not that good anyway, it just feels out of place . The suspense of the film is phenomenal especially the fact that this movie is 87 minutes long and you don't see Chucky come alive until 45 minutes in to the movie. the sequels brought him n quicker but this one wants to toy (no pun intended) with its audience whether it is Chucky committimg these crimes or if it is all inside of little Andys head.

The music used in the film is extremly haunting. The song used over the end credits, which consists of bells and a children's choir, sends chills down my spine. The Special Effects are quite spectacular for a film made in 1988. The animatronis move very fluently, the Facial expressions of the doll are really creepy. I would recommend this film for many reasons, besides the fact that it's scary. The film excedes in much more than that. I just wish that more films would do that.