Cult of Chucky (2017)

After spending last night in Morgantown at the WVU symphonic band concert watching my beautiful and talented daughter perform, I decided that tonight I wanted to watch something that could help continue the build-up to Halloween. At first, I debated my selection until I found one I have been looking forward to,  2017s Cult of Chucky.

Plot/ Chucky returns to terrorize his human victim, Nica. Meanwhile, the killer doll has some scores to settle with his old enemies, with the help of his former wife.

It has been some time since I ventured into the world of Chucky and while I am usually entertained by the series, a viewer really has no idea what to expect with a sequel (especially the 7th installment). In this case, Chucky was definitely back to his old self (complete with Brad Dourif perfectly bringing his voice to life), the series was intricately tied together, the effects are outstanding again proving that practical effects are much better in horror than CGI, there are some good moments with the blood and gore, and the performances were solid. Yes, the plot felt a little underdeveloped and there were some pacing issues that seemed obvious when watching it the first time. Both of those are somewhat expected when one considers that the budget was smaller than many other films of its stature. In the end, this film is a worthy addition to the Child’s Play franchise and a movie that was quite entertaining. Is it perfect? Absolutely not, but it is a decent flick and one that definitely should make fans want to see more installments in the future.

Universal Studios - August 2016 - 1

This has been a tremendous week on vacation as I prepared for graduation. Universal Studios Orlando has changed so much since the last time I went (back in 1991), and must say it has changed for the better. As a horror fan, there were enough attractions to keep me interested. And while I did not make it to the new Kong attraction (the wait time was insane), it was still an awesome time. Here are a few pictures from the week, I am sure there will be more to follow as I get through them. 

Curse of Chucky (2013)

After watching Amnesiac last night, I decided that I wanted to venture into some classic horror characters for the rest of the night. After some debate inside my head, I figured that I could give Chucky another shot. Sure, some of the sequels were horrid, but that character has always been awesome. With that in mind, I decided on the 2013 entry Curse of Chucky.

Plot/ After her mother's mysterious death, Nica begins to suspect that the talking, red-haired doll her visiting niece has been playing with may be the key to recent bloodshed and chaos.

For the longest time, I was convinced that the Child's Play model and Chucky had run its course. However, after watching this installment, I was wrong. This movie is one of the best in the series and one that should have received more attention. The storyline was interesting, the soundtrack spot on, the atmosphere is heavy and Chucky is at his best. The special effects are notably good, as they allowed for a tremendous of depth inside many different kills. Yes, some of the acting may have been too rigid to make this a perfect flick, but it is all rather good. In the end, this may be the best installment of the series since the original and makes some of the duds even more forgettable. Sure, this entertaining flick is not for everyone, but it should be. Check it out!

Child's Play 2 (1990)

After dinner I decided to kick back with the kids and watch Child’s Play 2. While I am not the biggest Chucky fan, for some reason the daughters enjoy him.

Plot/ Chucky's back as the doll possessed by the soul of a serial killer, butchering all who stand in his way of possessing the body of a boy.

This film suffers like many sequels by lacking the elements that make the first of a series so much fun. Sure, that is not to say that this film is terrible, it just lacks the overall depth and originality of the original. The story is decent, the acting is solid and there is enough gore to go around. Plus, you have Chucky who has some hilarious moments that keep you wanting more. Unfortunately, in this case, the gore may be a bit too much, taking away from the atmosphere that made the Child’s Play so memorable. In the end, this is decently entertaining and a decent follow-up. If you are a fan of Chucky this can be a fun flick!

Child's Play (1988)

I finally did it, broke down and let the kids watch Child's Play. I swear, every time I put on Netflix, the whining and pleading began, one can only take so much. Honestly, I was about their age when I saw Friday the 13th in the theatre, and I am quite normal.

Plot Young Andy Barclay gets the doll he wanted. However, he did not know it was alive!

I remember when this came out in theatres, what a blast. At the time, it was different and definitely took a different route with a serial killer. The were some decent chills, although, they lost some of their mustard now that I have seen it a few time. The cinematography, direction and acting are all solid and there was just enough violence and gore to make it interesting. Wow, I haven’t even mentioned Chucky yet, what a great character he is! Is it a perfect movie? No way, but it is an extremely entertaining flick that is a must see for horror fans.