Child’s Play 2019 Review

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As can be expected with every remake, there will be uproars from fans of the original films that it categorically does not need a remake. This rang true for many fans of the Child’s Play franchise, however, if like me you hold no personal attachments to the original there was an element of excitement and anticipation around the revival of such an iconic horror series. But the question on everyone’s lips is does the remake do justice to one of the most-loved horror franchises? The answer to that question lies within your ability to see past all kinds of sense and love something regardless of how bad it is.

Andy and his mum Karen move into a new apartment building to restart their lives. Whilst working her 9-5 department store job, Karen manages to bag herself one of the most sought after dolls on the market for children, the Buddi. As an early birthday present to Andy, she gives him the all-talking, all-singing, all-technology controlling Buddi doll, which quickly names itself as Chucky due to a voice recognition malfunction. The lonely Andy soon becomes Chucky’s very best friend, and through the toy even starts to make friends in the neighbourhood. It’s not long until Andy begins to notice that Chucky seems to have more consciousness of himself and his actions than any computerised doll should have. The ability to understand emotions soon leads to a dangerous and murderous path, which Andy and his friends must stop before anyone else becomes a victim of the plastic doll.

When I think of the Child’s Play movies, the word ‘serious’ doesn’t seem to fit within that realm at all. With a plotline that focuses on a doll going on a murderous spree, there doesn’t seem to be any possible way that it can ever be considered as a serious horror film, and therefore Child’s Play doesn’t even attempt at being that. The comedy comes in thick and fast during the first act, helping to support some of the average acting given by the cast and helping to give the audience some kind of leverage on this over-the-top storyline. Audrey Plaza delivers every line with absolute precision and from the very start of the film to the very end, helps to become the spinal cord that supports all the rest.

Child’s Play is classed as a slasher film and therefore a level of blood and guts is expected, however, I was surprised to see the level of graphic murders that is shown on screen. We’re given the delight of seeing some inventive kills including one with a lawnmower and one with a self-driving car – something that truly modernises the way that slasher films deliver their slaughters. There’s one particular scene involving a head that felt quite gruesome compared to many slasher films, and especially one that’s so heavily laden with comedy throughout. Regardless, there should be the right amount of visceral to keep gorehounds happy whilst also providing those who are a little more squeamish with a good reason to squeal at the screen.

Child’s Play isn’t going to win any Oscars, but it’s a film that you’re going to have a lot of fun with. There are laugh-out-loud moments, completely idiotic sections, plenty of creepiness and of course, our beloved Chucky. This is one of those ‘it’s so bad it’s good’ horror movies, that even though will receive a lot of slate for that factor will also receive a lot of love and a cult following. If you’re looking to have a fun-filled couple of hours with some good time stabbings, then this is the film for you.

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