In my estimation, writer/director Don Mancini’s “Curse of Chucky” was one of the best follow-ups to any supernatural/slasher series in recent years. Universal should have granted it a theatrical release and continued the tradition with its newest chapter, “Cult of Chucky”.
Mancini’s sequel picks up (more or less) where "Curse" left off. Andy Barclay (Alexander Vincent, star of original "Child's Play", its initial sequel, and who supplied a clever, "Curse" cameo) is still tormented by Charles Lee Ray—the soul of Chucky, that is--even going so far as to keep (for whatever risky reason) the little bastard's head locked in a safe. However, this far from quells Ray’s urge to inhabit other shells.
From this point...well, let's just say there's never a sure-fire way to keep a spunky, little demon down, but that's just one part of this strange (if not at times schizophrenic) tale.
From this point...well, let's just say there's never a sure-fire way to keep a spunky, little demon down, but that's just one part of this strange (if not at times schizophrenic) tale.
To supplement Andy's return, conniving charmer Jennifer/Tiffany (Jennifer Tilley) transports a new Good Guy persona to an institute for the criminally insane, where "Curse'"s unfortunate Nica Pierce (Brad's daughter, Fiona Dourif) is under scrutiny, blamed for the carnage left in Chucky's wake.
Throughout her ordeal, Nica becomes as dangerously imprudent as any demented "friend 'til the end". Also, her interaction with the smooth and seductive Dr. Foley (Michael Therriault) heightens the story's tension, since the psychologist perceives Chucky as little more than Nica's delusional alibi. Big mistake!
The film’s title (and therefore, its unfolding theme) references Ray’s intent to recruit others into his mad web (and oh, wait to you see the wild, "Multiplicity" way in which it's done), but also Chucky's pop-cultural influence beyond the films. It doesn’t matter that “Curse” and “Cult” have been shortchanged on the theatrical circuit. Chucky lives, breathes and slays just as well (if not better) via direct-to-home viewing.
Throughout her ordeal, Nica becomes as dangerously imprudent as any demented "friend 'til the end". Also, her interaction with the smooth and seductive Dr. Foley (Michael Therriault) heightens the story's tension, since the psychologist perceives Chucky as little more than Nica's delusional alibi. Big mistake!
The film’s title (and therefore, its unfolding theme) references Ray’s intent to recruit others into his mad web (and oh, wait to you see the wild, "Multiplicity" way in which it's done), but also Chucky's pop-cultural influence beyond the films. It doesn’t matter that “Curse” and “Cult” have been shortchanged on the theatrical circuit. Chucky lives, breathes and slays just as well (if not better) via direct-to-home viewing.
In atmosphere, “Cult” emulates "Curse'"s slow-burn gloom. Like its predecessor, it contains humor, but not in an over-the-top way.
It’s a horror film on all counts and by its second half becomes quite a wry, gruesome one. In fact, whether one views the R-rated or Unrated version, "Cult" strikes the same brilliant balance as Antony Balch's "Horror Hospital", though with sly "Blood Feast", "One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest" and "Psycho" sprinklings.
As fulfilling as it is, “Cult” isn’t going down as a cinematic trendsetter. It does succeed, however, in supplying lots of unsettling glee, which is precisely what "Child's Play" fans want. It’s also ideal viewing for this Halloween season.
As fulfilling as it is, “Cult” isn’t going down as a cinematic trendsetter. It does succeed, however, in supplying lots of unsettling glee, which is precisely what "Child's Play" fans want. It’s also ideal viewing for this Halloween season.
No comments:
Post a Comment