1) Child’s Play
You can’t get away from the original, it’s that simple. Without Tom Holland and Don Mancini’s brilliant introduction to Chucky, not a single sequel would have been possible. This is exactly where the franchise started, and this is exactly where it could have ended too. If Child’s Play failed, we wouldn’t be discussing one of the most iconic horror slasher villains in history, and certainly wouldn’t be amped about his return.
Child’s Play worked not only because of originality, and not only because of crazy horror, but because of the slow-burn build-up that takes its time keeping our killer doll hidden, and the tremendous payoff that happens because of it. For a long period of Holland’s film, we’re only seeing Chucky’s actions through his eyes, and nothing else. It’s not until that fateful moment when he comes to life in Karen Barclay’s arms that we get a true sense of Chucky, and from that point on, we’re continually amazed as we watch him walk around Chicago freely.
Sure, some scenes may be absolutely cheesy, specifically when Andy’s babysitter is “thrown” out the window, but the beauty in Child’s Play is the almost non-existence of comedy, and the more straight-laced attempt at horror. Chucky has his one liners, but he’s much more vicious and brutal, which is leaps and bounds ahead of the Seed Of Chucky type schlock.
This is the Chucky that terrified me for years. This is the Chucky that became an icon. This is the Chucky that started it all – and is still alive and kicking how many years later? I guess we’ll find out just how alive he really is in Curse Of Chucky.
So that’s my take on the Chucky franchise so far. This is only my opinion though, and I’d love to know what you think about my placement. Am I being too hard on Seed Of Chucky? Are there any purists out there who hated Bride Of Chucky? Also, where do you think Curse Of Chucky is going to end up when it’s finally released?
Feel free to hit the comment section – I’m always up for a friendly discussion!