CHILD’S PLAY / CERT: 15 / DIRECTOR: LARS KLEVBERG / SCREENPLAY: TYLER BURTON SMITH / STARRING: MARK HAMILL, AUBREY PLAZA, TIM MATHESON / RELEASE DATE: 21ST OCTOBER
“Are we having fun now?”
Ironically released around the same time as Toy Story 4, with the lead character even called Andy, prepare yourself for something quite the opposite in this slick remake of the 1988 classic.
Based in Chicago, teenager Andy Barclay (Gabriel Bateman) gets gifted the not-so-recent version of a Buddi doll from his mother, Karen (Aubrey Plaza), which, of course, just so happens to be sabotaged with sinister programming that has a massive obsession trait. Upon opening his new toy, it instantly re-names itself Chucky and starts raining down havoc on Andy’s life in an “I’m only doing this to protect you!” kind of way that you know is going to escalate out of control quickly.
What’s really exciting is getting to see Chucky use all the powerful abilities that modern technology has to offer. He repeatedly uses it to manipulate his victims and, the more he learns from his surroundings, the more extravagant and over the top his murderous schemes become. It’s a gory cocktail that works well.
If you thought Mark Hamill was just known for his career-changing role as Luke Skywalker, then you’ll need to get yourself up to date with his voice acting take on the Joker, which is absolutely twisted. He applies his talent to give us a formidable Chucky, able to spin a light-hearted scene into an extremely creepy moment with just a handful of lines. It adds unpredictability as the story between Chucky and Andy frighteningly continues.
Aubrey Plaza (Parks & Recreation) does an outstanding portrayal of being the frustrated mother who’s just trying to give her child the best life she can, while Brian Tyree Henry (Atlanta) as Detective Mike Norris satisfyingly shows throughout what it’s like to have bad luck in both life and his line of profession. With these two characters alone there’s an attempt of build up as their plots weave around the manic main heart of the narrative. It feels like director Lars Klevberg and writer Tyler Burton Smith have done their best to ensure that the characters are given screen time that you’ll benefit from, they aren’t cast aside or underused, and the balance is just about right.
Flawlessly adding another layer is the realistic puppetry work on display with the Chucky doll. Chucky’s big eyes and human-like facial movements are extremely freaky to behold, and they provide a real sense of unease. Finally, composer Bear McCreary must be commended for successfully adding a dynamic pulse with his orchestral compositions.
Although the pacing is a bit sluggish at times for a rather short film, Child’s Play is a decent return to a familiar horror world that shows potential for the future of its franchise. If you’re looking for an entertaining horror to watch over the Halloween season, this should hit the spot.
Special features: Audio Commentary by Lars Klevberg, Bringing Child’s Play’s Chucky to Life, Lee Hardcastle Claymations: Toy Massacre & A.I. Mayhem, Gallery
