PopHorror Let's Get Scared
In 1988, writers Tom Holland, Don Mancini, and John Lafia brought us a horror film that would change the way we see dolls forever with Child’s Play. After the success of Child’s Play, four sequels and reboot would follow. Like many of the classic slashers, this is a series that has no intention of stopping anytime soon. With talks of a seventh film on the horizon, let’s take a look at all six films and see how they rank!
6. Child’s Play 3 (1991)
Although part 3 was released just nine months after Child’s Play 2, Andy (Justin Whalin) is suddenly sixteen years old. After the events in part 2, he bounces between foster homes and lands himself in Kent Military Academy. When Chucky (voice of Brad Dourif) arrives at the academy, packaged and addressed to Andy, a young cadet named Ronald Tyler (Jeremy Sylvers) decides to keep him, making him Chucky’s new soul-transferring target.
The story was obviously rushed and part 3 was a bit of a cash grab, but that doesn’t make it a bad film. It just makes it last on my list. There were some good moments, like the fake bullets switched for real during war games and the opening sequence. However, after Chucky was left in a puddle of melted goo on part 2, it seems like too much of a stretch when he’s revived. Also, Tyler was probably the dumbest character in the franchise.
5. Seed of Chucky (2004)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XGhU3D8eBLs
Seed of Chucky is without a doubt the most ridiculous movie within the Child’s Play franchise, but it is still a hell of a lot of fun. Chucky and his plastic lover, Tiffany (voice of Jennifer Tilly) get brought back from the dead via voodoo by their gender-confused kid, Glen or Glenda (voice of Billy Boyd). If this isn’t insane enough, there is a plot involving Chucky’s sperm getting used for artificial insemination, Chucky attempting to take over Redman’s body, and tons of other zany Hollywood cameos.
The downside to Seed of Chucky is that it is so goofy that you need to be in the mood for that type of horror film. However, if you want an over-the-top Hollywood killfest, sit back and enjoy.
4. Curse of Chucky (2013)
After the last two Child’s Play films turned into horror/comedies, franchise creator Don Mancini decided to reboot the franchise and make Chucky scary again. The film definitely had a darker, tenser setting and atmosphere while toning the campiness way down. The ending of the film made me enjoy it even more, even adding a fun cameo by Alex Vincent.
Curse of Chucky was a step in the right direction for a more horror-focused Child’s Play films and a sequel was confirmed by Mancini.
3. Child’s Play 2 (1990)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7D5T4_KajSU
Taking a much brighter and more playful tone than the first film, Child’s Play 2 follows Andy (Alex Vincent) as he goes into a foster home. A very blue and pink foster home decorated with photos of random families. Anyway, Chucky is soon to follow, of course, and begins killing everyone in his way of getting Andy’s body. The ever resourceful Andy teams up with fellow foster kid, Kyle (Christine Elise), and destroys him at a big showdown at the toy factory.
Child’s Play 2 had always been my favorite film in the franchise until recently. After viewing it again, the acting chops of the foster father (Gerrit Graham) and our dear Alex Vincent just didn’t hold up. It is still a really fun watch and one of the best in the series, though.
2. Bride of Chucky (1998)
As the first Child’s Play film to lead us down the comedy path, Bride of Chucky had a lot that it did right. The addition of Jennifer Tilly as Tiffany gave Chucky a playmate that is equally as homicidal. Realizing that he needs a magical amulet that was buried with his body, the dolls kidnap a young couple (Katherine Heigl and Nick Stabile) and go on a road trip.
There are some fantastic kills, humor and, for what it is, great story line. Plus, again, Jennifer Tilly.
1. Child’s Play (1988)
Taking place in the streets of Chicago, the first Child’s Play film was vastly different from its successors. It sports a gritty atmosphere and lacks bright colors and silliness. It is truly the most terrifying Child’s Play film to date and scarred so many our childhoods. I can’t help but get that same childish fear every time I watch. Some of that is undoubtedly nostalgia, but it continues to hold up for me, even three decades later.
Like many horror fans around my age, the first two films helped introduce me to the genre I love so much, so the franchise is near and dear to me. I can honestly say that I enjoy each and every film for different reasons. Let us know how the Child’s Play films stack up for you here in the comments or on Facebook!
