Completely unconcerned for the fans who found the horror aspect of the Child's Play series the best part, creator/director/writer Don Mancini brings us Seed of Chucky. There is many an adjective available for the film, mostly including variations on sick, twisted, stupid, and fun. The series slow slide into comedy ends here, and even if it's a complete opposite of the films that started it, it's a classic example of horror comedy.
It's impossible to take this even remotely seriously from the start. The opening moments are fantastic, done completely in a first-person viewpoint of the latest little addition to the series. When Chucky and Jennifer are resurrected on a movie set, we learn their little spawn is named Glen… or Glenda. No one is quite sure, and it's a movie reference that should at the least bring a smirk to schlock movie fans.
Seed is way beyond depraved, morbid, and sick. In other words, everything we should expect from one of the top slashers in the movie industry. While there are a few memorable deaths (Redman's will be tough to top), this fifth sequel goes for the family domestic dispute. When that tension is between three animatronic dolls, it's the absurdity that makes it impossible to turn off.
It's mostly the writing, where Chucky still remains himself (and still voiced by Brad Dourif) as his wife and son try to stop killing everyone. At least they admit they have a problem. There's the central conflict in the film that leads to the comedy and over the top scenarios that continue their path into unbelievably stupid yet enjoyable.
Obviously, the sick premise, even with the comedy, makes this specialized entertainment. It's not a film for everyone, but if you've followed Chucky around for 16 years, you'll know you're the target audience. The puppetry over the years has truly increased in quality as well, making this a treat for goofy/schlocky horror fans. (**** out of *****)
In 1.85:1 widescreen, Seed of Chucky looks great on DVD. You can really appreciate the effort put into the dolls and their movements. The clarity and sharpness are gorgeous. The transfer runs into trouble with some brightly lit backgrounds that show compressions artifacts. It's ever so slightly noticeable in other scenes as well. There are a few color bleeding problems as well, though these are rarely easy to pick out. (****)
Article comments