Cult of Chucky Reviews

60 Pictures

Cult of scary fun

Posted : 1 year, 9 months ago on 18 July 2022 12:08

The Chucky/'Child's Play' franchise was the most recent one to be watched and all the films reviewed, as part of me being on a quest watching some of the horror franchises not yet seen (yet the intent had been there for a while). Part of my want to see them was my fascination to see if killer doll Chucky deserved his horror icon status. My conclusion seeing the films is that he does deserve it and is a hugely entertaining and creepy character, though quite a bit better than the films he features/stars in.

'Cult of Chucky', of the numerous and uneven sequels, is one of the good ones despite its faults. Not a film that blew me away and will never be a favourite but it both scared and entertained me, as the main objective for the franchise that is a very good thing. It does not beat the first film, which would have been a very tall order, but it is one of the better entries in the 'Child's Play'/Chucky series along with 'Bride of Chucky' and 'Curse of Chucky'. Despite saying that the franchise is uneven, that is not saying that any of the films are unwatchable, actually found things to like about the weakest entries, which for me were 'Child's Play 3' and 'Seed of Chucky'.

Really appreciated that 'Cult of Chucky' did the same as 'Curse of Chucky' in returning to its roots, capturing the tone of the first film while also feeling fresh that stops things from getting tired. Although there may not be an awful lot of surprises here, 'Cult of Chucky' continues the feeling felt in 'Curse of Chucky' that the franchise had been revived and given new life. There is again far more of a reliance on horror, and genuinely scary and suspenseful horror it is too, than the comedic approach adopted by most of the sequels, which varied greatly. The opening sequence is truly foreboding and the kills are imaginative, gloriously gory and freaky, without veering on being too tasteless.

Yet 'Cult of Chucky' doesn't take itself too seriously, again the same with 'Curse', the wickedly funny one-liners, dark humour and dialogue remain still and there are some dementedly hilarious moments. Chucky is as frightening and entertaining as ever and Nica is a likeable protagonist that one roots for. Brad Dourif voices Chucky as ever with relish and malevolence and Fiona Dourif gives a spirited performance too. Jennifer Tilly enjoys herself, if not as much as in 'Bride' and 'Seed'. Like the rest of the franchise, 'Cult of Chucky' looks great, very stylish and haunting with terrific effects, even in the lesser films the production values were always among the good things. The music is suitably eerie and could really tell from the direction that Don Mancini had a lot of passion and affection for the franchise.

Not that 'Cult of Chucky' is perfect, but the good things far outweigh the cons. The story is not much special, is pretty thin and a bit low on the surprises, though at least it made sense and wasn't dull. The rest of the supporting cast are a touch on the bland side.

The ending felt anti-climactic and rushed and some of the character decisions are rather silly.

Otherwise, good and one of the best in the series. 7/10 Bethany Cox

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Cult of Chucky review

Posted : 5 years, 8 months ago on 4 August 2018 06:28

Continuing the refreshing and incredibly effective turn the series took in Curse of Chucky, Cult is another example of a sequel that surpasses it's originating film while still striving to tie loose ends and address all former plots in a fun and innovative fashion. Fiona Dourif as Nica has proven to be a blessing to the series and a newly minted horror icon in her own right. Doing her daddy proud.

If, however, you prefer your Chucky to be the relentless slasher of old then stick to the first three. The series has gone places that have garnered it new fans but also repelled some of the original admirers. I, for one, find more substance in these latter entries than I ever did before.

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