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Saw 'Child's Play 2' as someone who appreciates horror while not considering it my favourite genre. Decided to recently watch and review all the films in the 'Child's Play'/Chucky series, having been intrigued for a long time by Chucky's horror icon status. A distinction that he does deserve.
A strong example of a character being better than the films. The 'Child's Play'/Chucky films are very variable, with the first film being by far the best. None of the sequels are as good, but 'Child's Play 2' is one of the better and more watchable ones. Again this is not being seen through nostalgic lenses, all the 'Child's Play'/Chucky films were seen very recently, with being busy and having a long to watch and review list that is gradually being worked through but getting longer it just took me a while to get round to them.
There are faults in 'Child's Play 2'. The story is predictable, due to being basically a retread of that of the first, can be silly and occasionally mean-spirited.
While getting to the point quicker than the first film and faster paced, there is a rushed feel here. Also felt that whereas the first 'Child's Play' avoided going the cheesy, goofy and formulaic route that it could easily have done considering the premise, 'Child's Play 2' did feel formulaic and didn't completely escape the unintentionally silly trap.
However, 'Child's Play 2' looks slick and suitably ominous, with even better photography and the special effects don't disappoint, they blend very well, look eerily life-like and move easily. Another standout in this regard is the genuinely eerie toy factory setting. The music is more ambitious and even more haunting here, it fits very well. While lacking the panache of Tom Holland's in the first 'Child's Play', John Lafia's direction is more than competent. The script is like the first 'Child's Play', darkly witty and clever with one-liners that are smart, frighteningly sarcastic and entertainingly twisted. There are two particularly great sequences in 'Child's Play 2', the garden burial of Chucky's replacement and especially the climax, the eeriness of the setting helps, that is clearly indebted to 'The Shining'.
'Child's Play 2' is entertaining and is also creepy, with the attack scenes/kills and set pieces being creative and genuinely unsettling. Chucky is a character impossible to forget, the writers and effects team had the time of their lives clearly (as well as Brad Dourif of course). The other characters were ones worth caring for while Alex Vincent's acting has vastly improved here. Jenny Agutter is lovely as ever. The biggest acting plus though is Dourif, the personification of malevolence and is also wickedly funny. Christine Elise's heartfelt performance is a close second.
In conclusion, inferior but one of the better sequels and films in the series. 6/10 Bethany Cox
6/10
