Bride of Chucky (1998)

As Good As It Gets

if their story seems completely bonkers, almost like a feverish work of fiction, you ain't heard nothing yet.

A film with more than the usual spoiler issues. Talking about it in any detail feels akin to handing you a gift-wrapped present and saying, "I hope you like it -- It's a thriller about a diabolical secret experiment."

This is a gorgeous movie made by a gorgeous spirit.

The last "Child's Play" movie was regarded by some as the worst in the series, so in this film they took the story into a completely different direction. They made it all more comedic, in contrast to some of the earlier films, where it was unintentionally comedic. I admit to giving the writers some props for at least trying something different. It's probably the best sequel of its time, not that that means much. The best part may be at the very end. Chucky dies as usual like every other movie, but knows that he'll be back eventually. Surely enough, he is. I actually do like Jennifer Tilly in this and think she can be a talented actor. At least Chucky doesn't get all the kills this time. It's still nothing a non fan would really enjoy, but there's some effort. I thought this film had Jason Ritter from "Gravity Falls" in it. Turns out it was actually John Ritter, his father. **1/2

I had fond memories of this. Or at least I thought I had. Seems I only saw the first twenty minutes or even maybe only the trailer. Jennifer Tilly is great but she is only in this at the start and later is just the voice of the doll. Indeed for most of this film we get rather stiff performances from the humans and animated ones from a pair of dolls. Predictable, unfunny and loud, this would be just the thing for under fifteens but in UK has a 15 certificate so thats a bummer. I have seen rave reviews for this but then maybe those folk only saw the trailer. This is no thriller, nor a horror, simply a rather poor comedy. There is blood and violence but do dolls count?

Up until around 20 minutes into the movie, I thought that this could be something interesting and enjoyable; then comes a major twist that is unbelievably predictable, followed by some of the worst acting performances I have ever seen in a "horror" movie. The animatronics on the puppets does not look bad for the most part, the ending is original and, after having to hear a bunch of arguments that come out as repetitive, is the biggest relief I got during watching. Some of the death scenes are pretty boring and don't make sense whatsoever, and the characters being killed are either the most unlikeable ones or the ones that you hardly get to know. Could be interesting for someone who is a wicked fan of the franchise, but not worth it if you are looking for a good horror comedy movie.

Please bear in mind that my harsh criticism is mostly due to my being 30 when I've first started watching the Chucky anthology. Had I been 20 years younger, I would have probably loved it. As an adult Horror enthusiast, each and every Chucky film up till now have been a remarkably unrewarding experience.While attempting to infiltrate the pantheon of slashers (and failing miserably), Chucky has made sure to let everyone know that logic is never a necessity. Freddie and Jason only get banished/defeated, so their return for each of the sequels is at least remotely comprehensible (which is all that's necessary considering mostly everything else about the slasher-monsters' supernatural strength and potency). Chucky, on the other hand, is constantly resurrected. How? How come? Who cares, Chucky's back and he's hilarious! Ha ha ha, right? Just what we want in a Horror film, to be half-entertained by a third rate comedian without a moment of actual fear.The good news is that the fourth sequel recognizes Chucky for what he is - a joke. That's why several scenes present a comic breaking of the 4th wall and some well deserved homages to those who actually succeeded where Chucky would forever fail (like Mike Mayers, Jason Voorhees and Hellraiser). In order to complete the comic effect, Chucky is this time accompanied by a female counterpart, the wonderful Jennifer Tilly as Tiffany, Chucky's Bride. Their interactions and dynamics are quite hilarious.Adjectives such as "comic" and "hilarious" have absolutely no place in a Horror film. True, Freddie has always been the ultimate morbid comedian, but the story-line and plot have been eerie and at times terrifying (words that in no manner can be used to describe anything about any of the Chucky films so far). Just like the first 3 films, Bride of Chucky is good for a few laughs with your friends on Halloween, or maybe even as a drinking game. However, as a Horror film? Another moderately entertaining let down.