Horrorfest Review: Curse of Chucky (2013)

By Craig Stewart on October 10, 2013 Reviews

Cast: Fiona Dourif, Chantal Quesnelle, Danielle Bisutti
Director: Don Mancini
Country: USA
Genre: Horror | Thriller
Official Website: Here

Editor’s Notes: The following review is part of our coverage for the 3rd Annual ThatJaime Horrorfest put on by Next Projection’s own Jaime Burchardt, which runs from October 1st to October 31st. For more information this online horror film series visit thatjaime.com/horrorfest and follow ThatJaime Horrorfest on Twitter at @ThatJaimeHF.

Very rarely in the horror genre has there been such a singular voice driving a franchise like that of Don Mancini and the Child’s Play films. He has written every movie involving Chucky, the killer doll, since the original and he also directed the last two. If you look at the other slasher heavy weights such as Halloween, Friday the 13^th or A Nightmare on Elm Street, you’ll find that each installment (with only a few exceptions) was written by some new up-and-comer. This results in a sometimes subtle or sometimes blatant disruption in the storytelling, and particularly in the character of the lead villain. Take Freddy Krueger for example: in the original, he’s scary, but by the sixth film he’s a full-blown clown with goofy references to The Wizard of Oz. Chucky, however, has had the integrity to remain basically the same for the past twenty-four years. So, the question becomes, has the latest installment kept up this admirable tradition, or is Chucky going to start singing about munchkin land?

The best thing about this sequel is that it stripped away the nonsense of its immediate predecessor, Seed of Chucky, and aimed for a tone closer to that of the original classic.

The best thing about this sequel is that it stripped away the nonsense of its immediate predecessor, Seed of Chucky, and aimed for a tone closer to that of the original classic. It is therefore safe to say that character continuity has been preserved. As a huge fan of the series, this was enough to sell me. However, when you get down to it, the film doesn’t really have a purpose for being beyond the spectacle of seeing Chucky in action again. It’s a rehash of a bunch of gags – as fun as they are – that we have seen before.

Curse of Chucky does tie its plot tenderly around the opening events of the first film, which gives the illusion that this is an important story that enriches the mythology. But, like most pretty illusions, after the amazement has worn off, its empty promise of substance leaves a bitter taste.

Curse of Chucky does tie its plot tenderly around the opening events of the first film, which gives the illusion that this is an important story that enriches the mythology.

That being said, the film is generously sprinkled with enough funny jokes and effective scares to keep you distracted for the entirety of its runtime, so it’s certainly not a chore to watch by any means. Impressively, the film proves there are still unexplored ways in which a three-foot doll can murder unsuspecting grown-ups without being caught. One might have assumed that this late in the game, that well might have run dry. Who knew?

The most charming aspect of the film by far is the care that went into making it. Despite not having the budget they were used to, Mancini’s love for his devilishly foulmouthed playmate still comes across in every scene. It is obvious that he loves the story he’s telling (which he should, he’s been telling it for long enough), and that is somehow infectious when watching the film. Who would have thought a movie about a child’s doll possessed by a murder crazed strangler could have been made with so much heart? … and I mean the still beating kind.

[notification type=”star”]55/100 ~ MEDIOCRE. The most charming aspect of the film by far is the care that went into making it. Despite not having the budget they were used to, Mancini’s love for his devilishly foulmouthed playmate still comes across in every scene.[/notification]

About Author

Craig Stewart

Horror Film Critic. Am I obsessed? Maybe. I prefer the term “passionate”; it has a less creepy stalker kind of vibe. Not that I have anything against creepy stalkers being that my genre of choice is and forever will be the depraved, demented and deranged dwelling of horror. If you're looking for films that don’t sugarcoat things, that reveal people at their ugliest, that aren’t afraid to spill a little blood and have fun doing it, then look no further!