Short Attention Span Review - Curse of Chucky (2013)

Short Attention Span Review - Curse of Chucky (2013)

We're getting a new Chucky movie, and by that, I mean a reboot, not a continuation of the series as we know it.  I share Jennifer Tilly's thoughts on the matter, and lest you're unaware: we're not too keen on the idea.  Honestly, between 2013's Curse of Chucky and 2017's Cult of Chucky (and talks of a tie-in series from the man behind this franchise, Don Mancini), I see no need to do something new and different here.  Now, I enjoy these movies, but I'm not necessarily what I would consider a diehard fan.  Still, as a guy who digs horror, this does feel like hallowed ground for a few reasons.  First off, they're revamping Chucky himself.  That's a terrible fucking idea.  Secondly, they're looking for an "A-list talent" to try and fill Brad Dourif's shoes where the voice of everyone's favorite sadistic doll from hell is concerned.  The phrase "good luck with that" comes to mind.  Anyway, I'm going to push my little tangent here aside (sorry, but not really sorry at all) and review this 2013 chiller for you.  It is not a reboot at all, but something of a restart, taking the story in a new direction without severing any ties to the pictures that came before.  The tone is a fairly significant departure, with this being more of a sinister and spooky tale largely devoid of the zealous lunacy that we saw in the last few entries.  In that regard, it is a lot closer to Tom Holland's killer venture that started the ball rolling, though I would argue that Curse of Chucky is even more subdued, and plays a little more like an old school shocker.  It slowly builds to a crescendo, and even though we all come to this particular party knowing just what to expect, Curse of Chucky takes its time getting to the good stuff.  After all, the family at the center of the tale doesn't know that the doll young Alice is so taken with is a supernatural vessel for one vicious son of a bitch's tainted soul.  Mancini surely understands the lay of the land, and he handles Chucky's malicious exploits with great skill; the design and effects are on point, and the character's behavior is just what fans are hoping for.  Mancini's greatest feat may be pairing Brad Dourif's unbelievable performance with the ominous nature of the piece.  Brad isn't the only Dourif who shines in this outing, as his daughter Fiona excels as our lead.  Her part is both complex and endearing, and Mancini encourages us to really invest in this strong-willed heroine as he puts the screws to her in a big way.  While I won't rate this as the best of the lot, it is a welcome addition to a legacy that remains potent better than three decades after Chucky hit the scene--a legacy that need not be refashioned for current audiences when all the necessary parties are still fully capable of delivering the goods.

Final Grade: B-

Non-Spoiler Alert: Chucky is still one mean little bastard.

Short Attention Span Review: Graveyard Shift (1990)

True story: I'm a big fan of Stephen King's work.  Honestly, if you dig books, what is there to dislike about the catalog produced by this literary titan?  He's an author who deftly weaves gruesome thrills and Americana together in intricate tales highlighted by memorable characters and sound writing.  Despite a few big wins (most of which aren't the horror yarns he's best-known for), I don't think the movies have been very kind to this maestro's work.  For whatever reason, many of the horror films his imagination has spawned that I do enjoy are based on his short stories.  Graveyard Shift is no exception, and this one takes its title and premise from one my personal favorites.  The story is a cynical and incredibly dark ode to the working man that certainly packs a mean punch.  The ending is absolutely masterful and despite its meager length, it conjures up some truly terrifying imagery.  Though it received little fanfare and far less in the way of acclaim, this 1990 film is one that I really like.  Taking the basic premise of King's story (mutant rats turn an attempt to clean out the basement of a decrepit mill into a gruesome nightmare) and running wild with it, the filmmakers are able to wring a decent picture out of a brief tale.  While this isn't a stellar movie, it offers little in the way of shortcomings.  The cast is game and includes Brad Dourif in a wonderful part as a doomed exterminator with a healthy dose of swagger, the effects are nifty, and the grimy atmosphere is perfect.  Ralph S. Singleton does a decent job with the direction and the end credits are a stellar mash-up of some of the film's most memorable soundbytes.  Clearly, no one involved planned on winning an Oscar; rather, they were simply aiming to produce an entertaining scary movie that would deliver a few jolts and a good time to those who chose to work the shift.  I think it succeeds--it's no classic, but it's a pretty damn good show for those of us who like things that go bump in the night.  Graveyard Shift surely earns a few bonus points with viewers who can get behind the plight of the working man.  If you've ever fantasized about feeding some dickhead foreman to a mutant rat, you may wind up thinking that this is the best movie ever made.

Final Grade: B-

"Spread the word, fuckers." -Tucker Cleveland