Terror Toys is an exciting feature bringing you the latest in horror action figures and collectibles. I’m very excited to have the services of Aaron Hauser of Turmoil in the Toybox fame, as one of our leading experts for this page. Aaron is also a skilled broadcaster/videographer with the Air Force, totaling over 11 years of experience working in news and TV production, along with producing various pieces for 99 Air Base Wing Public Affairs. His youtube series chronicles some of the best reviews on the net for movie collectibles, props and toys, so having him as a part of this feature is an honor.
Aaron is back with another exciting toy review. This time around he tackles the Chucky life sized replica from TNG Props, and this review is well timed considering the release of Curse of Chucky. This is definitely one collectible to be had, so listen to Aaron give you the straight dope on this masterpiece.
Director Don Mancini is at it again. He’s managed to reinvigorate the Chucky horror franchise by going back to the creepiness of the original. This latest installment ignores the comedic tone of Bride and Seed and goes for a more straight ahead approach, giving Chucky his blood spilling mojo back in the process. Legendary film actor Brad Douriff reprises his role once more, voicing the titular killer doll and truly going for the gusto in this sixth sequel. There’s plenty of Good Guy doll action, as he is mysteriously mailed to a new family that turns out to have ties to his past. Most of the movie takes place in a creepy looking house, giving Chucky free reign to run amuck in and bringing back the thrills and chills from the original film.
Curse of Chucky is quite stylish for a direct to video sequel, relying heavily upon the menacing atmosphere and plethora of good scares found in the 1988 Child’s Play film. In fact, the original concept gave birth to some first rate special effects courtesy of Kevin Yager who designed the doll and helped bring it to life on the set. The doll definitely comes to life at key scenes in the movie, but much of that is attributed to Brad Douriff’s demented voice of evil personified. All his voice-over work for Chucky was recorded in advance so they could match up Chucky’s mouth with the words, and Douriff would run around the recording studio, working himself up into a real frenzy and then deliver his lines.
It was also rumored that John Lithgow was originally set to play and voice Chucky, but I can’t imagine anyone else in that iconic role other than Brad Douriff. The franchise certainly defied all logic as it moved forward with each new film in the series, and Brad needed to be at his best for the over the top portrayals he was asked for in both Bride and Seed. At least Curse gives the character some dignity and bringing it back to the stylishness of the original helps fans to enjoy the uniqueness of this exciting horror film.
Curse of Chucky is out now on DVD from Universal Studios Home Entertainment.
Kenneth Gallant, Editor HMS
Read the previous installment.