CULT OF CHUCKY (2017)

Written & Directed By: Don Mancini 
Cinematography By: Michael Marshall 
Editor: Randy Bricker 

Cast: Fiona Dourif, Brad Dourif, Alex Vincent, Jennifer Tilly, Zak Santiago, Grace Lyn Kung, Michael Therriault, Ali Tataryn, Adam Hurtig, Elizabeth Rosen 


After accused of murdering her family, Nica is taken to an asylum and thinks that she's the cause of the deaths of her family. However, when grizzly deaths start to occur, she then realizes that Chucky, her illusion might not be make believe. She also finds out that the doll is slowly starting to possess anyone or anything to join a huge cult to kill off Chucky's victims, but things don't go to well in the asylum, including for Chucky's long lost friend "Andy Barcley" who tries to stop the cult from getting bigger while also trying to get past Chucky's wife, "Tiffany." One of the better films of the series. Certainly one of the better films of the seemingly new saga. That seemed to start officially with the last film, but I will say started as soon as BRIDE OF CHUCKY came about and Jennifer Tilly became more associated with the series. Joining Brad Dourif in the ranks of usually appearing or being a voice in the series.


Though one notices in the latest films. The structure tries to be more classical and less emphasis on the killer. As we have spent this time with him we know him. More emphasis on the characters and drama. As we wait for the inevitable.

Jennifer Tilly at least has more to do in this sequel. She has a bigger role than the last film and is pivotal to the film. So that she is one of the many details that works.

This film is actually the best since BRIDE OF CHUCKY. As it seems to keep it's Campy humor but also try to be a little more horror related this time. Like the last film it tries to go in a little more serious direction. Though still has the simple basis of the killer in the loose. Here the film tries to play mind games a bit. As to why no one reads the obvious clues by setting it in a mental hospital.

A sex scene is surprised by as it feels out of place as sex was always promised or hinted at in these films but never really shown. I guess that keeps the film in a kind of fantasy based untouched by simple carnal pleasures. It brings a little more reality to the film as to characters needs and desires, but to also humanize them and intensify certain relationships and bonds. Yes I realize the type of film we are talking about. Which also allows the film to feel more adult. As in the new cycle of films there is rarely a child. Here we only get a glimpse of one. So this film feels somewhat grow up but still ridiculous.

While I am against the killing of innocents. I am beginning to notice that in most of The CHILD'S PLAY sequels very few of Chucky's victims have been really innocent or at least likeable. Maybe that is why after the first film. The character became more iconic and favorable. He was still a dispicible serial killer with loose morals, but he seems to kill those who are lesser of him to more be the alpha. Plus they stand in the way of his plans. That sometimes he feels like the main characters Murderous Id that here finally spells it out. At least one of the killings goes too far. As seeming like it is going for for artistic depth in it's carnage. Which is a repeat from BRIDE OF CHUCKY.

We all know the scenarios of this type of film. So the highlights of the film really are the kills. That seem more gory and over the top than usual. The film isn't too different but has a mischievous nature of it's own. The film tries to be dark but seems more intertwined with it's 1980's roots.

The film ends up leaving many questions. That the film seems to try to brunch off with a brief explanation that seems silly and leaves room For future sequels or at least a continuation of the series as now he seems even more indestructible.

In the end the film is more for fans of the series than maybe newcomers. Though newcomers will understand and can enjoy. The series is more rewarding to fans. As it brings back original constant victim Andy played by Alex Vincent who had a cameo at the end of the last film and has a major role here. (There is a similar cameo from a character here) That seems to leave him as part of the future of the franchise. So that this new series might be an endless grudge match.

At least Fiona Dourif is given so much more to do this time around to play. Rather then just a victim. Showing not only is she comfortable but also starting to have some fun with the role. Like her father Brad Douriff as the voice of Chucky.

After all this time I am glad to see Don Mancini is sticking to his guns and staying with the series. As he clearly has a passion for it and it is his most successful creation. He seems with each sequel especially the ones he has directed (all the films after BRIDE OF CHUCKY. Before that he just wrote the scripts for all Of the films) to at least try and attempt different styles and approaches to the material. While the films stay pretty much the same. Unlike many franchises. So that this feels familiar yet different. It's stabs feel cheesy just like the others but at least add something. As they don't feel as gimmick Laden.

Though one might wish at times that the films would go to different directors who have more of a visual style, but that might diminish he vision of don Mancini's Points and direction for the series. A she seems to be the driving force and has a vision. As before when the series was handled by different directors it was all over the place.

It a bad ride but more enjoyable for fans and horror aficionados

 GRADE: C+