Review of Child's Play (2019) by Tryasummersault — 26 Jun 2019

8.6/10 I always thought the original Childs play was a solid horror film that had some really great moments and a fantastic performance by Brad Dourif. When they announced they were going to remake it, I along with everyone else wondered why? After seeing this new surprisingly smart and modernized take on the story I have to say I'm very glad they decided to do so, and that doesn't take away anything from the original.

After a very intriguing new origin intro the film takes us to a familiar plot set up with Andy and his Mother getting a hold of the buddi doll. As things progress with this updated technologically focused story, things start getting intense and downright brutal. I really love the added smart tech aspects of the plot as it just makes Chucky's power even greater. Chucky and Andy also have an emotional connection that makes you care for both of them quite a bit as characters. Andy's character is also going through many hardships of growing up which also gives some relatability instead of having him be a helpless five-year-old. When the finale hits it's just so incredibly extravagant and violent and it's thoroughly intense.

Mark Hamil's vocal work for the classic horror character is tremendously brilliant and gives the character so much personality and life. I also thought everyone in the film did great acting jobs all around and sold their roles. I was very skeptical with Chucky's look in the trailers and some press release photos but, I have to say they did a spectacular job on his practical effects with the animatronics. Also the CGI that was necessary for certain action scenes worked serviceably.

Director Lars Klevburgh has a fantastically keen eye for certain lighting tones and colorization that adds a ton to the overall product. Camerawork is also nicely done and I love all of the throwbacks to the original films as well as some pop culture Easter eggs thrown in. The gore effects are undeniably some of the best I've seen recently and just got so ballistic and brutal yet so fun. I really do hope they can go somewhere in the future with this franchise because there is so much potential especially after this surprisingly excellent start. You can love the original and you can love the new one all the same and it's not a crime.