It has been 9 years since the ridiculously campy Seed of Chucky disappointed fans of America’s most notorious killer doll and whilst I applaud Don Mancini for having the guts to make that movie, it’s my feeling that it could have cost us the franchise (there was much talk of having to remake/reboot the series before Universal opted to do a new straight to video sequel). Thankfully, Curse of Chucky is a superb return to form which has hopefully ensured a bright future for the pint sized killer.
After her mother’s sudden death, wheelchair-bound Nica suspects that a strange doll may hold the key to secrets in her family’s chequered past. With her older sister, brother-in-law and niece visiting in the run up to the funeral, the family reunion proves to be killer.
This film was a delight from start to finish. Don Mancini has totally turned it around and made amends as far as I’m concerned. I initially hated Bride of Chucky when I first saw it as Chucky had truly terrified me as a child, so I didn’t like the fact that he was now trying to make me laugh. I quickly forgave Bride its sins when Seed was released – a genuine low point in the series for me personally.
Curse is a good old fashioned creepy, spooky house type thriller. The set design is amazing, the cinematography is brilliant, the score by Joseph LoDuca is wonderful (the best since Graeme Revell’s score for Child’s Play 2) the cast are great, the story is full of mystery and intrigue and the kills would make the creators of Final Destination proud! Chucky is back in fine form.
OVERALL SUMMARY
The film does raise a lot of questions about its place in the Chucky timeline and the ending is slightly ambiguous, but repeat viewings should help with this as there is so much going on. As a long-time fan of the series, I feel as though I have been listened to, taken seriously and rewarded and I for one can’t wait to see what’s next.