Child's Play (1988) Movie and DVD Review

Chris Sarandon, Catherine Hicks, Alex Vincent and Brad Dourif

Jun 2, 2009

Child's Play stars Chris Sarandon, a Chicago detective, who must try to save a mother and her young son from a possessed doll who is reeking havoc on the family.

Director Tom Holland and United Artists took a child's worst fear and brought it to a theater near you in the fall of 1988. Written by Tom Holland, John Lafia, and Don Mancini, Child's Play is a horror film that captured the attention of movie-goers and also sent young children looking for cover from their toys. Chris Sarandon, Catherine Hicks, Alex Vincent and Brad Dourif star in this 1988 horror classic.

The film takes place on a cold night in Chicago, Illinios, as Detective Mike Norris (Chris Sarandon), attempts to apprehend the "Lakeshore Strangler", Charles Lee Ray, played by Brad Dourif. As the men run down the streets of Chicago, Ray is shot by Norris. On the verge of death Ray seeks shelter in a toy store. Highly skilled in voodoo, Ray attempts to transfer his soul into a Good Guy Doll, moments before his death. Detective Norris enters the store only moments before lightning strikes the building and it explodes. Norris is not injured, but Charles Lee Ray is dead.

The next morning we are introduced to young Andy Barclay (Alex Vincent) who is celebrating his sixth birthday with is mother Karen, played by Catherine Hicks. Andy's biggest wish is to have his very own Good Guy Doll. Short on money and simply struggling to make ends meet, Karen is unable to purchase the doll for her son. However, while working at her job at a local department store, Karen buys the doll from a peddler in the street. Little does she know her new purchase will come with a terrifying and horrific price.

Thoughts on the Film

As the years go by, the original film still stands tall to this day. The idea of children being afraid of their toys, coupled with, the strong marketing campaign towards young children was a very brilliant idea for a horror film. Also, the simple yet effective idea of the parent not believing the child really played on common themes throughout many households. The fact Andy was alone with his fear and his feelings for much of the movie, simply added to the terror. Child's Play also has a true 80s vibe. The entire film has an aura from the 80s which adds to the dark atmposhere at times. The Barclay residence had an "overcast" feel to the lighting, which set the mood for the film. "Chucky", who was was voiced by Brad Dourif, was operated through amazing animatronics. The doll looked fantastic and the electronics were superb for 1988 standards. In a world with limited CGI, the puppeteer work was flawless. Even though the sequels took a more comedic route and have become silly jokes in recent years, the original film is considered by many...a true horror classic.

DVD/Movie Notes

In 1999 Child's Play was released in full screen, but in September of 2008 the film received some birthday love. Child's Play: Chucky's 20th Birthday Edition provided fans with all they wanted and more.

-1.85:1 Widescreen

-3 Audio Commentaries

-4 Featurettes

-Photo Gallery

-Theatrical Trailer

The copyright of the article Child's Play (1988) Movie and DVD Review in Horror Films is owned by Bryan Parker. Permission to republish Child's Play (1988) Movie and DVD Review in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.