One of the most effective, inventive and well-crafted slasher movies of the 1980s, the first of the “Child’s Play” series is a solid little shocker. With a crisp 87-minute running time and tight editing, not to mention remarkably committed lead performances by Alex Vincent, Catherine Hicks and Chris Sarandon, director Tom Holland delivers an unlikely pop culture phenomenon. Holland crafts a number of downright sinister moments, making terrific use of angles, close shots and fast-cut editing, aided greatly by a terrifying and charismatic vocal performance by Brad Dourif. Watch for the electrifying scene where Chucky first reveals himself to Hicks, which ushers in the movie’s nightmarish climax.
Rating: ★★★★ (out of 5)
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