Manic Expression

Recently, for my horror collection, I ordered Child's Play 3 and Bride of Chucky to finish off the Chucky series (I already owned 1, 2, and Seed). It was after I made this purchase did I begin to think back to how many fans of the series simply hated the third movie, which is why I decided to devote my third "Guilty Pleasure" blog to it.

Released in August 1991, 9 months after the release of Part 2, Child's Play 3 tells the story of Andy Barclay, now 16 years old, having been sent to Kent Military School after going through several foster homes. Meanwhile, Chucky the killer doll is once again resurrected by the Play Pals Company, and goes to track down Andy. But this time, Chucky first ends up meeting one of the younger students, a boy named Ronald Tyler, and decides to change his target in regards to who to possess. Andy this time must be the one who stops Chucky personally.

Now, what perplexes me about this film's reception, it's not so much that it gets considered to be the worst of the series. It's not even so much that it's reputation is more negative than positive, but rather...I'm honestly surprised just how hated this is by fans of the series. Several online reviews I read encouraged people to skip from CP2 to Bride of Chucky (And let me clarify that once again, I don't have a problem with people having these opinions, I'm just surprised how frequently I've seen this).

Now, with Jason Takes Manhattan, which I put on my top 10 favorite films list, I can understand why it gets the hate it does from Friday fans. With CP3...I just don't feel that it's so radically different enough to earn the bad reception it gets. But to each his own, I guess.

Now, the one common complaint this film gets that I agree with is that this probably shouldn't have been rushed into production so quickly after the second film. It would have been nice if they could have waited a few years so Alex Vincent could reprise his role as Andy (And honestly, if you listen to him on the 20th anniversay for the original film commentary, he almost sounds like the character did in part 3), though interest in the series may have died out since then.

Now, onto the reasons I like this movie. Out of all the Chucky sequels, Part 3 I feel is actually the closet in tone to the original. Sure, the more frequent one-liners are still there (and just as noticeable as they were in part 2), but it doesn't feel cartoonish as CP2, Bride, and Seed did. (Though, to be fair, feeling more like a cartoon actually enhanced the series in a couple ways). Chucky, more so in this film then the others, seems downright sadistic. His plan with the paintballs and taking Kristen hostage have never been matched by other moments of dickery in the later films.

Though this element was always present since the original, this is the first time in the series where the viewer starts to realize how badly Chucky messed up Andy's life. The scene where he and Kristen are having a talk after they find a carnival in the distance is a great example of a scene where you really feel bad for the guy. It was great to see Andy in the end be the one who takes down Chucky, as opposed to one of his friends doing it.

Now, the kills in this movie are pretty good IMO. The death of the toy company president is very Child's Play 1-ish in the way how Chucky just sets up all the little details. The garbage truck death is a cool and sadistic scene. The death of Col. Cochran (I won't spoil what happens) is hilarious and leads to quite probably my favorite Chucky quote in the entire series. Though this film breaks one of the caridnal rules of slasher films by having Chucky kill a person with a gun ate one point.

As mentioned previously, Andy is expanded on as a character in this film moreso than the first two. Being a teenager, he's finally given the chance to have friends as opposed to just interacting with caregivers. The relationship between him and Kristen develops nicely and doesn't feel forced. In true Child's Play tradition, Andy still has to deal with disbelieving assholes, Shelton being this film's most triumphant example.

The finale in the roller coaster funhouse lives up to the finales of the first two films IMO. Though, amdittedly, it lacks the sheer "oh my God, how much does it take to kill him?!" aspect of CP1 and CP2, what happens to the old Chuck is still pretty memorable. The thing with the sycthe was my favorite moment of Chucky suffering in this film. Also, with the way Andy finishes off Chucky, even though I do enjoy the pure comedy Chucky films, I felt was a good way to close off the original Child's Play trilogy.

Brad Douriff once again does a great job as Chucky, and the acting for the most part is pretty good.

So, in conclusion, I think Child's Play 3 is a solid sequel that ranks up very high in the series for me. The story, acting, and effects work well, and lead to a satisfying payoff. I hope you guys have enjoyed this blog, and share your thoughts below!