"Child's Play" (1988)

There is an absurdity inherent to the premise of Child's Play that in its most entertaining moments the film embraces whole-heartedly. The notion of a serial killer transferring his soul into a child's doll has a built in level of incredulity to it. At first the film tries to take its premise seriously and be a more straightforward horror movie but the closer the film gets to inevitable reveal, the more it seems to recognize that there is a comedic goldmine to be had in a cute little cherub-faced toy doing things that clash with that cute, innocent sensibility. So when Chucky stops pretending to be just a child's plaything and begins spitting out offensive epitaphs, it's more funny than scary; the moment is made all the more hilarious by the fact that the actress, Catherine Hicks, is clearly at points acting with a doll that she's shaking around for effect. The film's action sequences increasingly accept this campy, comic tone. Initially they're shot from the point-of-view of the doll but once they cease to and we just get a Chucky outright attacking his victims with a knife these moments are simultaneously thrilling, creepy and rather funny. This isn't to say Child's Play isn't scary; there's a menacing quality to the film but it's always mixed with or undercut by a humorous tinge. Whether this is intentional or not, it makes for a fun time all the same.

Grade: B