Feeling that the "Childs Play" series had garnered itself a little too much adverse publicity since its inception, the makers of this one decided to change tack and approach the material with an almost exclusive comedy angle. Sure, it still has gore; but as far as I'm concerned, you CAN have a comedy that's gory. Maybe that's a worrying indication of exactly WHAT makes me laugh. Not to worry, though because nary a titter was to be raised from me whilst watching "Bride of Chucky". It's more one long giant in-joke than a film, and the joke sucks. Did we really need the series to get any sillier than it already was? I don't think so. It's honestly as if the makers got bored of doing horror and decided that they wanted to make an X rated episode of "The Simpsons" instead, only without ANY of the originality...
A pal and I had rented this to veg out in front of with a few beers. In those circumstances, you WANT to like a film; but try as I might, I couldn't and still can't muster up any good feeling toward this.
So it's a parody of sorts. Isn't a walking, talking and killing cherubic doll parody enough? Obviously not. The people behind this can't even stick to lampooning their own created universe, they've got to impinge on ones imagined by others as well. The snide reference to Freddy/Michael/Jason et al at the beginning only serves to illustrate how out of its league this film is. Comparing this film to any of them (Even "Friday the Thirteenth Part 26: Jason Buys a Golfing Umbrella to Protect Him from a Shower of Nubile Teen Blood" - coming to a cinema near you soon kids!) in a favourable light is surely asking to be laughed out onto the streets.
The kids in the movie are just 'cool'. They can't be bothered to be witty (Musn't be seen to upstage the plastic props, must we?) As far as I can remember, not one of them displays a smidgen of talent between them. Don't fret, however, this even extends to the adults too. It's almost as bad as the lead character in part 3 (Justin, was he called?) But not quite.
Thus, we are left to rely on the 'mutant Ken and Barbie' for our yucks. To be fair, it is neither the fault of Dourif or Tilly that things are this bad, but there is only so much they can do in such a haphazard production. Tilly even acquits herself quite well, enough to suggest that she is right for the part, and that the concept itself may have worked better in different hands. She deserved (and got) another shot at the role. Unfortunately, this necessitates a sequel. If it's as bad as this one, it may just be the last film I ever watch. Suicide being more preferable.
It MUST be cackhanded treatment of the possible material by Yu and the writers; because as I said, Tilly is great. There is even ONE good moment (count it!) By the time we reach the ending though - 'Tiffany' the doll' going through the agonies of childbirth - I'd had about all I could take of such abject stupidness and blatant non-acting by most of the cast, doll pair excepted.
The "Childs Play" series was tootling along fine until the needless aberrations that were parts 3 & 4. On the evidence of the latter, it can only get worse. Leave it alone now, eh? I would've said different, had this one actually been any good; but it wasn't, not by a long chalk. ... and don't even get me started on the dolls having sex...
(EDIT: On 28th of June 2006 I got to see "Seed of Chucky"... As expected, it makes the same mis-steps as its predecessor. There is no reason to recommend it if you find yourself agreeing with my dislike of this, because its problems are only exaggerated to worse effect. The distinguishing feature between the two is that what passes for 'satire' isn't even consistent anymore after the six-year wait... I took a raincheck on the idea of offing myself, but neither foray into the realm of send-ups is worth the time, by my estimation.)
