Sequels tend to fall into one of two broad categories. The first is the 'improvement' sequel that strives to outdo its predecessor – films like TERMINATOR 2, ALIENS and THE DARK KNIGHT fall into this category, one of my favourites. The second is the 'rip-off' sequel, the sole reason for which is to make money. These films typically rehash the plot from the first movie without adding anything new to the blend and look like nothing more than bland imitators. Sadly, CHILD'S PLAY 2 is the latter type of sequel, a weak imitation of the first movie lacking the same originality, narrative thrust and enjoyment.
Things kick off at a toy factory where some manufacturers inexplicably revive Chucky, who was burned to a cinder at the end of the last flick. Soon enough he's back up and running, stalking Andy Barclay. What follows is in essence a series of cheesy deaths: people are stabbed, fall to their deaths, get electrocuted and in one instance are killed by a ruler. Unfortunately such moments feel tired and drawn out and this is a film that feels like it's in search of a plot. The only thing that holds it together is Brad Dourif, having a ball once more as the voice of Chucky. Alex Vincent also returns from the first but he seems more morose and restrained there; either he was bored with the role or told to act' subdued'.
With Alex's mother written out of the movie, we're introduced to a bland foster couple – there's nothing much to get out of the sheer boredom of these guys, which is a shame because two cult favourites play them; Gerrit Graham and Jenny Agutter, both wasted with nothing of what made them so memorable in the first place. The cheesy, extended finale is more yawn-inducing than inspiring this time around, as we've already seen all the Chucky-isn't-dead-is-he scares. Special effects are adequate but the low budget is apparent in many scenes, especially the non-starter of a car crash which is laughably bad. In all this is a worthless remake in a series filled with pretty uninteresting, undeserving films; apparently the rushed-out sequel is even worse. Stay tuned...
Things kick off at a toy factory where some manufacturers inexplicably revive Chucky, who was burned to a cinder at the end of the last flick. Soon enough he's back up and running, stalking Andy Barclay. What follows is in essence a series of cheesy deaths: people are stabbed, fall to their deaths, get electrocuted and in one instance are killed by a ruler. Unfortunately such moments feel tired and drawn out and this is a film that feels like it's in search of a plot. The only thing that holds it together is Brad Dourif, having a ball once more as the voice of Chucky. Alex Vincent also returns from the first but he seems more morose and restrained there; either he was bored with the role or told to act' subdued'.
With Alex's mother written out of the movie, we're introduced to a bland foster couple – there's nothing much to get out of the sheer boredom of these guys, which is a shame because two cult favourites play them; Gerrit Graham and Jenny Agutter, both wasted with nothing of what made them so memorable in the first place. The cheesy, extended finale is more yawn-inducing than inspiring this time around, as we've already seen all the Chucky-isn't-dead-is-he scares. Special effects are adequate but the low budget is apparent in many scenes, especially the non-starter of a car crash which is laughably bad. In all this is a worthless remake in a series filled with pretty uninteresting, undeserving films; apparently the rushed-out sequel is even worse. Stay tuned...