125 reviews
Being a fan of b-flicks and cultmovies, I was aware of this movie's reputation. So, why not give it a chance? Was I appointed? No, not really ... but was I excited?! Neither! This movie has an original storyline, is shot on a nice location and the special effects are OK (they look sometimes a bit silly, but in movies like this, there's one golden rule: how sillier, how much more fun!) But, in general, this is a rather slow and boring movie. It has some great (and sick) scenes ... but that doesn't cover up for the rest of the movie. This movie constantly repeats itself. I really had the feeling that the director had problems to fill his 90 minutes. So ... is it a waste of time?! No, you'll have fun with it. Just don't expect too much of this 'cultclassic'
PS: Just like Child's Play, this movie is about dolls and puppets ... but that doesn't mean it's suitable for young children. A wise advice to all you babysitters out there!
PS: Just like Child's Play, this movie is about dolls and puppets ... but that doesn't mean it's suitable for young children. A wise advice to all you babysitters out there!
- rickymartin0065
- Oct 4, 2004
- Permalink
- Zombified_660
- Jul 8, 2005
- Permalink
Puppetmaster Andre Toulon (William Hickey) was hunted by Nazis and shot himself at the Bodega Bay Inn 50 years ago. Present day Neil Gallagher invites his psychic friends Alex Whitaker, Dana Hadley, Frank Forrester and Carissa Stamford to the Bodega Bay Inn but they find Neil had already killed himself.
It's too bad that the great William Hickey is dead in the first 10 minutes. This movie badly needs great actors. The acting in this is stiff and uncompelling. The production value never rises above B-movie level. The best thing about the entire movie is the great campy puppets. They are amazzzing.
It's too bad that the great William Hickey is dead in the first 10 minutes. This movie badly needs great actors. The acting in this is stiff and uncompelling. The production value never rises above B-movie level. The best thing about the entire movie is the great campy puppets. They are amazzzing.
- SnoopyStyle
- Oct 16, 2013
- Permalink
You'd figure the thirtieth or fortieth movie about dolls that "live" would get stale, but "Puppet Master" has yet more to show you. They're not dolls in this movie, but rather five special puppets, crafted with love to be the companions of an old, lonely man. Jester, the quiet puppet, and last to be created, who sits back and watches is by far the most interesting. It's cool to watch his head spin around (it's made up of three distinct sections) when he changes his facial expressions.
These puppets have been "lost" for nearly fifty years when the story begins, and a bunch of psychics come to investigate the hotel. The death scenes in this movie are unique -- no one can commit gruesome murder quite like tiny little people. But even though they're rampaging the hotel, these toys aren't evil. They set a standard followed in "Puppet Master II" (a movie that, while tolerable, is no where near as good as the original) in that the puppets have no choice but to follow their master, who will eventually reap what he sows.
It's a fabulous movie, from the scenery of the old bed and breakfast at the Bodega Bay house, to the almost sweet-looking puppets (who just happen to like to murder people), and all told, I think I would have to give this movie an eight out of ten. Sure, there's simulated sex, but it's not all that bad. The movie itself is pretty tame -- there's language, humor, gratuitous (and fairly strange) sex, and violence, but it's not marked by extreme gore (well, there's a questionable part right at the very end that is a little disgusting).
One of the best reasons for watching this movie is the cast, particularly Paul LeMat as Alex Whitaker. He's excellent as the peace-keeper in the movie, as well as the first of the psychics to have a really good clue what is going on in the household. Unfortunately, even he, in the end, jumps to the wrong conclusion.
Viewers who enjoy this movie will enjoy "Child's Play", "Dolls", "Demonic Toys", and "Dolly Dearest", among other horror films. Although "Puppet Master" isn't quite as demonic as the others mentioned, and has no aspects of Satan-worship, voodoo, or demonic culture, it's still another of those "inanimate objects come to life" movies. A definite hit!
These puppets have been "lost" for nearly fifty years when the story begins, and a bunch of psychics come to investigate the hotel. The death scenes in this movie are unique -- no one can commit gruesome murder quite like tiny little people. But even though they're rampaging the hotel, these toys aren't evil. They set a standard followed in "Puppet Master II" (a movie that, while tolerable, is no where near as good as the original) in that the puppets have no choice but to follow their master, who will eventually reap what he sows.
It's a fabulous movie, from the scenery of the old bed and breakfast at the Bodega Bay house, to the almost sweet-looking puppets (who just happen to like to murder people), and all told, I think I would have to give this movie an eight out of ten. Sure, there's simulated sex, but it's not all that bad. The movie itself is pretty tame -- there's language, humor, gratuitous (and fairly strange) sex, and violence, but it's not marked by extreme gore (well, there's a questionable part right at the very end that is a little disgusting).
One of the best reasons for watching this movie is the cast, particularly Paul LeMat as Alex Whitaker. He's excellent as the peace-keeper in the movie, as well as the first of the psychics to have a really good clue what is going on in the household. Unfortunately, even he, in the end, jumps to the wrong conclusion.
Viewers who enjoy this movie will enjoy "Child's Play", "Dolls", "Demonic Toys", and "Dolly Dearest", among other horror films. Although "Puppet Master" isn't quite as demonic as the others mentioned, and has no aspects of Satan-worship, voodoo, or demonic culture, it's still another of those "inanimate objects come to life" movies. A definite hit!
This flick has developed quite a reputation as being a minor "cult classic", but actually it's not very good. Not very good at all. The story is shallow (I hear that it's further developed in the sequels, but that doesn't mean much for the viewers of this particular film), the characters are mostly uninteresting or unlikable, and the special effects, though cleverly conceived at times, show their age (already). There is also not much gore and not much suspense. (*1/2)
I thought this would be very low-grade horror and dumb with poor special- effects, but I was surprised: it was good.....very entertaining. It inspired me to see the sequels, too, and they - most notably the third one - were good, too.
It's a little slow to start with, but once the puppets begin their attack story gets interesting, concluding with a gruesome ending. William Hickey gets decent billing in here but he's only in the film for a short time in the beginning. After that, it's just Paul LeMat and a bunch of unknown actors.
In all, not super but more-than-decent entertainment for an hour-and-a-half.
It's a little slow to start with, but once the puppets begin their attack story gets interesting, concluding with a gruesome ending. William Hickey gets decent billing in here but he's only in the film for a short time in the beginning. After that, it's just Paul LeMat and a bunch of unknown actors.
In all, not super but more-than-decent entertainment for an hour-and-a-half.
- ccthemovieman-1
- Jul 5, 2006
- Permalink
- Lars-mustaine
- Jan 30, 2003
- Permalink
Bad acting, awful hair, horrible plot, cheesy action, hokey characters.
Still reading? Good. My brother picked this movie up for me on DVD, because he knows of my love of horror movies. My first thoughts as I inserted the disc was that it'd be a cheesy, laughable pile of 80's horror rubbish. So I was in for a pleasant surprise. If you can get past the initial presentation of the movie (it feels every bit as low-budget as it is), you'll find it to be creepy, intriguing, and above all, great fun. The puppets themselves could have been a whole lot worse. The effects are hardly Lord Of The Rings, but through a strange combination of live-action and extremely well-animated stop-motion, the puppets don't make you cringe every time they show up on screen. They're probably better actors than some of the live actors even, it's difficult to tell who's more wooden. But it's hardly a character-driven story. It's an unusual story nontheless, and it definitely interested me enough to watch it right through - and then pick up the first sequel!
If you ever saw the movie Child's Play, with which comparisons are inevitable, you'll know already whether you can suspend your disbelief enough to enjoy a movie about killer puppets. If you can, and don't mind horrific 80's haircuts, I'd strongly suggest giving this one a rental, you could do a lot worse.
Still reading? Good. My brother picked this movie up for me on DVD, because he knows of my love of horror movies. My first thoughts as I inserted the disc was that it'd be a cheesy, laughable pile of 80's horror rubbish. So I was in for a pleasant surprise. If you can get past the initial presentation of the movie (it feels every bit as low-budget as it is), you'll find it to be creepy, intriguing, and above all, great fun. The puppets themselves could have been a whole lot worse. The effects are hardly Lord Of The Rings, but through a strange combination of live-action and extremely well-animated stop-motion, the puppets don't make you cringe every time they show up on screen. They're probably better actors than some of the live actors even, it's difficult to tell who's more wooden. But it's hardly a character-driven story. It's an unusual story nontheless, and it definitely interested me enough to watch it right through - and then pick up the first sequel!
If you ever saw the movie Child's Play, with which comparisons are inevitable, you'll know already whether you can suspend your disbelief enough to enjoy a movie about killer puppets. If you can, and don't mind horrific 80's haircuts, I'd strongly suggest giving this one a rental, you could do a lot worse.
Look at this movie as just a bit of fun following a bunch of evil puppets running around massacring people and you will enjoy this film. Look at it in any other way, or compare it to the superior Child's Play and you will be disappointed.
What is strange about this film is that it doesn't explain anything about the puppets origins and why Toulon had to kill himself at the beginning. This point, however, is taken to the extreme in the six sequels that followed. This instalment is not as good as number two in the series, but it is a decent film which is funny if not that scary. I'd recommend checking out Puppet Master 2 even if you don't like this, but stay away from the other sequels.
BEST ACTOR: PAUL LeMATT is the best of a very poor bunch of actors. BEST ACTRESS: IRENE MIRACLE doesn't perform miracles but does a decent job. BEST SCENE: The ending where the puppets have their wicked way with their master. BEST QUOTE: none of note.
OVERALL: 4/10
What is strange about this film is that it doesn't explain anything about the puppets origins and why Toulon had to kill himself at the beginning. This point, however, is taken to the extreme in the six sequels that followed. This instalment is not as good as number two in the series, but it is a decent film which is funny if not that scary. I'd recommend checking out Puppet Master 2 even if you don't like this, but stay away from the other sequels.
BEST ACTOR: PAUL LeMATT is the best of a very poor bunch of actors. BEST ACTRESS: IRENE MIRACLE doesn't perform miracles but does a decent job. BEST SCENE: The ending where the puppets have their wicked way with their master. BEST QUOTE: none of note.
OVERALL: 4/10
- Roly_Savage
- Oct 14, 2003
- Permalink
- BandSAboutMovies
- Oct 10, 2020
- Permalink
- ironhorse_iv
- Jun 7, 2013
- Permalink
Charles Band and his company, Full Moon Pictures, are often labeled as makers of the worst b-movies in the history of the horror genre, however, few seem to remember they kept the genre alive and kicking with their inventive and original brand of low-budget horror during the late 80s and early 90s. "Puppet Master" was the first and arguably the best example of Full Moon's 90s style, a style that included a heavy use of puppetry and stop-motion animation that showed the progression of an idea that he started in his 1987' production "Dolls" (directed by Stuart Gordon).
During World War II, a secret group of Nazis were sent to Bodega Bay, California, to capture puppet maker Andre Toulon (William Hickey), a mysterious old man who had the secret of giving life to inanimate objects. He commits suicide before being caught and so his secret goes with him to the grave. Until nearly 50 years later, a group of psychics lead by Alex Whitaker (Paul Le Mat) are contacted by Neil Gallagher (Jimmie F. Skaggs), a former colleague who apparently made a big discovery in Bodega Bay before committing suicide under mysterious circumstances.
Directed by the tragically underrated David Schmoeller, "Puppet Master" is a very different films that its sequels. Schmoeller plays with the suspense and atmosphere of classic goth films, and successfully mixes those elements with the more graphic shock and gore that was the rule for horror films of its time. With a great eye for the visuals Schmoeller makes great use of his Gothic locations and the terrific camera-work enhances the carefully crafted suspense. The special effects wizards create very good looking effects for the budget and together create what could be called a "gothic slasher".
Schmoeller gives life to Band's story and this mix of fantasy and horror ends up as one of the best screenplays developed at Full Moon. Each puppet has a personality of its own and that is what gives the movie life; the human characters are also very well-defined and for the most part well-acted. Despite the silly premise of a killer toy (already explored in "Child's Play" and "Dolls"), Scmoeller and Band make the work and craft set-pieces of haunting atmospheres. Richard Band's eerie score perfectly showcase the mix of horror and fantasy of the film and it's probably his most famous work. It quickly became the trademark of the series.
As written above, the acting is for the most part good for a movie like this, and while no one really stands out, they all make an efficient job. Paul Le Mat is quite good as the lead character, although the rest of the team soon prove to be more interesting characters. Despite his limited screen time, William Hickey makes a small but charming job as Toulon, and look out for a Barbara Crampton small cameo. As a side-note, it was refreshing to watch a movie where the main characters are middle-aged adults instead of young teenagers.
The movie's main problem (and one that marked the series since its conception) is that the puppets quickly became the focus of everything. This lessen the importance not only of the final villain, but also of the heroes of the movie. While this problem didn't affect that much this movie, it became more notorious as the series started to grow and eventually, the puppets would become the main characters of the movies.
"Puppet Master" may not be everyone's cup of tea, as its premise and the mix of fantasy with horror may turn off some movie goers. However, it is a quality film that proves the talents of both Band and Schmoeller, in a film that has become a cult-classic. 8/10
During World War II, a secret group of Nazis were sent to Bodega Bay, California, to capture puppet maker Andre Toulon (William Hickey), a mysterious old man who had the secret of giving life to inanimate objects. He commits suicide before being caught and so his secret goes with him to the grave. Until nearly 50 years later, a group of psychics lead by Alex Whitaker (Paul Le Mat) are contacted by Neil Gallagher (Jimmie F. Skaggs), a former colleague who apparently made a big discovery in Bodega Bay before committing suicide under mysterious circumstances.
Directed by the tragically underrated David Schmoeller, "Puppet Master" is a very different films that its sequels. Schmoeller plays with the suspense and atmosphere of classic goth films, and successfully mixes those elements with the more graphic shock and gore that was the rule for horror films of its time. With a great eye for the visuals Schmoeller makes great use of his Gothic locations and the terrific camera-work enhances the carefully crafted suspense. The special effects wizards create very good looking effects for the budget and together create what could be called a "gothic slasher".
Schmoeller gives life to Band's story and this mix of fantasy and horror ends up as one of the best screenplays developed at Full Moon. Each puppet has a personality of its own and that is what gives the movie life; the human characters are also very well-defined and for the most part well-acted. Despite the silly premise of a killer toy (already explored in "Child's Play" and "Dolls"), Scmoeller and Band make the work and craft set-pieces of haunting atmospheres. Richard Band's eerie score perfectly showcase the mix of horror and fantasy of the film and it's probably his most famous work. It quickly became the trademark of the series.
As written above, the acting is for the most part good for a movie like this, and while no one really stands out, they all make an efficient job. Paul Le Mat is quite good as the lead character, although the rest of the team soon prove to be more interesting characters. Despite his limited screen time, William Hickey makes a small but charming job as Toulon, and look out for a Barbara Crampton small cameo. As a side-note, it was refreshing to watch a movie where the main characters are middle-aged adults instead of young teenagers.
The movie's main problem (and one that marked the series since its conception) is that the puppets quickly became the focus of everything. This lessen the importance not only of the final villain, but also of the heroes of the movie. While this problem didn't affect that much this movie, it became more notorious as the series started to grow and eventually, the puppets would become the main characters of the movies.
"Puppet Master" may not be everyone's cup of tea, as its premise and the mix of fantasy with horror may turn off some movie goers. However, it is a quality film that proves the talents of both Band and Schmoeller, in a film that has become a cult-classic. 8/10
"Puppet Master" is a wonderful, good-hearted slice of old-fashioned horror nonsense from the imagination of Charles Band. Whilst short on plot, it features a variety of pretty unusual characters, some fiendishly good stop-motion and stunt puppets and a few excellent set-pieces with just enough of the red stuff thrown in for good measure.
There are some fun performances from the cast which includes the rather sexy Irene Miracle ("Inferno") and an appearance from William Hickey ("National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation", "Prizzi's Honour", etc.).
It's one of those few feel-good horror movies, ideal for Christmas viewing!
There are some fun performances from the cast which includes the rather sexy Irene Miracle ("Inferno") and an appearance from William Hickey ("National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation", "Prizzi's Honour", etc.).
It's one of those few feel-good horror movies, ideal for Christmas viewing!
- DVD_Connoisseur
- Dec 28, 2005
- Permalink
Movie was kind of difficult to follow in its initial stages due to the choppiness of the storyline as it builds the plot, but the concept of inanimate objects bestowed with life is something to work with.
After seeing this film, the viewer will be intrigued to see what the sequels CURSE OF THE PUPPETMASTER and RETRO: PUPPETMASTER will do for evolution of the murderous puppets.
After seeing this film, the viewer will be intrigued to see what the sequels CURSE OF THE PUPPETMASTER and RETRO: PUPPETMASTER will do for evolution of the murderous puppets.
This is one great horror movie. The special effects are great. The acting is good. If you have never seen this movie you should run straight to the nearest video store and pick it up. Or just go ahead and buy it!!! The dvd is great. It is about 4 psychics investigating rumors that the secret of life has been discovered by master puppeteer Andre Toulon. But the psychics quickly discover Toulons secret of death in the form of 5 killer puppets. You have to see this movie to believe it. I give it 3 1/2 stars out of 4.
- Leofwine_draca
- Oct 17, 2016
- Permalink
It's surprising how a movie that created a 10+ entry franchise and contains sex, puppet violence, dream sequences, gore and Barbara Crampton can be so terrifyingly boring.
From its gestapo induced suicide opening and cheesy synth score (a cover of Pino Donaggio's work from 1979) it's obvious it's an exercise in bad taste but the direction is so flat and it barely registers. Equally the characters who descend on the hotel to discover their late friend's ultimate power or not are so hideous or bland as to turn off interest entirely.
Once the mayhem ensues after half way, it's deeply unpleasant stuff; beating a woman senseless, vomiting leeches during sex and the same dream sequence three times.
Utterly devoid of humour, the only fun to be had is puppet pov as it runs through the hotel but the rest is a joyless dirge culminating in a gross out.
From its gestapo induced suicide opening and cheesy synth score (a cover of Pino Donaggio's work from 1979) it's obvious it's an exercise in bad taste but the direction is so flat and it barely registers. Equally the characters who descend on the hotel to discover their late friend's ultimate power or not are so hideous or bland as to turn off interest entirely.
Once the mayhem ensues after half way, it's deeply unpleasant stuff; beating a woman senseless, vomiting leeches during sex and the same dream sequence three times.
Utterly devoid of humour, the only fun to be had is puppet pov as it runs through the hotel but the rest is a joyless dirge culminating in a gross out.
- bbjzilla-25345
- Nov 4, 2023
- Permalink
16: 9 transfer !!! I can't tell you how many times I saw this VHS on the selves of Block Buster back in the day and thought to myself ? Who the h e l l rents this trash ? And why di they keep making more . I passed it up many times. It is interesting that the spectrum of my film taste has broadened over the years. The film and the entire series apparently has a large cult following of horror fans. I joined 'Full Moon Features' web site email list and discovered Charles Band. I can attribute this discovery directly to joining AVS Forum "October fun: 31 days of Horror, Blood, Guts and Gore! (and zombies, too....). Since I started participating in 2018 I found a plethora of new horror genres like schlock , torture & revenge, Italian thriller-horror genre Giallo that I never considered even watching prior. Now I like about all of it highbrow, middlebrow, lowbrow there are some great gems listed in this forum that lead to new avenues in horror cinema to explore ! Thanks for that.
Back to the film.... If one wants to find just one movie that sums up the activities of the legendary Full Moon and the equally legendary founder of the Charles Band over the years, then this should probably be the cult-classic PUPPET MASTER. I had no Idea taht this film did not have a theatrical release, just assumed I missed it . But in the intro to the film Charles Band explained how Full Moon started with PUPPET MASTER and it releasing straight to video... and it was very successful.
A group of people with occult abilities are invited to the castle of a magician puppet maker but will find themselves fighting for their lives, besieged in the castle by the satanic puppets of Toulon, who have a large repertoire of murders, as well as a great appetite for blood. This is brilliant stuff. The Stop Motion is such a treat to CGI of today . I mean sure CGI can be fabulous but the magic by the likes of the master Raymond Frederick Harryhausen who created a form of stop motion model animation known as "Dynamation" his influence is obvious here and it works splendidly. The 5 satanic puppets are a devilish riot to watch as they rip, maim and maul there victims .
Director Schmoeller manages to create awesome atmosphere . The puppets are well made, inspiring and genuinely creepy, the special effects are excellent and absolutely convincing given the limited budget. Kudos to cheapo Charles Band as he does manage to hire the lovely Barbara Crampton !
I am glad to rolled the dice a picked up the pride of the Full Moon--Puppet Master, time has been quite kind to the stop-motion effects that make this classic B/C movie come alive. 7.5/10.
Back to the film.... If one wants to find just one movie that sums up the activities of the legendary Full Moon and the equally legendary founder of the Charles Band over the years, then this should probably be the cult-classic PUPPET MASTER. I had no Idea taht this film did not have a theatrical release, just assumed I missed it . But in the intro to the film Charles Band explained how Full Moon started with PUPPET MASTER and it releasing straight to video... and it was very successful.
A group of people with occult abilities are invited to the castle of a magician puppet maker but will find themselves fighting for their lives, besieged in the castle by the satanic puppets of Toulon, who have a large repertoire of murders, as well as a great appetite for blood. This is brilliant stuff. The Stop Motion is such a treat to CGI of today . I mean sure CGI can be fabulous but the magic by the likes of the master Raymond Frederick Harryhausen who created a form of stop motion model animation known as "Dynamation" his influence is obvious here and it works splendidly. The 5 satanic puppets are a devilish riot to watch as they rip, maim and maul there victims .
Director Schmoeller manages to create awesome atmosphere . The puppets are well made, inspiring and genuinely creepy, the special effects are excellent and absolutely convincing given the limited budget. Kudos to cheapo Charles Band as he does manage to hire the lovely Barbara Crampton !
I am glad to rolled the dice a picked up the pride of the Full Moon--Puppet Master, time has been quite kind to the stop-motion effects that make this classic B/C movie come alive. 7.5/10.
- robfollower
- Oct 19, 2021
- Permalink
Puppet Master is an early direct to video Full Moon production and is a story about a group of psychics gathered at the impressive Bodega Bay Hotel. They are investigating rumours that the secret of life had been discovered by master puppeteer Andre Toulon. Toulon had created a bunch of killer puppets called Tunneler, Leech Woman, Pin Head, Blade and Jester, they soon start knocking off the guests in grisly fashions. I'm afraid that I found this film rather boring and overall the acting is quite wooden, we even get a "corpse" who can clearly be seen blinking! Scream Queen Barbara Crampton appears but sadly only in a cameo, thankfully Kathryn O'Reilly as sexual psychic Carissa does raise the temperature in the bedroom. I bought a German blu-ray release, sold as being "100% uncut", sadly I was conned. It uses the same heavily cut Rated print that seems to be used for virtually all releases. For completeness the UK VHS offers the best choice but come on all you distributors, we really deserve a nice Unrated release. The puppets themselves are by the best thing about this movie, the kills are gory and imaginative but sadly trimmed of their full gory glory.
- Stevieboy666
- May 26, 2023
- Permalink
Throughout nearly three full decades of being a horror fanatic, I always deliberately avoided the films produced by Full Moon Entertainment, but a good friend kept confirming that the "Puppet Masters" cycle is worth viewing; - or at least the first three are. Open-minded person that I am, I watched the first and certainly didn't regret it! David Schmoeller's "Puppet Master" is an unpretentious yet unhinged B-video gem! It doesn't have much of a plot, but who cares when there are splendidly designed and imaginative killer puppets, an awesome creepy old hotel setting and a decent amount of tension & atmosphere. William Hickey's role as Andre Toulon, the doll-maker, is incredibly brief but iconic. He discovered a method to bring his wicked puppets to life, something to do with ancient Egyptians, and during the intro (in 1939) we see how he hides his five evilest creations in the walls of a hotel room and shoots himself before a couple of Nazis can apprehend him. 50 years later, a crazy bunch of paranormal investigators are vigorously attacked by nasty things with poetic names like Tunneler, Jester and Leech Woman. "Puppet Master" is very mediocre in terms of story and coherence, but the special effects are great, and the killings are delightfully gross and even somewhat horrifying (and so are the hairstyles of some of the actors)
Long ago a puppet maker named Andre Toulin ( William Hickey) has discovered the means of bringing puppets and dolls to life thanks to ancient Egyptian techniques and a potion as it makes them alive making them into little devilish killers. Years later, a group of psychics named Alex ( Paul Le Mat), Dana ( Irene Miracle), Frank ( Matt Roe) and Megan ( Robin Frates) are call in with each other as they investigate the hotel only to discovered that Toulin's puppets are on the loose and wants to kill.
One of the most well known killer doll flicks there is out there, this started the "Full Moon" company back in 1989 after Charles Bands's company "Empire Pictures" was bankrupted and this movie was became a genuine cult hit on video since it was released. Barbara Crampton ( "Re-Animator") does a great appearance as a costumer for one of the psychics, the movie is inspired by another Charles Band horror production "Dolls". Alongside the Zuni Doll and Chucky these puppets are just vicious little creatures who gained popularity among horror fans.
Also recommended: "Child's Play Series", " Magic", " Dolls", " Trilogy of Terror", "Tales from The Hood", " Re-Animator", " Nightmare on Elm Street", " Pinocchio's Revenge", "Dolly Dearest", " Pin...", " Stephen King's IT", " Dead of Night", "Devil Doll ( 1964)", " The Shining", " Tourist Trap", "Making Contact ( a.k.a. Joey)", " Pumpkinhead", " Demonic Toys", " Poltergeist".
One of the most well known killer doll flicks there is out there, this started the "Full Moon" company back in 1989 after Charles Bands's company "Empire Pictures" was bankrupted and this movie was became a genuine cult hit on video since it was released. Barbara Crampton ( "Re-Animator") does a great appearance as a costumer for one of the psychics, the movie is inspired by another Charles Band horror production "Dolls". Alongside the Zuni Doll and Chucky these puppets are just vicious little creatures who gained popularity among horror fans.
Also recommended: "Child's Play Series", " Magic", " Dolls", " Trilogy of Terror", "Tales from The Hood", " Re-Animator", " Nightmare on Elm Street", " Pinocchio's Revenge", "Dolly Dearest", " Pin...", " Stephen King's IT", " Dead of Night", "Devil Doll ( 1964)", " The Shining", " Tourist Trap", "Making Contact ( a.k.a. Joey)", " Pumpkinhead", " Demonic Toys", " Poltergeist".
- TalesfromTheCryptfan
- Apr 19, 2006
- Permalink
Puppet Master is a fun and entertaining film... when the puppets are actually on screen. The human characters are less than engaging and the plot is ridiculous. Still, the scenes in which the puppets interact with the human characters help to make up for the slow paced plot and uninspired story. Each puppet is unique in movement, ability and even personality. The climax of the film is just amazing and makes this extremely long hour and a half journey worth it. Charles Band is the master of writing inanimate objects, coming to life and killing people, and David Schmoeller managed to perfectly bring Band's vision to life. While not a perfect film, Puppet master definitely deserves it's cult classic status due to it's unique style and brutal death scenes.
After one of their group commits suicide, a team of psychics gather to investigate the old hotel where he died. One by one, the visitors are killed by a collection of creepy supernatural puppets, that were created 50 years earlier by André Toulon, the puppet master, who held the power to give life to inanimate objects.
Nasty killer dolls are hardly a new idea in horror, but with the diminutive characters in Puppet Master sporting such attributes as a drill-bit head, over-sized hands, and the ability to spit leeches, this film definitely had the potential to be a little different. Unfortunately, thanks to a rather dreary slow-moving plot, some terrible acting, and minimal gore, the film doesn't realise its full potential.
Although the puppets themselves are beautifully designed, with each definitely being imbued with its own distinctive character, the manner in which they move, however, is less well executed: much of the film is seen from the dolls' point of view, with the camera swerving around furniture and between peoples legs, which is a little cheesy (and it's hard to believe that they are never spotted); some of the puppetry is rather awkward (too often, it is easy to picture a hand out of shot, manipulating the doll); and the stop motion that makes some of the more difficult moves possible is hardly brilliant.
Paul Le Mat, as the film's hero Alex, is uncharismatic (and he sports a seriously dodgy hairstyle), whilst the other psychics are pretty unlikeable, making it hard to feel sorry for them when they are bumped off by the tiny killer marionettes.
The first in a series of Puppet Master films from producer Charles Band, this film isn't really deserving of the cult status it appears to have and only leaves room for improvement.
Nasty killer dolls are hardly a new idea in horror, but with the diminutive characters in Puppet Master sporting such attributes as a drill-bit head, over-sized hands, and the ability to spit leeches, this film definitely had the potential to be a little different. Unfortunately, thanks to a rather dreary slow-moving plot, some terrible acting, and minimal gore, the film doesn't realise its full potential.
Although the puppets themselves are beautifully designed, with each definitely being imbued with its own distinctive character, the manner in which they move, however, is less well executed: much of the film is seen from the dolls' point of view, with the camera swerving around furniture and between peoples legs, which is a little cheesy (and it's hard to believe that they are never spotted); some of the puppetry is rather awkward (too often, it is easy to picture a hand out of shot, manipulating the doll); and the stop motion that makes some of the more difficult moves possible is hardly brilliant.
Paul Le Mat, as the film's hero Alex, is uncharismatic (and he sports a seriously dodgy hairstyle), whilst the other psychics are pretty unlikeable, making it hard to feel sorry for them when they are bumped off by the tiny killer marionettes.
The first in a series of Puppet Master films from producer Charles Band, this film isn't really deserving of the cult status it appears to have and only leaves room for improvement.
- BA_Harrison
- Aug 31, 2008
- Permalink
PUPPET MASTER 1 is one of the better FULL MOON / Charles Band productions. Its strength is in its weirdness. While the human actors, including Paul Le Mat, William Hickey, and Barbara Crampton in a fun cameo, are all solid enough, it's the vicious, oddly endearing puppets themselves that steal the show.
We get: #1- Blade with his knife / hook combo! #2- Leech Woman and her mouth full of bloodsuckers! #3- Tunneler's drill-head! #4- Pinhead with his super strength and mega-fists!
As absurd as this all sounds, it works!
Alex (Le Mat) and a group of fellow psychics have their collective hands full against these tiny terrors. Director David Schmoeller makes the best of the material. Yes, it's fairly silly, but it's also enjoyable and different...
We get: #1- Blade with his knife / hook combo! #2- Leech Woman and her mouth full of bloodsuckers! #3- Tunneler's drill-head! #4- Pinhead with his super strength and mega-fists!
As absurd as this all sounds, it works!
Alex (Le Mat) and a group of fellow psychics have their collective hands full against these tiny terrors. Director David Schmoeller makes the best of the material. Yes, it's fairly silly, but it's also enjoyable and different...
- azathothpwiggins
- May 29, 2022
- Permalink