I don't know who this movie is for? People who loved Chucky? People who can't afford to go to the movies and watch Chucky so they watch Dolls at home instead? If that's the case, save up your money for a few weeks and go see Chucky. Dolls may cost less, but you'll never get these minutes of your life back.
17 Reviews
Way too generic and predictable...
paul_haakonsen18 July 2019
Right, well the 2019 horror movie "Dolls" turned out to be something of a less than mediocre horror movie. The entire movie was just permeated by something that made the movie seem like something that was made in the 1980s, for better or worse.
The storyline was generic and predictable. And for a horror movie, then the plot in "Dolls" was just downright derivative of other movies also set to be having dolls as the focal point. The 2019 movie "Dolls" from director Cuyle Carvin just failed to be original and it failed to be innovative.
If you enjoy generic horror movies that are stripped of everything even remotely scary, and just cruise straight ahead with no surprises or no plot twists, then "Dolls" might be right up your alley. But if you want a horror movie that will make you jump out of your seat and have you checking over your shoulders, then you should not waste an hour and twenty-five minutes on this movie.
And to make matters worse, then the three dolls in the movie weren't even remotely scary or disturbing in any manner. And the way they were utilized throughout the movie was just oozing with low budget and a lack of buget for special effects.
It should be said that the acting in the movie was actually decent, despite the fact that the characters in the movie were flawed by not really being properly fleshed out and appeared to be just hastily thought up to be put into the movie. It was nice, however, to see horror icon Dee Wallace make an appearance in the movie, despite being a small support role.
I managed to sit through the entire movie, but I wasn't impressed. It was a movie of sub-mediocre value, hence my rating lands on four out of ten stars.
The storyline was generic and predictable. And for a horror movie, then the plot in "Dolls" was just downright derivative of other movies also set to be having dolls as the focal point. The 2019 movie "Dolls" from director Cuyle Carvin just failed to be original and it failed to be innovative.
If you enjoy generic horror movies that are stripped of everything even remotely scary, and just cruise straight ahead with no surprises or no plot twists, then "Dolls" might be right up your alley. But if you want a horror movie that will make you jump out of your seat and have you checking over your shoulders, then you should not waste an hour and twenty-five minutes on this movie.
And to make matters worse, then the three dolls in the movie weren't even remotely scary or disturbing in any manner. And the way they were utilized throughout the movie was just oozing with low budget and a lack of buget for special effects.
It should be said that the acting in the movie was actually decent, despite the fact that the characters in the movie were flawed by not really being properly fleshed out and appeared to be just hastily thought up to be put into the movie. It was nice, however, to see horror icon Dee Wallace make an appearance in the movie, despite being a small support role.
I managed to sit through the entire movie, but I wasn't impressed. It was a movie of sub-mediocre value, hence my rating lands on four out of ten stars.
Dolls in the Attic
nogodnomasters20 July 2019
Warning: Spoilers
Henry (Robert R. Ryel) kills himself in the opening scene rather than face three dolls a fraction of his size. The dolls later show up in the attic of Edna who is recently deceased. Robert (Thomas Downey) her alcoholic son and an author is there apparently to get affairs in order, but we don't see much of that. His teen daughter Sammey (Trinity Simpson) shows up after a tiff with the "cheating slut" mom (Elise Muller). The dolls creep her out. At 50 minutes into the film, Dee Wallace provides us with an explanation for the dolls because dolls don't normally kill unless possessed or are Nazis.
The acting and dialogue seemed fine. The build-up was slow, perhaps too slow even with the opening teaser. The film lacked a good creep factor. The scenes were all well lit. The dolls needed to be creepier. The soundtrack needed to add to the atmosphere. The jump scares didn't work. I think the film could be improved with a good edit.
Guide: No f-word, sex, or nudity.
The acting and dialogue seemed fine. The build-up was slow, perhaps too slow even with the opening teaser. The film lacked a good creep factor. The scenes were all well lit. The dolls needed to be creepier. The soundtrack needed to add to the atmosphere. The jump scares didn't work. I think the film could be improved with a good edit.
Guide: No f-word, sex, or nudity.
Dolls of death
TheLittleSongbird4 August 2019
The cover looked very cool and freaky and the idea was a pretty decent one. Dee Wallace is a more than capable actress who keeps landing in mediocre or worse projects that she is better than. The idea was not an original one but the potential for it to work was there, because with the right resources 'Dolls' could have been agreeably creepy. Have made it clear in the past that there is appreciation for and not bias against the horror genre.
'Dolls' just fails to deliver. Wallace and an eerie setting keep it from being something without redeeming features, other than that it is a mess. It is the complete opposite of what the cover promised, being dull and cheap rather than freaky and any coolness is restricted solely to the cover. There is just very little to the film in atmosphere or in how the content is executed, instead of at least decent execution of an unoriginal but still intriguing idea, 'Dolls' is just so routine and with little momentum.
Wallace and the setting are the only good things.
Everything else in 'Dolls' however is a mess. There is nothing remotely unsettling about the dolls, the only scary thing about them is their lack of expression and they are used poorly, underused and when featured they don't really do much if anything. Didn't really get much horror, both in that there is too little of it and what there is is executed with no suspense or even with much effort or attempt to do anything fresh (very seen it all before). The far too thin story, which felt like a thinly plotted short film stretched with a lot of padding and non-stop sluggishness to feature film, and deadeningly dull pace drag 'Dolls' down significantly. In fact, they single-handedly spoil the film.
Furthermore, the script sounds very tired and cheesy, a big problem when there is far too much dialogue that makes many scenes drag, and the characters are both bland and annoying, motivations being poorly explored or not ringing true (both even). Other than Wallace, the cast fail to do anything with what they are given and seem stifled.
All in all, weak. 2/10
'Dolls' just fails to deliver. Wallace and an eerie setting keep it from being something without redeeming features, other than that it is a mess. It is the complete opposite of what the cover promised, being dull and cheap rather than freaky and any coolness is restricted solely to the cover. There is just very little to the film in atmosphere or in how the content is executed, instead of at least decent execution of an unoriginal but still intriguing idea, 'Dolls' is just so routine and with little momentum.
Wallace and the setting are the only good things.
Everything else in 'Dolls' however is a mess. There is nothing remotely unsettling about the dolls, the only scary thing about them is their lack of expression and they are used poorly, underused and when featured they don't really do much if anything. Didn't really get much horror, both in that there is too little of it and what there is is executed with no suspense or even with much effort or attempt to do anything fresh (very seen it all before). The far too thin story, which felt like a thinly plotted short film stretched with a lot of padding and non-stop sluggishness to feature film, and deadeningly dull pace drag 'Dolls' down significantly. In fact, they single-handedly spoil the film.
Furthermore, the script sounds very tired and cheesy, a big problem when there is far too much dialogue that makes many scenes drag, and the characters are both bland and annoying, motivations being poorly explored or not ringing true (both even). Other than Wallace, the cast fail to do anything with what they are given and seem stifled.
All in all, weak. 2/10
Just Awful
Mister-Wonderful26 July 2019
Utter Crap. Watch the Original - It's Much Better.
ron-318179 September 2020
This movie is a mess. The dialog in many parts is forced and unrealistic. Every scene feels like it was committed after a single take - good or bad it doesn't matter - if it got shot it's in the film.
And here's a tip should this crew ever decide to take on another film project.
You can actually use one location for interior shots, and another for all exterior facing shots. Truly, it can be done.
There is no need to have dialog drowned out by passing traffic during what should have been important scenes.
It's hard to get caught in the drama of the scene when you have countless cars and commercial trucks rushing by right outside the front door.
Geez. What a total mess.
Way too Slow
arfdawg-14 August 2019
The production values are decent but man this movie moves slow. For the first third of the movie odd sounds are heard but no one seems to wan o know why. Then when the attic crawls space door is found open the girl closes it and ignores the pitter pattering. CALL THE POLICE at least!
Not bad as people said Better than some others that were way worse.
mr_waterfall22 March 2020
Warning: Spoilers
To me anyway i saw it differently Anna and Heidi were terrible compared to this. it has its own mindset. The dolls arent really scary or anything but creepy how they show up and leave at times, got to appreciate what you have and the budget, and go from there. The dad is a drunk and his daughter comes it does drag. But each part of the plot happens and thus creates what it says and delivers though it somewhat is predictable as noted by many. Tho i forgot the last part then it happen get into your head. The deaths when do get to it is cool in some sense compared to Heidi and for sure over stupid ANna and even kinda better than or near Annabelle 1 which i give a 6 there so its real close to that one. At times better idea.
The way that they trick you when do stuff or has that factor in it, is kinda cool and different idea than most. So in some little way it was ok to me and it was ok i didnt hate it could of been better and the ending kinda leaves you like a not satisfied way. But it was ok To me no regrets.
The way that they trick you when do stuff or has that factor in it, is kinda cool and different idea than most. So in some little way it was ok to me and it was ok i didnt hate it could of been better and the ending kinda leaves you like a not satisfied way. But it was ok To me no regrets.
Stupid People
peterDM-303808 April 2021
I know horror movies don't usually feature characters that are too bright, but you hope the characters are written as reasonably intelligent, or at least lucid enough to function in every day society. Not so much here. The writer of this movie seems to automatically conflate mental illness and addiction problems with being totally stupid. The characters just sort of stumble through the film as if it's their first day home from their most recent lobotomy. The lead actor, Tom Downey, must be someone's uncle, because no one in their right mind would cast this guy in a film because of his acting ability. The sad thing here is that with a couple minor changes in both the script and cast, the movie could have been very good.
My Review Of "Dolls"
ASouthernHorrorFan17 July 2019
Warning: Spoilers
"Dolls" is reminiscent of 80's prop horror films like "Puppet Master" and 1987's "Dolls", keeping with a slow paced scary story format. In this film, the story does move a bit too slow in the beginning. Too much time is spent teasing the horror to come, and clumsily creating character development. It gets a little tedious but Thomas Downey's portrayal of Robert does help break up the monotony with comic relief , and a general relatability- complete with "Dad jokes".
The acting is decent, at times there is clear indication that the script never quite matured. Still, the cast did an excellent job bringing these characters to life. I do feel a need to complain there wasn't enough Dee Wallace. With a stronger script maybe it wouldn't have been so noticable, but given the over-exaggerated drama that eats up the first hour, and weak jump scares, I found myself wishing Wallace's onscreen presence was stronger.
The horror elements are not as strong as I was hoping for going into "Dolls". Expected jump scares are weak, mostly just soneone being creeped out by a doll. A couple of the kill sequences fall a bit short, but were still a welcomed sight. Carvin is clever in his choices as far as how to shoot the horror elements, very much the way Full Moon shoots their stuff these days.
The last act is the real ticket. The sinister, and tragic way the story ends, and those last few deaths are what I was hoping for the first two acts. Overall "Dolls" will disappoint as much as it will entertain. This isn't a high intensity thriller, and there are holes in the story. Still it is worth checking out at least once, just don't expect to be scared.
The acting is decent, at times there is clear indication that the script never quite matured. Still, the cast did an excellent job bringing these characters to life. I do feel a need to complain there wasn't enough Dee Wallace. With a stronger script maybe it wouldn't have been so noticable, but given the over-exaggerated drama that eats up the first hour, and weak jump scares, I found myself wishing Wallace's onscreen presence was stronger.
The horror elements are not as strong as I was hoping for going into "Dolls". Expected jump scares are weak, mostly just soneone being creeped out by a doll. A couple of the kill sequences fall a bit short, but were still a welcomed sight. Carvin is clever in his choices as far as how to shoot the horror elements, very much the way Full Moon shoots their stuff these days.
The last act is the real ticket. The sinister, and tragic way the story ends, and those last few deaths are what I was hoping for the first two acts. Overall "Dolls" will disappoint as much as it will entertain. This isn't a high intensity thriller, and there are holes in the story. Still it is worth checking out at least once, just don't expect to be scared.
Not that bad!
cenaa-651431 April 2020
I have to write this short review, cause i think this movie isn't that bad for their budget! The story is nice and horror fans can take a look if they got some time to spent. Simpson is doing a good job. Give her a chance, she is stunning beautyfull. ty
A Flawed But Entertaining B-Movie
P3n-E-W1s316 July 2019
Warning: Spoilers
First off, let me say that this isn't a bad movie. It just has some bad elements. The first being, the length of time the story takes to get going. I knew this was going to be an issue as they have a mysterious opening kill sequence, which should leave the audience unnerved and wondering what's going to happen next?
However, like most films using a similar lure, the writers take so long prepping, you forget about the middle-aged fat bloke getting axed in the opening sequence. What you get is a load of fill about the main characters. This isn't a bad thing to aim at as it makes the story more powerful if the audience relates to the characters. This, in turn, relies on the actors being believable in their roles and their portrayals. Shame that both the leads, Thomas Downey as Robert Holbrook and Trinity Simpson as his daughter Sammey, are wooden and quite staid. The good news is, if you stay with the film, as soon as Dee Wallace (Margaret) appears on screen the acting noticeably goes up a few notches. This has the knock-on effect of forcing both Holbrook and Simpson to push their acting skills. The surprise being Trinity Simpson is a pretty decent actress when she warms up and plays off others - she could have a career here.
The story is your basic possessed dolls scenario. This is perfect for a low budget flick like this, as the story doesn't count on them to move... because if you see them move it's too late for you. This gives the director plenty of scenes where he can build a spooky and eerie atmosphere. Unfortunately, Cuyle Carvin just misses the mark each time. He does give it a good try though.
It's the children's rhyme that works as a great hook. Carvin knows this as he overuses the poem trying to build ambience. It's even turned into a spooky song, including haunting kid vocals, at the end credits. It may have been a good idea to use an instrumental version and different arrangements of such throughout the film. This would have added to the eerieness of the story adding strength and enjoyment, for there is woefully little music throughout.
On the whole, Carvin does an average job with the direction, though he does better with the pacing of the film. The scenes where tension is needed are slowed down and drawn out. The death of the mother Lynn (Elise Muller) being the best example. Though you know what's coming, the butterflies still start fluttering with nervous tension in your stomach.
Then there are the special effects... there aren't any... well none to write home about. Even the death by hedge sheers is done is a non-penetrating fashion. This isn't a bad thing though as your mind fills in the blanks. The actress in this scene sells it well. Even though you don't see it you do think, ouch, that's gonna leave a mark...
Some people may think the dolls themselves are a letdown, The prop guy or gall must have hit a load of garage sales and thrift shops to find such a strange assortment of blandness. These dolls are UGLY and banal to the extreme. This works for me because when you get to the point of knowing why the dolls are possessed, you realise they were bought more for purpose than for their looks. These are the kind of things people pay you to take off their hands.
This is one of those "Watch Once" films. Though it's not too polished or original, and it's filled with some flaws, I found it to be quite an enjoyable movie.
If you like Dee Wallace and Devil Dolls and don't expect too much from your horror flicks this could be for you.
However, like most films using a similar lure, the writers take so long prepping, you forget about the middle-aged fat bloke getting axed in the opening sequence. What you get is a load of fill about the main characters. This isn't a bad thing to aim at as it makes the story more powerful if the audience relates to the characters. This, in turn, relies on the actors being believable in their roles and their portrayals. Shame that both the leads, Thomas Downey as Robert Holbrook and Trinity Simpson as his daughter Sammey, are wooden and quite staid. The good news is, if you stay with the film, as soon as Dee Wallace (Margaret) appears on screen the acting noticeably goes up a few notches. This has the knock-on effect of forcing both Holbrook and Simpson to push their acting skills. The surprise being Trinity Simpson is a pretty decent actress when she warms up and plays off others - she could have a career here.
The story is your basic possessed dolls scenario. This is perfect for a low budget flick like this, as the story doesn't count on them to move... because if you see them move it's too late for you. This gives the director plenty of scenes where he can build a spooky and eerie atmosphere. Unfortunately, Cuyle Carvin just misses the mark each time. He does give it a good try though.
It's the children's rhyme that works as a great hook. Carvin knows this as he overuses the poem trying to build ambience. It's even turned into a spooky song, including haunting kid vocals, at the end credits. It may have been a good idea to use an instrumental version and different arrangements of such throughout the film. This would have added to the eerieness of the story adding strength and enjoyment, for there is woefully little music throughout.
On the whole, Carvin does an average job with the direction, though he does better with the pacing of the film. The scenes where tension is needed are slowed down and drawn out. The death of the mother Lynn (Elise Muller) being the best example. Though you know what's coming, the butterflies still start fluttering with nervous tension in your stomach.
Then there are the special effects... there aren't any... well none to write home about. Even the death by hedge sheers is done is a non-penetrating fashion. This isn't a bad thing though as your mind fills in the blanks. The actress in this scene sells it well. Even though you don't see it you do think, ouch, that's gonna leave a mark...
Some people may think the dolls themselves are a letdown, The prop guy or gall must have hit a load of garage sales and thrift shops to find such a strange assortment of blandness. These dolls are UGLY and banal to the extreme. This works for me because when you get to the point of knowing why the dolls are possessed, you realise they were bought more for purpose than for their looks. These are the kind of things people pay you to take off their hands.
This is one of those "Watch Once" films. Though it's not too polished or original, and it's filled with some flaws, I found it to be quite an enjoyable movie.
If you like Dee Wallace and Devil Dolls and don't expect too much from your horror flicks this could be for you.
Another bored to freaking death horror film! Avoid at all cost!
kwenchow16 July 2019
Warning: Spoilers
This movie start with a man suspicious his house has something outside, after he come inside his house, he suicide in his bathtub! As turnout, the man is manipulate by the doll, a female therapist that using to cure his sickness! After the opening suicide scene, the film introduce the main actor "Robert"! He move to a house and doing housework! Even show us his daughter "Sammey" sunbathing! Bored to freaking death! All the killing scene of the doll also never show to us! The dolls also not creepy at all! Pathetic! At the end, Robert's wife kill by the scissor setup by the dolls! After he handle his wife body and burn down all the dolls! The dolls still can manipulate his mind to kill his own daughter! At the very last scene, the same female therapist suggest Robert curing his sickness by destroy the dolls! That's it! Don't expect any intense fighting or creepy scene! Another completely wasting time to watch horror film!
But it's got charm
herleifl8 March 2022
Evil Dolls
ladymidath17 February 2024
Warning: Spoilers
This is an okay horror movie. It is slow to get started but once it does, it does well. The dolls are creepy looking and the movie does well setting the tone and mood. The problem is that for stretches of the movie, nothing really happens. It does have a moody atmosphere but it is a little slow.
The cast is good and I do love Dee Wallace, she always puts in a solid performance. The story revolves around a writer who is struggling with alcohol addiction. He moves into his deceased mother's house and his daughter turns up. There are three eerie looking dolls in the attic and you know they are going to be up to no good.
While the kills are okay, nothing too bloody. This is more creepy than gory which is fine. There is also a spooky rhyme to set the mood, think along the lines of The Babadook or Dead Silence. The ending also had a bit of a twist at the end that I did not see coming. This is not a great horror movie, but it is mildly entertaining.
The cast is good and I do love Dee Wallace, she always puts in a solid performance. The story revolves around a writer who is struggling with alcohol addiction. He moves into his deceased mother's house and his daughter turns up. There are three eerie looking dolls in the attic and you know they are going to be up to no good.
While the kills are okay, nothing too bloody. This is more creepy than gory which is fine. There is also a spooky rhyme to set the mood, think along the lines of The Babadook or Dead Silence. The ending also had a bit of a twist at the end that I did not see coming. This is not a great horror movie, but it is mildly entertaining.
Doll horror that occasionally packs a punch ...
parry_na8 December 2021
This is a fairly enjoyable, restrained horror story which employs a very creepy, well thought-out reason for the little figures and their violent tendencies. It also features a range of characters who remain pretty unlikeable throughout. It should be said though, that the daughter Sammey's sassy attitude is genuinely hilarious at times, and Trinity Simpson's delivery completely sells it. Precocious and potty-mouthed she might be, but she frequently raises a smile.
Dolls are notoriously difficult to make frightening, especially on a low budget. I do feel the scares are too infrequent, but they do occasionally pack a punch. My score is 7 out of 10.
Dolls are notoriously difficult to make frightening, especially on a low budget. I do feel the scares are too infrequent, but they do occasionally pack a punch. My score is 7 out of 10.
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