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Bride of Chucky was released 7 years after Child's Play 3, at a time when horror films were becoming more comedic, self-aware, and parodic. The above quote should give you an idea of what to expect, but the film basically follows Chucky (Brad Dourif), who is brought back to life by his former lover and accomplice Tiffany (Jennifer Tilly). One thing led to another, and Tiffany also ends up with her soul transferred into a doll.
I think the most important thing in order to enjoy this film is not to expect the "horror" of the previous three films, but rather to get on its humorous wavelength. The notion of two murderous plastic dolls falling in love and having sex is inherently silly, but if you're willing to accept that, the film has some fun and laughs to offer. Most of that comes from the interactions between Chucky and Tiffany. Tilly certainly adds a special energy and spice to the film that's mostly unrivaled.
Thank God for that energy, because the two actual leads: Jade and Jesse (Katherine Heigl and Nick Stabile), are bland as hell. The two actors lack chemistry and they're mostly uninteresting which causes some voids whenever the dolls are not on screen. The film does have John Ritter as Jade's father, who is great, but he's not on the film long enough. In addition, the film has some plot contrivances that come from nowhere, like Chucky needing a specific amulet to perform the "soul transfer" ritual; something that he hadn't mentioned in any of the three previous films.
But again, that's not to say there's no fun in watching it. As long as you understand what you're getting into, I suppose there's some silly fun to be had with it. The truth is that I enjoyed slightly more than the last time I watched it. I just wished it would've been accompanied by a more clever script, a coherent storyline, and competent leads.
Grade:
BRIDE OF CHUCKY
(1998, Yu)
(1998, Yu)
Tiffany: "Have you got a rubber?"
Chucky: "Have I got a rubber? Tiff, look at me. I'm ALL rubber."
Chucky: "Have I got a rubber? Tiff, look at me. I'm ALL rubber."
Bride of Chucky was released 7 years after Child's Play 3, at a time when horror films were becoming more comedic, self-aware, and parodic. The above quote should give you an idea of what to expect, but the film basically follows Chucky (Brad Dourif), who is brought back to life by his former lover and accomplice Tiffany (Jennifer Tilly). One thing led to another, and Tiffany also ends up with her soul transferred into a doll.
I think the most important thing in order to enjoy this film is not to expect the "horror" of the previous three films, but rather to get on its humorous wavelength. The notion of two murderous plastic dolls falling in love and having sex is inherently silly, but if you're willing to accept that, the film has some fun and laughs to offer. Most of that comes from the interactions between Chucky and Tiffany. Tilly certainly adds a special energy and spice to the film that's mostly unrivaled.
Thank God for that energy, because the two actual leads: Jade and Jesse (Katherine Heigl and Nick Stabile), are bland as hell. The two actors lack chemistry and they're mostly uninteresting which causes some voids whenever the dolls are not on screen. The film does have John Ritter as Jade's father, who is great, but he's not on the film long enough. In addition, the film has some plot contrivances that come from nowhere, like Chucky needing a specific amulet to perform the "soul transfer" ritual; something that he hadn't mentioned in any of the three previous films.
But again, that's not to say there's no fun in watching it. As long as you understand what you're getting into, I suppose there's some silly fun to be had with it. The truth is that I enjoyed slightly more than the last time I watched it. I just wished it would've been accompanied by a more clever script, a coherent storyline, and competent leads.
Grade: