31 More Days of Horror: Child's Play (1988)

Chucky doesn’t get enough respect in my book. If you’re like me, you can remember the very first time and the way that creepy little ankle biter murdered with glee. Good Guy Doll, my @$$.

The opening sequence with a killer (Brad Dourif) transferring his soul into the doll is succinct enough. Mom buys doll despite not really being able to afford it because her son Andy wants one SO BAD!! Then the horror begins.

Right from the start, with the babysitter being stalked in the apartment and ultimately pushed out the window that overall-ed kid scares the begeezus out of me. Still does. Andy is the only one that realizes his doll is alive.

Kudos to director Tom Holland for making a smart movie. Sure, Chucky is a doll, but he’s also a cunning little sh!t and Holland toys with us. Most of the film, we the viewer, see little things that creep us out. The sequence with Andy’s mom and the batteries—I’ll never forget. She walks over to the table, discovers Chucky doesn’t have batteries in him. Look out! That sinister smile—that cackle—Chucky’s murderous rampage has already begun.

Child’s Play is a straightforward flick whose wheels threaten to fall off at any moment. Though we have some dicey bits, ultimately, the film balances solid scares with humor (intentional or not). See this; but don’t bother with the sequels.