Cult of Chucky Review

Disclaimer: Contains spoilers!

Plot Summary: Although Andy has seemingly contained Chucky, the killer doll continues his pursuit of previous survivor, Nica.

Review: I want you to imagine the filmmakers holding a ball. Now imagine them dropping it. That is "Cult of Chucky." After "Curse of Chucky" brought so much momentum back to the series--ignoring most of the bullshit from parts 4 and 5--we are brought firmly back to absurdity with this seventh installment. Half the story is sheer, psychological nonsense, and the other half is sequel-bait for a prospective 8th entry. In essence, this is a filler movie, with little substance, similarly to something like "Saw V." Oh, sure, there are the occasional cool moments and interesting ideas, however, "Cult" is mediocre at best and completely fails to deliver on that title.

This time around, Andy, played by Alex Vincent once again, has what's left of Chucky in an isolated location. For some reason, Chucky is still alive in this state which doesn't make sense given the defeats in the other entries but okay. At the same time, Nica, the chick blamed for Chucky's murders in part 6, is at some mental hospital, full of weirdos, when Chucky's killings begin again. The movie kind of hypes up this mystery as to why every Good Guy doll is alive, but the reveal is utterly retarded; apparently Chucky can simultaneously possess multiple dolls at once with some kind of next level Horcrux shit. Andy gets wind of this situation and idiotically becomes institutionalized (he'd actually have been arrested instead but, sure, why not) in order to get to the bottom of the mystery. By the end, Chucky's primary goal appears to be nothing more than possessing Nica...which he does. So, seven movies in and Chucky finally regains a human form (magically regenerating her ability to walk), and we are left with an abrupt ending of Chucky and Tiffany driving away while Andy is stuck at the mental institution. Whaaaaat? What the hell was the point to any of this?

The loose plot threads include everything with Nica's niece, Alice. How and why would Tiffany adopt her, and why was she killed off screen if her involvement is somehow relevant to the plot? I'm sure they'll reveal she's alive or whatever but this is still stupid. What was Tiffany talking about when taunting Andy on the phone? Why does Chucky go to the mental institution to kill Nica but then change his mind? Why would Chucky care about Nica enough to torment and possess her? This is especially confusing when Andy is right there! If Chucky performed this dumb multiplication spell prior to the ending of part 6, then why would he send his true form to kill Andy instead of one of the clones?

On top of these annoying issues, and moronic plot choices, the entire tone is off. Chucky movies aren't supposed to be trippy with bizarre imagery. Now, I did like some of it, what with the snowy shots, however, you have overwhelmingly stupid shots like a giant Chucky and dream sequences. The buildup to a big reveal or a final confrontation is such a letdown when there are ways to deliver on the material. To use the title properly, they could have explained that people were putting themselves into Good Guy dolls willingly; use the mental patients as the "cult" members. OR, keep this idiocy as is yet reveal that these events take place before the ending of part 6 and set up how they figured out where Andy was. Then a potential part 8 would serve as the final battle between Andy and Chucky. I don't know--you need something of merit here.

Overall, this was incredibly disappointing after part 6 put the franchise back on track. If they wanted to really change things up with a tonal shift, why not leave open the actual option that Andy really was imagining the franchise (as Chucky implies at one point). Instead, we get the cornball comedy elements of parts 4 and 5 mixed with nonsense and loose plot threads. Making Chucky ultimately possess some chick is a slap in the face to the series as a whole. In fact, didn't Don Mancini remember his whole bit from part 5 where Chucky says he doesn't even want to be human again since he's a legend in doll form?! Ugh. I guess if you're a completionist then give this film a go. You aren't missing much by skipping this, and it might feel better to wait for a part 8 and then watch this with it--assuming they tie up the loose ends. If you're like me, and were happy with part 6's return to serious horror, then you will be sorely disappointed.

Notable Moment: When Kyle pops up at the end. It's a great treat for the fans, but I think there is a way her character could have been integrated into the plot.

Final Rating: 5.5/10