Phil’s Netflix Picks: CULT OF CHUCKY (2017) - May 9, 2018

The CHILD'S PLAY/CHUCKY franchise has had its ups and downs, but there has been one consistency with it: its creator Don Mancini. He has written every film of everyone's favorite homicidal killing doll, and has been directing since 2004's SEED OF CHUCKY. Recently, I was able to check out the latest installment of his beloved franchise on Netflix, which was the horrifying and amazing CULT OF CHUCKY.

The film's official synopsis: After accused of murdering her family, Nica (Fiona Dourif) is taken to an asylum and thinks that she's the cause of the deaths of her family. However, when grizzly deaths start to occur, she then realizes that Chucky (Brad Dourif), her illusion might not be make believe. She also finds out that the doll is slowly starting to possess anyone or anything to join a huge cult to kill off Chucky's victims, but things don't go to well in the asylum, including for Chucky's long lost friend Andy Barcley (Alex Vincent) who tries to stop the cult from getting bigger while also trying to get past Chucky's wife, Tiffany (Jennifer Tilly).

I am so impressed with Mancini's directing. He clearly has a vision and, despite its very low budget, he is able to capture some outstanding sweeps, compositions, and gore galore. He finds the balance of scares and drama, with a little bit of humor for good measure. You can also see how much confident he gains from each film. I cannot wait to see what he does in his next film! (Yes, I'm trying not to spoil the ending, but c'mon, it's a horror movie. Of course the movie's ending sets up a sequel. Where have you been since 1986?!?)

Returning to the sequel is the talented Fiona Dourif as our protagonist Nica Pierce. Dourif gives it he all as she takes he character to new heights. Picking up where the previous film left, she's lost he whole family, is now in an asylum, and is haggard and defeated. Her performance commands your attention and is heartbreakingly painful to watch. Alex Vincent's Andy Barcley is another returning character who's also hit some painful lows (not to mention he's kinda sadistic). And I cannot forgot the ringmaster of the movie: Chucky himself, voiced once again by Brad Dourif. He makes the film so much fun to watch, as he has the best lines in the movie, and still sounds like a sick little bastard! And just in case you didn't notice the family connection, Fiona is Brad's daughter. Yup, it's a family affair!

As I stated earlier, Universal released the film for streaming on Netflix, however, about two before it was released, some dipshit leaked the movie in its entirety to Twitter and YouTube. Being a film student when I was younger and meeting and interviewing filmmakers, let me tell you that making a film isn't easy. A lot of hard work goes into producing a film, and costs money to do it. And when you pirate a movie or television series for free, you're spitting in the faces of everyone who put in their time, blood, sweat and tears. So the moral of my story is: DON'T PIRATE OR STEAL MOVIES!! PAY FOR THEM YOU CHEAP ASS BASTARDS!!

CULT OF CHUCKY is another sick and twisted, crazy ass, gore filled killer doll flick that will make hardcore Chucky fans grin form ear to ear!! I absolutely loved this fright flick and the ending makes me want more!! So make sure you check out this movie!! 4 out of 5 stars! Highly recommended!

CULT OF CHUCK is now streaming exclusively on Netflix. To start your subscription, visit their website at www.netflix.com.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the horror!