Timeline & References to Previous Films

While some may be disappointed in this news, I enjoy that they didn't try to erase any history. That's far too often what happens these days, especially with horror franchises. It's hard to tell where to place most other films. "Curse" does a fantastic job of wrapping everything together, and the spoilers we'll touch upon in the next few sections show just that.
Chucky Comes Alive

Why Chucky's Here

It's great to see Brad back in an on-screen appearance; his first in the series since the original film. That in itself is a HUGE deal for most fans. The backstory works and seems well connected throughout the film. It also sheds a bit more light on Ray's instability and gives a jump-off point for the first film. Ray flees the basement, only to be chased down and shot in the toy store by Detective Mike Norris. They even include footage straight from the original film! These scenes give us more background for the series than any of the other films combined!
How Chucky Got There

If you were going to bring Jennifer Tilly back, this was the perfect way to do it. I, for one, had grown a bit tired of seeing so much Tilly. It's not that I don't like Tilly, but she had become the focus of the series it seemed. This brings her back in a way that calls back to that incredible opening we saw in "Bride." It also explains some logistical loose ends.
Hide the Soul Works! Or Does it??

Now, there are many theories as to what could have happened. The "six months later" scene happens after the credits and could just be an easter egg and not canon. However, I think that if this were true, they wouldn't have given us a time frame for it. Another theory is that by Alice's grandmother popping up at the end of the film, that could've disrupted the ritual, causing Alice to run and setting up the events of what could be the next film in the series. If that's the case, then we're ultimately given spoilers by the scene after the credits for the next film. I'm sure there are many other ways this could work out, but it is something that has left me scratching my head a bit, but maybe that's exactly what they want.
Andy Barclay, you Beautiful Son of a Bitch...

This might have been the most satisfying thing in the whole movie. Even my wife, who's not a fan of the series but knows the lore, was excited to see this scene. I've watched it several times since, and it gets me every single time. Props to Don Mancini and Alex Vincent for making this happen. You both made a lot of fans VERY happy with this small cameo.
All these great developments bring new blood to the series. I'm more excited than I've ever been for the Child's Play franchise, and I look forward to more Don Mancini films. Mancini's been in the business for over 25 years now, and it feels like he's hitting his stride. I can't wait for the Blu Ray and all the extras that come along with it. I yearn to hear that commentary track! Here's to everyone involved with the film. You all deserve a standing ovation for this one...