When it comes to TV shows and movies, we have to walk around on eggshells. We've all been at the mercy of not being caught up with a certain show or film, trying desperately to avoid spoilers, yet trying to stay connected at the same time. And we've all been at the other end of that conundrum, having just watched an amazing episode or movie and wanting to talk about it with anyone and everyone that's seen it, too. This new article focuses on the latter. BELOW CONTAINS SPOILERS AND NOTHING BUT SPOILERS! So, if you haven't seen Curse of Chucky, and want to remain spoiler-free until then, run. RUN NOW! Otherwise, get ready for some awesome spoiler discussion!
Timeline & References to Previous Films
It's been rumored since early on in Curse of Chucky's production that the film takes place AFTER Child's Play 3 but BEFORE Bride of Chucky. We can finally put these rumors to rest due to a scene involving Nica conducting an internet search for "Chucky Doll Evidence." Several articles all come up, but if you look closely, the articles reference the location of the previous films (Los Angeles for "Seed," Niagra Falls & Hackensack for "Bride," Kent Military for "3," etc.) This lets us know that "Bride" and "Seed" did indeed take place. Further confirmation that we're in the here and now with "Curse" is the Chucky monologue scene. Chucky mentions that he's been going after Nica's family for 25 years, which would place the film in 2013.
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.
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
Tough to really call this one a spoiler, but if you've been keeping up with interviews about the film, it was said that Writer/Director Don Mancini would toy with the audience a bit more. This meant less "alive time" for Chucky. This is true, but only in a sense. It's not long before we see Chucky actually move, as he reaches out for Alice in a jump scare scene early in the film. However, we don't hear Brad Dourif's first line of dialogue until 45 minutes into the film, almost exactly halfway through the film's run time. From there, there's plenty of Brad Dourif, but don't get discouraged if you came to hear Chucky talk. He does plenty of that, just not early on.
Why Chucky's Here
So, what makes Nica's family special enough for Chucky to show up on their doorstep? We're kept in the dark about the reasoning for 80% of the film, but there are small references in the sunflower paintings Sarah makes, as well as the home movies Nica shows to Jill and Ian. Meeting their family at what looks like a picnic, Charles Lee Ray quickly grows fond of Sarah and her family. Charles offs the dad soon after and kidnaps Sarah, keeping her in a basement. Sarah somehow notifies authorities, and before fleeing, Charles stabs Sarah in the belly, paralyzing Nica inside.
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!
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
How does Chucky get from home to home in that giant package? He certainly can't mail himself, now can he? The truth is: He has a little help from his friends. After the court scene where Nica is found guilty for all the murders that occur in the house throughout the film, a police officer grabs Chucky from the evidence and hops in his car. He then places a phone call, telling the person on the other end not to forget his money. Then, in a scene that calls back to Bride of Chucky, Tiffany rises from the backseat of the car and slices the officer's throat open. We next see Tiffany open the bag and ask Chucky "So, who's next?" We then see Tiffany shipping a rather large package, where it ends up where Alice is now living.
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.
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??
Throughout the series, Chucky's main goal is always to transfer his soul from the doll to another human being. In one of the more eyebrow-raising moments of "Curse," it appears that Chucky finally gets his opportunity. Chucky is shipped to Alice's grandmothers house, where she's staying after the murder of her mother and father. Alice arrives home from school to see an opened package on the table and no grandmother in sight. Chucky pops up behind Alice, scaring for a second. However, Alice is glad to see Chucky again, as Alice still believes it was Nica who killed everyone. With Grandma "in the cellar," Chucky appears to have an open shot at transferring his soul with a willing and naive participant. However, the next spoiler we'll talk about seems to indicate that Chucky was unsuccessful, as it happens "six months later,"and Chucky is still a doll.
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.
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...
If ever there were a reason to stay after the credits, this is it. With no reference to how Andy Barclay's been since 1991, fans had always wondered what Andy had been up to. Was he dead? Was he living a normal life? Was he piling up assault weapons and mapping out an intricate plan to slay Chucky once and for all? While the scene after the credits doesn't give us too many details, it does let a few slip. First off, Andy is alive and well, living in an apartment building. He receives a package he knows all too well, brings it in, and has a phone call with his mom. The phone call actually fills us in on a few things. One, Karen Barclay is alive and it sounds like she's living on her own and not in a mental hospital. Secondly, Andy says "Say hi to Mike for me," which indicates that she's married to (or at least involved with) Detective Mike Norris from the first film. It could be a different Mike, I suppose, but I'd like to think it's Norris. We can also tell by the pictures and the certificate from Kent Military Academy displayed that Andy had accepted his life as a military man, maybe even spending much of the 2000's out of the country. Andy pulls a rifle on Chucky and says "Play with this" as he blasts him in the face to end the film.
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...
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...
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