Filmmaker Kyra Elise Gardner, daughter of iconic special effects artist Tony Gardner, takes an in-depth look at the groundbreaking horror franchise. Featuring interviews with creator Don Mancini, Chucky’s voice actor Brad Dourif, and cast Jennifer Tilly and John Waters.
Following its world premiere at Popcorn Frights, the feature-length doc played at FrightFest last year. Living with Chucky explores the appeal and longevity of the Child’s Play franchise – and its iconic bloodthirsty doll.
Living With Chucky will be available to own or rent in the UK & Ireland from April 24 via AppleTV, Sky Store, Virgin Media and Google Play. Also available for pre-order on Blu-ray via Amazon.
Review
Growing up in the 80’s and early 90’s the film that most kids were talking about was Child’s Play. Centered on the now legendary possessed doll going on killing sprees. Little did anyone know that Chucky would become etched into pop culture folklore for decades to come.
For the first time fans are taken behind the scenes with narration from the very people that made the film series so popular, Kyra Elise Gardner sits down with some of the most iconic names from the film series such as creator Don Mancini and the voice behind the maniacal doll Brad Dourif giving fans a very rare look at what it took to put together such a iconic film. Take a fascinating journey into the stop motion animatronics it took to bring Chucky to life and the reason that Chucky has always been a animated puppet rather than use CGI effects. Take a journey through each of the sequels right up to the recently released TV series and find out from the actors themselves how is was made and what went into the production of each of the films.
I felt that the film was very well put together and the genuine love of the franchise from all involved, each person has a genuine fondness for the films from the creator to the actors and I think that is what makes the films so endearing to fans is the genuine passion put into each one. I personally found it fascinating to find out how the animatronics worked, the fact it takes six people to operate Chucky alone just blew my mind. I found the interviews with those involved interesting as they described their own experiences making the film and the impact being in a cult phenomenon has had on their own lives and careers.
I felt Kyra Elise Gardner being the daughter of special effects artist, Tony Gardner, put her in a perfect position to direct and create this documentary as the Chucky franchise has been a big part of her life from the beginning and you can tell how much she loves being involved with the series.
This documentary is a must see for any fan of the Chucky franchise or even if you are not a fan I’m pretty sure that you will be after this.
Verdict
Watching Living With Chucky has reignited my interested in the franchise. A fascinating glimpse in to the makings of a legendary horror franchise. I will definitely be revisiting the films from the beginning.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
