Well the wait is finally over, here is my film-by-film review of one of the most under-rated Horror franchises, the “Puppet Master” franchise. Over the next few days I’ll take you through all ten films, so sit back and enjoy. For those of you who don’t know about these films then you’re in for a treat, you’re finally going to get to hear the amazing story of André Toulon and his puppet friends, for those of you in the know you can enjoy a recap of the series.
Now there are many version of this film around, so depending on which one you’ve seen, it may affect your judgement, I’m reviewing the fully uncut film.
The film begins with the end of André Toulon, with the nazi’s after his secret of giving life to his puppets he hides away in the Bodega bay hotel, he decides to take his own life rather than give his secret to them. we are then shifted 50 years forward, to the year 1989, A group of friends are heading to Bodega Bay, a very special group who have all got different psychic powers. They’re there to visit their friend Neil Gallagher, the man who has apparently discovered Toulon’s secret. The problem is, is that he’s dead.
Shocked by the news of their friends death they decide to stay at the Bodaega Bay Hotel on the request of Neil Gallaghers wife, Megan. A wife they had no idea he had. This is where the film opens up and the action begins, the puppets are on the loose in the hotel.
The film was Full Moon’s first production and was a huge hit for them. An independent film company in the 80’s was nothing new, but to have a hit on a straight to video release was. But back to the film, let’s not forget the cast, the film stars 80’s horror favourite, Paul Le Mat. Paul was a great casting choice for the film and he plays his role to perfection, not over-the-top like you see a-lot of people playing the role of a psychic.
Also let’s not forget about the rest of the cast, who are also great. With today’s obsession on beauty in its cast it’s great to look at these older films where the cast are relatable, whether they’re playing a psychic or a man who can give life to puppets.
Also the effects in the film are fantastic, no C.G.I. here or unrealistic amounts of blood. It’s all simple and believable, okay yes I know they’re killer puppets and that’s not believable, but the deaths are realistic looking. The simplicity of the film is what makes this film work, it’s one of the reason the film’s so popular.
Despite a great cast and great effects the films true stars are undoubtedly the puppets themselves. Blade, Jester, Pinhead, Tunneler, Leech Woman, Shredder Khan and Gengie all feature in this film. They are truly amazing characters and fantastically made, so good it’s hard to believe they’re not real.
There’s a reason the film is still so popular, even after 20 years since it’s release. It was a film ahead of it’s time and I truly hope the much rumored remake does not happen. If you haven’t seen this yet then get it watched, it’s great entertainment and a re-visit to 80’s horror films are rarely a bad thing.
Miscellaneous facts about the film:
