All posts by Robert Yaniz Jr.

Franchise Detours Episode 5: ‘Child’s Play 3’ (feat. Brandon Stanwyck of Fearsome Queer)

Franchise Detours partly kicked off with a Chucky-centric mini-series because of how the horror franchise continually mutates over time. And with this episode, we bid farewell to the first permutation of the killer doll’s wild exploits. It’s time for one last chapter of the Chucky and Andy story as we discuss 1991’s Child’s Play 3.

In the third episode of our Child’s Play/Chucky mega-series, Brandon Stanwyck of Fearsome Queer breaks down Child’s Play 3, often considered the black sheep of the franchise. We’ll discuss why some fans discount this installment, the film’s notable steps toward queer themes, and the breadcrumbs series writer Don Mancini sets up for the future.

Listen in as we close the book on the Child’s Play trilogy. And prepare to meet Chucky’s bride in our very next episode.

Then be sure to check out Brandon’s ranking of every single kill in the franchise over on FearsomeQueer.net.

SYNOPSIS
It’s been years since Chucky (voiced by Brad Dourif) was apparently destroyed in a fire at a doll factory. Now Chucky’s manufacturer is remaking the same line of toys with the old, still haunted materials. This resurrects Chucky, who goes after Andy (Justin Whalin), his former owner, who now attends military school. Chucky slashes his way through a string of grotesque murders as Andy tries to stop the homicidal doll and the spirit within it.

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Franchise Detours Episode 4: ‘Child’s Play 2’ (feat. Kevin Smith of MST3K Motivation)

Child’s Play is the simple story of a boy and his favorite doll, albeit one imbued with the soul of a notorious serial killer. But with Chucky (voiced by Brad Dourif) destroyed, where could a sequel go? 1990’s Child’s Play 2 answers that question with a more traditional approach to continuing the original film’s story. But does it keep the series’ momentum going?

In the second episode of our Child’s Play/Chucky mega-series, Kevin Smith of MST3K Motivation addresses whether director John Lafia’s sequel does justice to Andy (Alex Vincent) and Chucky’s story from the original film. We’ll discuss how Child’s Play 2 ratchets up the comedy and gore, the introduction of Christine Elise as Kyle, and that finale at the toy factory.

Child’s Play 2 might not boast the novelty of its predecessor. But is this a classic horror sequel or the first misfire on Chucky’s big-screen resume? Listen in as we continue down the road of the Child’s Play franchise. Playtime is officially back in session.

SYNOPSIS
Two years after serial killer Charles Lee Ray (Brad Dourif) inserted his soul into a Chucky doll, a toy company attempts to recreate the doll, bringing Ray back in the process. The possessed doll — intent on claiming a human body — kills his way toward former owner Andy (Alex Vincent), who now lives in a foster home. Andy’s foster sister, Kyle (Christine Elise), tries to protect him, but his foster parents believe Andy is just a troubled kid — and Chucky’s murderous path continues.

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Close Watch Episode 2: ‘Your Name’ (feat. Rachel Wagner of Rachel’s Reviews)

Even some fans of animated films need to brush up on their anime. Such was the case when Rachel Wagner of Rachel’s Reviews stopped by the show. A self-professed ambassador of Makoto Shinkai’s 2016 film Your Name, Rachel joined us to discuss the film. And the conversation — just like Your Name itself — went some unexpected places along the way.

Your Name blends comedy, fantasy, romance, sci-fi, and drama into one distinctive subversion of the body-swap concept. Listen in as Rachel and I discuss what the movie says about spirituality, connection, and gender identity. We’ll even discuss the in-development live-action remake and the state of animated films in Hollywood. By the end, you’ll know Your Name.

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