Common Sense Media Review
By Charles Cassady Jr.
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Dumb-scary horror movie has violence and swearing.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Child's Play (1988)
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 55 parent reviews
Parents say many viewers find this film to be a classic horror movie that is not as scary or violent as one might expect, often noting its comedic aspects and campy charm. However, there's a consensus that while the language and some violent scenes may warrant caution, it could be suitable for children aged 10 and up, especially if they're not easily frightened.
- classic horror
- not very scary
- language concerns
- suitable for tweens
- comedic elements
- mild violence
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 231 kid reviews
Kids say this film is more of a dark comedy than a true horror movie, with many describing the scenes as entertaining yet cheesy. While it features violence and swearing, many reviews suggest it's suitable for mature tweens and teens, with a mix of opinions on the appropriate age for viewing.
- dark comedy
- mild violence
- excessive swearing
- suitable for tweens
- entertaining yet cheesy
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In CHILD'S PLAY, a fleeing murderer named Charles Ray (Brad Dourif), who just happens to be a disciple of voodoo magic, is cornered by tough cop Mike (Chris Sarandon) in a toy store in Chicago. Fatally shot, the dying villain mystically transfers his soul into a "Good Guy," a popular doll with a battery-operated voicebox ("I'm your friend to the end! Hi-de-ho!") and rudimentary facial expressions. The innocent-looking doll is subsequently purchased by Karen (Catherine Hicks), a struggling young widow, as a plaything for her 6-year-old son Andy (Alex Vincent). At first Andy's stories about being able to converse with the doll "Chucky" and blaming Chucky for nuisances around the apartment just seem to be the little boy's imagination. When a babysitter is killed, however, it's just the beginning of a new rampage by Charles Ray -- but how can Karen (or investigating officer Mike) believe little Andy's claims that the doll is guilty?
Is It Any Good?
While the premise of an evil toy has built-in appeal for youthful horror addicts, very little of this movie is easy to take seriously. From its over-the-top '80s-action beginning to its Terminator -like conclusion, you'll be amazed the actors managed to keep from giggling. Some decent moments early on evoke much sympathy for unfairly accused Andy, and there are particularly effective shudders when the script just allows our fear to do all the work envisioning an ambulatory, killer doll at large. Brief glimpses of the small, scuttling figure around corners, quick cuts to Chucky's head barely moving -- suggestions like that are unexpectedly creepy.
But when the filmmakers finally unleash the full f/x, with Chucky snarling, swearing, biting, knifing, and flinging himself bodily at grown-ups, laughter is the gut reaction, and a parade of sequels ultimately degenerated into comedy, at least getting the inherent stupidity of the whole premise out in the open. Fans might claim to find a touch of social commentary in the ancillary detail that the Good Guy doll is supposed to be (like Tickle Me Elmo and XBoxes in past years) one of those in-demand Christmas gifts that cue shopper frenzies to buy them (as parodied in the non-horror Jingle All the Way). But if this was meant as any sort of slam against toy-industry overcommercialization, sorry; Child's Play missed that boat.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what parts are scary and what are not. Did you find Child's Play scary? Ever find yourself being afraid of a toy or a doll?
Child's Play 3 was a part of the James Bulger murder case in England, in which two boys had allegedly watched the movie before killing a younger boy. The movie was blamed in tabloid press for inspiring the murder. Do you think horror movies can incite violence? Why or why not?
Years since the release of this movie, there have been numerous sequels, and it could be argued that Chucky is as well known as other infamous horror movie killers. What do you think is the enduring appeal of this movie and this character? How does this movie compare to the sequels of it? Why are sequels often not as good as the original?
Movie Details
- In theaters : November 15, 2008
- On DVD or streaming : September 24, 2019
- Cast : Alex Vincent , Brad Dourif , Catherine Hicks , Chris Sarandon
- Director : Todd Holland
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : MGM/UA
- Genre : Horror
- Run time : 87 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : January 2, 2026
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