There is, however, some real gems out there, many of which have become favorite of mine. Waxwork which I reviewed when A Slice of Horror originally launched is one such film. Another film like this is the first in the Puppet Master series! In a way, this little horror film was the piloting example for many low budget horror films to come. Published by Charles Band's Full Moon Features this film is a standout among low budget horror films.
The film opens up with Andre Tulon, the Puppet Master himself, in a large resort hotel crafting puppets and bringing them to life. Soon after, he hides the box of puppets and shoots himself in the head to keep his magic a secret. This sets the stage for the rest of the film which takes place many years later when a group of psychics come for a stay in the old and abandoned hotel. Needless to say, the little bastards are still hanging around and they have no problem killing off anyone who cross them.
The special effects are particularly fun when you actually get to see the puppets, which is rare. When you do see them they are either just sitting there or are stop motion figures. They are fun and surprisingly lovable. By the end of the film we feel more connection with the puppets than with any of the other two dimensional characters. In a way we end up rooting for the little guys to kill off the jerks.
This film, being a low budget cheese fest, isn't perfect. It is easy to tale where the film makers pulled some punches. There were a few cases where we wish we could have seen more of the action. But the low budget restricts those elements so it is forgivable.
My one pet peeve is the fact that every human in this movie is completely and utterly blind! The opening sequence of the film has us running around the hotel from Blade's point of view. He runs right across the lobby, through rooms, and over suitcases and furniture. While all of this is happening NO ONE seems to notice this little puppet. Are they all blind? There is one woman finally who sees him and I wanted to ask, "Why did she see him and no one else?"
Oh well. It's a little thing.
Summing It Up
Deaths: 5
Language: 4
Gore Factor: 4
Sex Factor: 4
Scare Factor: 1
Fun Factor: 5
Overall Rating: 4
Go to the Puppet Master Marathon main page! HERE!
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