Sleeper horror hit that feels like a crime thriller mixed with a slasher flick as notorious serial killer Charles Lee Ray (Brad Dourif) is cornered by detective Chris Sarandon only to transfer his soul into a 30 inch tall "Good Guy" doll.

All sorts of murderous mayhem happens when he's given to six-year-old Andy (Alex Vincent) as a birthday present. Of course nobody believes Andy that his doll "Chucky" is alive but they soon find out as "Chucky" sets out for revenge on those that double-crossed him with detective Sarandon soon drawn into the whole thing.

Starting with a fairly exciting opening that is a good set-up for the Chucky character this is a briskly paced and entertaining time with lots of memorable moments, good doll effects (it helps that Dourif is a fine choice to voice our baddie) and decent acting (Vincent isn't a bad kiddie actor).

The best of the series mostly because Chucky isn't so much a cartoon here and is a quite menacing children's toy - the punchlines hadn't quite taken over yet. Manages to build decent suspense during the first murder (the babysitter) and when Sarandon is caught in a car while Chucky's knife plunges into his seat.

Director Holland keeps this going and it's a recommended effort. Check out the amusing (and now famous) elevator moment.

Followed by three sequels.

Directed By: Tom Holland.
Written By: Tom Holland, John Lafia, Don Mancini.

Starring: Catherine Hicks, Chris Sarandon, Alex Vincent, Brad Dourif.